At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams across multiple school kitchens to deliver exceptional food and service.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, impacting a million students daily.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, healthcare, pension, and discounts, plus a vibrant company culture.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent growth opportunities and a commitment to safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in student wellbeing while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site management and a passion for high-quality food service.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Impact Food Group (IFG) is one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, serving around one million students every day across more than 1,500 schools. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment. Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector. We’re growing fast, and we’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of schools, supporting our teams and ensuring exceptional food, service, and operational standards. This is a field-based role, so you’ll need to be prepared to travel between sites.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead, motivate, and develop your teams to deliver outstanding results
- Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders
- Monitor and improve operational performance across your portfolio
- Ensure food quality, hygiene, and compliance standards are consistently met
- Manage financial performance, including budgets, commercial and fixed-price contracts
- Support Chef Managers with recruitment, HR, and day-to-day operations
- Present data, reports, and insights to demonstrate operational success
Who We’re Looking For:
You’re a hands-on, results-driven manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’ll have:
- Experience as an Area Manager or Operations Manager in contract or retail catering, managing at least 8 sites
- A proven track record of leading multi-site teams, with strong people management skills
- Confidence communicating with everyone—from kitchen teams to senior stakeholders
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively
- Strong proficiency with Office tools, spreadsheets, and presentations
- A passion for fresh, contemporary food and delivering outstanding service
We’re looking for someone who leads by example, motivates teams, and genuinely cares about people and food.
What’s in It For You:
- 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays
- Life assurance and company pension
- Healthcare
- Access to our online learning and development platform
- Employee wellbeing programme
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
- IFG Rewards high‑street discounts
- Annual Summer Party with company awards
If you’re ready to lead high-performing teams, make a real impact, and take your career to the next level, we’d love to hear from you!
Please note: An interview and assessment will be part of the recruitment process. IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure and children’s barred list check, which IFG will pay for. We are a committed equal opportunities employer – if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.
Operations Manager employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of students through high-quality food services. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including 25 days of annual leave, healthcare, and a commitment to wellbeing, IFG fosters a culture of support and growth. As part of a rapidly expanding company in the Reading/Oxford area, you'll have the opportunity to lead passionate teams and enjoy unique perks like high-street discounts and an annual summer party.
Contact Detail:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus 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 food service industry, especially those who might know about openings at IFG. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching IFG and its brands. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and improved operational performance in your previous roles. We want to see that you can drive results!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role.
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 experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in high-quality food catering services and any multi-site management experience you've got. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food and service, and how your leadership style aligns with our values. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love to see that!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and improve operational performance. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve boosted efficiency or improved service quality, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their approach to school catering and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-site teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your teams to overcome them. This will demonstrate your hands-on management style and ability to drive results.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges. Practice responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain high standards in food quality and service. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about their future plans for growth or how they measure success in their operations. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
