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- Tasks: Lead operations in education catering, ensuring high-quality food experiences for schools.
- Company: Join Accent Catering, a top-rated contract caterer with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, generous holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' health and well-being through nutritious food.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management, preferably in contract catering or education.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team that values your contributions and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re seeking an inspiring and commercially astute Operations Manager to oversee operations across our range of education catering sites. This is a fantastic opportunity to drive operational excellence, and support our teams in delivering fresh, nutritious, and high-quality food experiences to schools and communities.
As a people-focused leader with a background in exceptional food service, you’ll create a culture where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver their best. By putting people at the heart of our success, you’ll ensure our clients, customers, and colleagues all benefit from a shared commitment to excellence and care. We play an important part in students' learning and development, and we are looking for someone who shares our passion about ensuring that our future generations are provided with nutritious and delicious food, while also inspiring them to lead a healthier lifestyle.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing teams and driving business growth, as well as a background in contract catering. Experience and knowledge of the education sector is desirable.
The role will be based mainly in and around North London and the surrounding areas, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough but may also require travel to other Accent sites as required, as well as to our Surrey Head Office in Staines-upon-Thames.
If you are looking for a rewarding role as well as an employer who will invest in your career and development then look no further, apply right now and join our award-winning team!
Why join our Operations team?
- Competitive salaries with annual review
- Annual performance bonus
- Generous car allowance
- Private medical insurance
- Life insurance, company sick pay and pension
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Career development opportunities and study support
- 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
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and financial support
What you’ll be doing:
- Successfully managing all units, delivering high standards and a first-class modern catering service
- Providing direct management and support to sites
- Managing budgets and costs effectively to achieve all targets
- Ensuring food quality and standards of service are met
- Completing audits, action plans and reviews
- Building strong and productive relationships with your clients
- Ensuring all HSE and Food Safety requirements are met
What you will bring:
- Experience as an Operations Manager within contract catering, ideally within the education sector
- Proven ability to engage and communicate effectively with clients
- A hands-on leadership approach and a strong commitment to teamwork
- An innovative and creative approach
- Track record of implementing cost controls and cost saving initiatives
- Proven experience of driving standards across the business
- Excellent IT skills with great financial acumen including monthly trading accounts, budgets and site analysis
- An up to date knowledge of current food trends
- Excellent health and safety knowledge
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 bunch of professionals who create bespoke catering provisions to suit each contract- no two are the same. We are independently owned, so 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.
We are passionate about our people and invest in the training and development of our teams, actively encouraging career progression and giving our teams the tools they need to thrive in their job roles. 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 a DBS disclosure is required for this role.
Accent Catering have regularly been named 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!
Operations Manager employer: Accent Catering
Contact Detail:
Accent Catering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase why you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Operations Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and your passion for delivering high-quality food experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our award-winning team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your background in food service and any relevant achievements that showcase your leadership and operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for food quality and people development. Share specific examples of how you've driven business growth and developed teams in previous roles.
Showcase Your People Skills: As a people-focused leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to engage and communicate effectively. Include examples of how you've built strong relationships with clients and supported your teams in delivering high standards.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our amazing company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Accent Catering
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the company’s values and mission, especially their focus on nutritious food and education. Research their recent awards and initiatives to show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on leadership approach. Discuss how you've developed teams in the past and created a supportive culture, as this is crucial for the Operations Manager role.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Brush up on your financial acumen. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed budgets and implemented cost-saving initiatives in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to drive business growth effectively.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s future plans and how they support their teams. This shows you’re not just interested in the role but also in contributing to the company’s success and culture.