At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and shape strategy for a diverse portfolio in Government Services.
- Company: Join Aramark, a leader in hospitality and service excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, career development, and a values-led culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading transformation and inspiring high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in multi-site operations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
- Regional Operations Director - South East & London
- Full-time
Lead Operations. Shape Strategy. Drive Excellence.
At Aramark, we empower our people to create experiences that matter.
Hospitality, service excellence and people are at the heart of everything we do.
Across the UK, we deliver essential services that support Government Services, B&I, Education, Healthcare and Sports & Entertainment communities, helping our customers to focus on what they do best while we provide exceptional environments, services and experiences.
We are looking for an exceptional
Regional Operations Director to lead our South East & London Government Services portfolio.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a highly influential leadership role with responsibility for a business area that contributes approximately one-third of the Government Services sector's revenue and operational performance.
Leading a workforce of approximately 1,300 colleagues across multiple locations, you will shape strategy, inspire high-performing teams, strengthen key customer partnerships and drive sustainable commercial success across a diverse and complex operational estate.
If you are a commercially astute operational leader with experience in regulated environments, we would love to hear from you.
What you will be doing
As the Regional Operations Director, you will provide strategic leadership and operational direction across a significant portfolio, ensuring every contract delivers against customer expectations, commercial objectives and Aramark standards.
Responsibilities include
- Developing and executing regional business plans aligned with wider Government Services and Aramark strategic objectives.
- Leading multiple operations across the South East and London region, ensuring safe, compliant and high-performing service delivery.
- Driving operational excellence, continuous improvement and innovation across all sites.
- Maintaining full accountability for regional financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, profitability and growth targets.
- Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders and customer representatives.
- Leading and inspiring regional leadership teams to deliver exceptional results.
- Championing a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusion and continuous development.
- Overseeing governance, compliance, health and safety, and risk management across the portfolio.
- Leading significant transformation, change and business improvement programmes.
- Collaborating closely with Finance, HR, HSE, Commercial, Procurement and Business Development teams to achieve shared objectives.
- What we are looking for
A proven senior leader who combines strategic thinking with operational expertise and has the credibility to influence at the highest levels.
- Significant expertise leading large-scale, multi-site operations within Catering or Hospitality.
- Proven success managing large, geographically dispersed teams and complex contractual relationships.
- Effective commercial and financial acumen, with accountability for budgets, profitability and forecasting.
- A proven track record for delivering operational excellence and measurable performance improvements.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trusted relationships at senior levels.
- Experience leading organisational change, transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
- The ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational demands.
About you
You will be an inspirational leader who thrives on creating high-performing cultures and delivering outstanding results through people, and who is:
- Commercially focused and results driven.
- A confident and credible senior stakeholder manager.
- Strategically minded with strong operational discipline.
- Passionate about developing talent and future leaders.
- Resilient, adaptable and comfortable operating in complex environments.
- Driven by continuous improvement and service excellence.
What makes this opportunity stand out?
This is more than a regional leadership position.
It is an opportunity to shape the performance, culture and future direction of a significant service portfolio by successful financial delivery, customer satisfaction and growth, leading teams that make a real difference every day.
You will have the autonomy and influence to drive strategic initiatives, strengthen customer partnerships and deliver meaningful operational and commercial outcomes across a complex and high-profile business area.
What is in it for you?
- The opportunity to make your mark in a senior leadership role, with direct influence on business performance and strategic direction.
- Responsibility for a substantial regional portfolio and a workforce of approximately 1,300 colleagues.
- The opportunity to lead large-scale transformation, innovation and continuous improvement programmes.
- Exposure to senior customer and stakeholder relationships.
- The chance to develop and inspire high-performing teams while building future leadership capability.
- Career development opportunities within a global organisation committed to investing in its people.
- A values-led culture focused on safety, inclusion, wellbeing and excellence.
- Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package.
Are you ready to lead the future of Government Services?
If you are an accomplished operational leader with the vision, commercial acumen and leadership capability to deliver exceptional results at scale, we would love to hear from you.
- Proven senior leadership experience.
- Professional qualification in Business Management, Operations, Hospitality, Facilities Management or a related discipline.
At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.
As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.
We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.
We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.
We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment.
If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team –
Any offer of employment for this role will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance.
Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to the clearance level associated with the role.
Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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Regional Operations Director - South East & London employer: Aramark
Aramark UK is an excellent employer for those seeking a flexible and rewarding role as a Mobile Camp Chef. With competitive pay of up to £14.50 per hour and the opportunity to work in beautiful locations across Scotland, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth. The casual nature of this position allows for a great work-life balance, making it ideal for those looking to contribute to meaningful experiences for cadets while developing their culinary skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Operations Director - South East & London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Aramark. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Aramark
Don't be shy about reaching out to Aramark directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Operations Director - South East & London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Aramark and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aramark
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
