At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire catering teams while ensuring top-notch service and client satisfaction.
- Company: Join Compass Group UK, a leader in catering and hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with a passion for food.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site catering management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 plus benefits
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and driven Operations Manager to lead and inspire our catering teams across a portfolio of prestigious contracts. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, combining hands‑on operational leadership with strategic management and exceptional client relationship skills. You will be responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of multiple catering contracts, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, service, compliance, and customer experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the operational performance of a portfolio of catering contracts, ensuring service excellence and financial success.
- Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with clients, acting as their main point of contact and trusted partner.
- Lead the mobilisation of new contracts, from planning and resourcing through to delivery and stabilisation.
- Drive retention and development across existing contracts by continuously enhancing service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Support and mentor on‑site managers and teams to achieve operational, financial, and compliance targets.
- Ensure full adherence to health, safety, and food hygiene regulations across all sites.
- Analyse performance and financial data to identify opportunities for improvement and increased efficiency.
- Work collaboratively with internal departments such as HR, Finance, Procurement, and Marketing to ensure operational success.
About You
- Proven experience in a mid‑level, multi‑site catering or hospitality management role.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage budgets and deliver results.
- Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience of contract mobilisation and retention within catering or facilities management.
- A motivational leader who can inspire, coach, and develop teams.
- Outstanding communication, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
- A genuine passion for great food and exceptional service.
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
Operations Manager NEW Compass Group UK £55,000 per year South Operations employer: Chartwells Independent
Contact Detail:
Chartwells Independent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager NEW Compass Group UK £55,000 per year South Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Compass Group UK and their values. Understand their approach to client relationships and service excellence. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and improved service delivery in past roles. Highlight your ability to manage multiple contracts and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
✨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 you’re genuinely interested in joining the Compass Group UK team. Let’s get you that Operations Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager NEW Compass Group UK £55,000 per year South Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in multi-site catering or hospitality management, and don’t forget to showcase your client relationship skills. 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 this role and how your leadership style aligns with our values. Remember, we love a good story, so share your journey in the catering world!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've driven success in previous positions. We’re all about results, so let’s see what you’ve accomplished!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s quick and easy, plus you’ll get to see more about our company culture and values. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong commercial awareness. Brush up on key financial metrics related to catering contracts and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. This shows you understand the business side of operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills. Think about times when you've inspired or mentored teams to achieve operational goals. Be ready to discuss your approach to motivating staff and how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Client Relationship Mastery
Since building strong client relationships is crucial, come prepared with stories that illustrate your ability to connect with clients. Talk about how you've acted as a trusted partner and resolved any issues that arose, showcasing your exceptional communication skills.
✨Health and Safety Savvy
Familiarise yourself with health, safety, and food hygiene regulations relevant to the catering industry. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would maintain these standards across multiple sites.