At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a thriving schools catering business, ensuring quality and performance.
- Company: Caterlink, a specialist in education sector catering with over 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private health care, 33 days holiday, and bespoke training.
- Other info: Enjoy school breaks to recharge and plan for the next term.
- Why this job: Shape the future of school catering while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in contract catering, strong client relationship skills, and strategic thinking.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Operations Director for our schools catering business in our northern region. This role will cover a broad geographic area including the North, Middlesbrough to Derby along the M1 corridor and Bradford and Hull via the M62 corridor. The portfolio consists of approximately 180 schools with a £20M turnover, spanning primary, secondary, and college settings.
As Operations Director, you will be responsible for delivering against our KPIs – Health & Safety, Retention, Quality, and Finance. You will be expected to have the confidence and credibility to lead your teams, create strong client relationships, and demonstrate strong commercial awareness.
You should be able to evidence your ability to support and develop a growing team, encouraging them to succeed while driving performance and achieving business objectives. You will remain calm, focused, and resilient, demonstrating leadership and strength appropriate for a senior director role.
If you are passionate about People, Perception, Passion, and Pride, and are driven to grow and shape a successful business, this could be the opportunity you are looking for.
QualificationsWHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE:
- Background in client relationships and have a proven record in building and motivating teams, to meet key business targets.
- Successful progressive background in contract catering and hospitality.
- Strategic thinking and critical reasoning skills to set and implement the business strategy across the operations teams.
- Well-developed leadership skills, achieving results through others, building loyalty and a sense of belonging in the team.
- Exceptional communication skills (written/spoken/presentation) at all levels, both internally and externally.
- Commercially astute with a service delivery focus.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
- Competitive salary + performance related bonus.
- Private Health Care for your family with BUPA.
- 33 Days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
- You will be eligible to join our Workplace Pension Scheme with Aviva.
- Bespoke training and development.
- A range of discounts and benefits available from high street shops to holidays and cinemas.
- As our core business is mainly in term time, the school breaks do enable the opportunity to catch up and plan for the next term, which isn’t always a luxury in a business operating 52 weeks of the year.
Operations Director employer: Caterlink
Caterlink is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your leadership can truly make a difference in the education sector. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including private healthcare and generous holiday allowances, and a culture that values passion and pride in service delivery, you will find ample opportunities to grow and thrive in your role as Operations Director. Join us in shaping the future of school catering while enjoying the unique advantage of term-time flexibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨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 Caterlink. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Caterlink
Don't be shy about reaching out to Caterlink 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 Operations Director
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 Caterlink 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 Caterlink
✨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!
