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- Tasks: Lead catering operations across 32 educational sites, ensuring quality and client satisfaction.
- Company: Caterlink UK Ltd, a leader in education sector catering with over 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, car allowance, 33 days holiday, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in education catering and operational management with strong leadership abilities.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive team with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Education Catering Operations Manager role at CATERLINK UK LTD
Company Description
Caterlink is the education sector catering specialist. For over 20 years, the Company has delivered fresh food solutions to pupils and staff at Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Colleges across the UK. The company caters more than 1,000,000 meals a week. Our Fresh Food Policy is the foundation of our success and growth in the market coupled with a desire to truly deliver on the promises we make to our clients and support our site-based teams.
Job Description
We’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead a portfolio of 32 educational sites, including 2 nurseries, 29 primary schools, and 1 secondary school all conveniently located in the Reading area with minimal travel required. Based close to our Head Office, you’ll benefit from direct access to our dedicated Support Teams.
At Caterlink, we believe that people work for people. That’s why we’re seeking someone with strong leadership skills, confidence, and credibility who can inspire and develop teams, build lasting client relationships, and drive operational excellence across their sites.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience in education catering and operational management
- A hands‑on approach with the ability to support location‑based teams
- Commercial awareness and a focus on delivering results
- A passion for team development and client satisfaction
Benefits
- Competitive salary plus a performance‑related bonus
- Monthly car allowance or company car
- 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
- You will be eligible to join our Workplace Pension Scheme with Aviva
- Private health care with BUPA
- Fully expensed company laptop + mobile phone
- Virtual GP for you and your family (eligibility rules apply)
- Employee Discount Platform for supermarkets, cinema, restaurants and more
- Employee Assistance Program and Virtual GP benefits free of charge at any time
- Blended learning programme including formal qualifications, Apprenticeships, classroom training, eLearning and on‑the‑job training to support your development
- Opportunity to catch up and plan during school breaks within a 52‑week operating year
Successful applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure. Salary dependant on experience.
Caterlink strives to always provide a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our teams where every individual is treated with respect, integrity and has the opportunity to grow and be treated equally and with fairness at all times.
Seniority level
- Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
- Contract
Job function
- Management and Manufacturing
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Education Catering Operations Manager employer: CATERLINK UK LTD
Contact Detail:
CATERLINK UK LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Catering Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education catering sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Caterlink and its values. Show us that you understand our commitment to fresh food solutions and team development. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership skills and how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the Caterlink family.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Catering Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Education Catering Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in education catering and operational management, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and commercial awareness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about team development and client satisfaction. Share specific examples of how you've inspired teams or improved operations in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, be sure to include quantifiable achievements. Whether it’s the number of meals served or improvements in client relationships, numbers speak volumes and show us what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother 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 CATERLINK UK LTD
✨Know Your Catering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of education catering and operational management. Understand the specifics of Caterlink's Fresh Food Policy and how it impacts their service delivery. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you inspired your team or improved client relationships. Caterlink values strong leadership, so demonstrating your ability to motivate and develop others will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations in an educational catering environment. Practice responses that highlight your hands-on approach and commercial awareness. This will help you convey your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and future goals. This shows that you're not just interested in the job but also in how you can contribute to Caterlink's success. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the company is the right fit for you.