At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate food operations, shaping our culinary strategy for schools.
- Company: Accent Catering, a top UK contract caterer focused on quality and team development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, career growth, discounts, and health support.
- Other info: Join an award-winning team dedicated to excellence in hospitality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' wellbeing through nutritious and delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Strong culinary skills, leadership experience, and a passion for team development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a rewarding role that offers career development, creativity, and the opportunity to make a real impact across a growing catering business?
Mainly Monday to Friday – occasional flexibility required to support business needs.
People are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re looking for an experienced Head of Food Operations with strong culinary expertise, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for developing teams to join the team at Accent Catering. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping and delivering our food strategy. We play an important role in students’ learning and wellbeing by providing nutritious, delicious meals that encourage healthier lifestyles and positive food experiences every day.
As Head of Food Operations, you will work closely with the Culinary Director to lead and support our food team, ensuring operational excellence, innovation, and consistently high standards across our sites. You will oversee the day-to-day management of the food team, support site operations, contribute to new business mobilisation, and help drive the development of our culinary offering.
You will be responsible for supporting the allocation of team resources, managing key food projects, delivering food presentations and conference logistics, and ensuring our hospitality, events, and site support requirements are successfully achieved. Working collaboratively with Culinary Leads and the Head of Menu Management, you will help create innovative sector menus, marketing support, training plans, and development opportunities for our teams.
This role requires a confident and supportive leader who can mentor and develop chefs, build strong relationships across the business, and maintain high standards through coaching, audits, and continuous improvement. You will be comfortable managing a diverse team, working to dynamic timelines, and travelling regularly to different schools weekly or daily. The role will involve regular travel to support Accent sites, with locations mainly across London and the Home Counties. There may also be a requirement to travel to other Accent sites as required, so flexibility and access to your own transport are essential.
Our company has a passion for food quality and people development, so this is a great place for you to progress a career in the food industry. If you’re looking for an employer that will invest in your career and support your progression, apply today and take the next step in your catering career with us!
Benefits of working with Accent as Head of Food Operations:
- Competitive salaries with yearly reviews
- Free meals on duty
- Career development opportunities
- Multiple Discounts on our Accent Engage platform - shops, restaurants, gifts, leisure and more!
- HIT apprenticeships for all experience levels
- Team events, awards and competitions throughout the year - we like to reward our staff for a job well done!
- Pension scheme, life insurance and company sick pay
- Private medical insurance and car allowance
- Work life balance
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and financial support
As our ideal Head of Food Operations you will:
- Have excellent culinary knowledge and strong craft skills
- Have proven experience managing, mentoring and developing teams of chefs
- Be a confident leader with a supportive and positive management style
- Have excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and dynamic timelines
- Be a logical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make confident decisions
- Have excellent communication skills with the ability to inspire and mentor teams
- Have good financial awareness and experience managing food costs and budgets
- Have experience delivering food audits, coaching records, and maintaining operational standards
- Have the ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and site teams
- Have experience within the education sector (beneficial but not essential)
- Have a full UK driving licence and a willingness to travel
Accent Catering Services Ltd are one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, providing innovative food service solutions to a variety of schools and businesses. We are a talented team of professionals who create bespoke catering provisions tailored to each contract - no two are the same. As an independently owned company, you’ll never be just another number to us. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we take pride in recognising every individual’s contribution.
Accent Catering is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. Please note that an enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this role.
Accent Catering has regularly been recognised in The Caterer’s prestigious awards as one of the best places to work in hospitality. Don’t miss your chance to become part of our award-winning team!
Head of Food Operations in Staines employer: Accent Catering Services
Accent Catering is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its employees, offering competitive salaries, career development opportunities, and a supportive work culture. With a focus on innovation in food service and a commitment to quality, employees enjoy unique benefits such as free meals, team events, and access to mental health support, all while making a meaningful impact in the education sector across London and the Home Counties.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food Operations in Staines
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Accent Catering Services.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Accent Catering Services!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Accent Catering Services, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Accent Catering Services, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food Operations in Staines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Accent Catering Services, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Accent Catering Services.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Accent Catering Services. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Accent Catering Services. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accent Catering Services
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Accent Catering Services’s mission.
