At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional school catering services.
- Company: Join Pabulum, a leading education catering provider passionate about nutritious food.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Flexible travel across sites and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's dining experiences and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing multi-site operations and developing high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 67000 £ per year.
Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits
At Pabulum, we're passionate about providing fresh, nutritious, and delicious food that helps children and young people thrive. As one of the UK's leading education catering providers, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional food and service while creating positive dining experiences that support learning and wellbeing. We're now looking for an experienced and commercially minded Operations Manager to join our team and lead a portfolio of school catering contracts. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated leader who enjoys building strong relationships, developing people, and driving operational excellence across multiple sites.
The Role
As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for leading and supporting a team of Group and Regional Managers, ensuring our schools receive outstanding service, high-quality food, and an exceptional customer experience every day. You will work closely with clients, school leaders, support functions, and operational teams to deliver strong financial performance, maximise retention, and identify opportunities for growth, while ensuring our values remain at the heart of everything we do.
Key Responsibilities
- Champion a positive safety culture and ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food safety, and company policies.
- Lead, inspire, and develop a team of managers across a portfolio of school contracts.
- Build strong and lasting relationships with clients, schools, and key stakeholders.
- Drive operational performance, ensuring sites consistently deliver excellent food quality and customer service.
- Deliver agreed financial targets through effective budget management, cost control, and commercial decision‑making.
- Support business retention and growth strategies, working alongside sales and retention teams.
- Review contract performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Ensure menus, food offers, and promotions remain relevant, innovative, and aligned with customer needs.
- Encourage and utilise customer feedback to enhance the dining experience and increase participation.
- Support the implementation of company initiatives and best practice across all sites.
- Develop succession plans and create opportunities for career progression within your team.
- Review labour structures and operational efficiencies to ensure sustainable business performance.
- Manage employee relations matters fairly and consistently in line with company procedures.
About You
We're looking for someone who combines strong commercial awareness with a genuine passion for people and service. You’ll have:
- Proven experience managing multi‑site operations within contract catering, hospitality, retail catering, education catering, or a similar service environment.
- Experience leading, coaching, and developing high‑performing teams.
- Strong commercial and financial management skills, including budget and profit responsibility.
- Excellent relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to influence, motivate, and engage teams at all levels.
- A proactive, organised, and solution‑focused approach.
- A passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences.
- Flexibility to travel regularly across your portfolio of sites.
Why Join Pabulum?
At Pabulum, our people are at the heart of our success. We are committed to creating an environment where colleagues feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow their careers. Our benefits include:
- Electric vehicle charging points
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development opportunities through structured learning and development programmes
- Digital GP access for you and your immediate family, plus wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with leading providers including TUI, Expedia and Booking.com
- Discounts at major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets
- Cashback rewards across a wide range of retailers and brands
- Free wellbeing, mindfulness and exercise classes
- Access to discounts and offers that can be shared with friends and family
Join Our Team
If you're an experienced Operations Manager looking for a role where you can make a real difference, develop talented teams, and help shape the future of school food, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of a team that's passionate about creating healthier, happier school communities through great food.
Operations Manager NEW Pabulum Posted today £67,000 per year Chertsey Operations employer: Chartwells Independent
Pabulum is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and empowering work environment for its employees. With a strong focus on career development, our Operations Manager role offers the chance to lead dynamic teams while enjoying a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health care, discounts, and professional growth opportunities. Located in Chertsey, we pride ourselves on our commitment to delivering outstanding service and quality food, making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager NEW Pabulum Posted today £67,000 per year Chertsey Operations
✨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 Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent 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 Manager NEW Pabulum Posted today £67,000 per year Chertsey Operations
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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent
✨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!
