At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional food and service across multiple schools.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, impacting student wellbeing daily.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare, 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 difference in students' lives while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing multi-site operations with strong leadership and organisational skills.
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
- 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
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 in Wokingham employer: Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead and inspire teams to deliver high-quality meals to students across Hampshire and Berkshire. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and a supportive culture, IFG provides numerous benefits including generous annual leave, healthcare, and access to learning platforms, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers in the school catering sector.
Contact Detail:
Bridgwater Academy Quantock Campus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food service industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at Impact Food Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching IFG’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for high-quality food and how you can contribute to our mission of supporting student wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your people management skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams in the past. We want to see that you can lead with confidence and inspire others to deliver outstanding results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at IFG.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your previous roles in operations management, especially if you've managed multiple sites. We want to see how you can lead and motivate teams!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about food service and how your experience aligns with our mission at IFG. Don’t forget to mention your people management skills and your love for fresh, contemporary food.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational success. Use data and examples to show how you've improved performance or led successful projects. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
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
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your people management skills.
✨Be Ready for Operational Questions
Expect questions about improving operational performance and ensuring compliance standards. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully managed multiple sites and improved food quality or service. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since managing budgets and financial performance is key, brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled budgets in previous roles and any strategies you've implemented to improve profitability while maintaining quality.
