At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large foodservice operation, ensuring high standards and exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Compass Group, a leader in catering and support services with a passion for food.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and real opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Drive innovation and develop talented teams in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a dynamic environment while shaping customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in catering or hospitality with strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Compass Group is the leading provider of catering and support services. We believe in the power of food and drink to bring people together, whether in a restaurant, café, workplace, or educational environment, inspiring people to perform at their best every day. Our food is crafted onsite by passionate teams using the finest ingredients. We know that balanced, plant-focused, natural, fresh, and sustainable menus help create positive experiences for our customers and clients alike. We provide exceptional food, create welcoming spaces, and develop engaging environments that inspire, motivate, and unite communities.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Operations to lead a large and diverse foodservice operation across a single, high-profile site with multiple outlets, retail units, hospitality spaces, and catering services. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering operational excellence, exceptional customer experiences, strong financial performance, and a culture of continuous improvement. You will provide strategic direction and day-to-day leadership for a significant team, ensuring all outlets operate efficiently, safely, and in line with both client and Compass objectives. The successful candidate will be a visible and inspiring leader, capable of balancing operational detail with strategic thinking while building strong relationships with clients, customers, and colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall operation of a large, multi-outlet foodservice and hospitality environment, ensuring consistently high standards across all areas.
- Build and maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with the client, acting as a trusted partner and key point of contact.
- Drive a culture focused on customer service excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure all outlets are appropriately resourced, supported, and managed to deliver outstanding service and operational efficiency.
- Lead, coach, and develop a large management and frontline team, creating clear accountability and opportunities for growth.
- Deliver agreed financial targets, including revenue growth, profitability, labour management, and cost control.
- Analyse performance data and customer insight to identify opportunities to improve participation, customer satisfaction, and commercial performance.
- Ensure retail pricing strategies are implemented effectively and in line with company and client requirements.
- Monitor customer feedback and satisfaction surveys, implementing meaningful action plans to enhance the customer experience.
- Drive innovation across food, retail, hospitality, and service delivery, introducing new concepts and initiatives that add value for customers and clients.
- Oversee the planning and delivery of hospitality and events activity where applicable.
- Ensure full compliance with all Health & Safety, Food Safety, Environmental, HR, and company policies and procedures.
- Promote a positive health, safety, and wellbeing culture across the site.
About You
You will be an experienced operational leader with a proven track record of managing complex, high-volume catering, hospitality, retail, or foodservice operations. You will combine strong commercial awareness with exceptional leadership skills and a genuine passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Significant senior operational leadership experience within catering, hospitality, retail, foodservice, or a related environment.
- Proven success managing a large, complex operation with multiple outlets and service offers on a single site.
- Strong people leadership skills with experience managing and developing large teams through direct and indirect reports.
- Excellent client relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with responsibility for budget management, revenue generation, and cost control.
- Experience growing retail sales and enhancing customer engagement through innovative food and service concepts.
- Ability to use customer insight, operational data, and technology to drive decision-making and improve performance.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety, Food Safety, and operational compliance requirements.
- Passion for food, hospitality, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Why Join Us
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a flagship operation and make a real impact within one of the UK's leading food and support services organisations. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the customer experience, develop talented teams, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding results within a dynamic and fast‑paced environment. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits package, and genuine opportunities for career development and progression.
Head Of Operations - Kent in Ashford employer: Compass Group UK
Compass Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the foodservice industry. As the Head of Operations in Kent, you will lead a diverse team in a high-profile environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development, all while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Join us to make a meaningful impact on customer experiences and drive operational excellence in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Operations - Kent in Ashford
✨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 Compass Group UK. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group UK
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group UK 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 Head Of Operations - Kent in Ashford
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 Compass Group UK 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 Compass Group UK
✨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!
