At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate food operations in a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Company: Join a flagship healthcare contract at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team focused on excellence and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food services in a major NHS hospital.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in operational management, with food service leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Food Services to lead and elevate food operations within our soft FM contract at Addenbrooke's Hospital. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will drive excellence in service delivery, innovation, compliance, and customer experience across a large-scale healthcare environment. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, delivering commercial performance, and creating a high-performing, engaged team culture.
Our Addenbrooke's Hospital contract is a flagship healthcare operation, delivering a wide range of services including cleaning, portering, patient feeding, and retail. Serving a major teaching hospital with a large and diverse patient population, this is a complex, fast-paced and rewarding environment where high standards and innovation are essential.
Key Responsibilities- Operational Leadership
- Develop and deliver the food service strategy in line with business and client objectives
- Drive innovation across food delivery, sustainability, and customer experience
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across all food services
- Operational Excellence
- Oversee day-to-day food operations, ensuring high standards in quality, hygiene, and safety
- Monitor KPIs and SLAs, driving performance and minimising deductions
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, Food Safety Act, and all relevant legislation
- Maintain brand standards and contractual obligations
- Leadership & People
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers to create a high-performance culture
- Drive engagement, wellbeing, and inclusion across the workforce
- Ensure effective performance management and succession planning
- Promote a customer-first mindset across patient, visitor, and retail services
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the senior point of contact for all food services
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with the client
- Deliver an exceptional customer experience aligned to client values
- Lead service improvement initiatives to enhance satisfaction and retention
- Financial & Commercial
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost controls to ensure profitability
- Identify growth opportunities and operational efficiencies
- Understand and manage contract risks and commercial obligations
- Health & Safety
- Champion a zero-harm culture and safe systems of work
- Ensure all teams are trained, equipped, and supported to work safely
- Sustainability & Innovation
- Lead sustainable practices including waste reduction and responsible sourcing
- Stay ahead of industry trends and introduce innovative solutions
We're looking for a confident and inspiring leader who thrives in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Key Experience & Skills- Minimum 3+ years in operational management, including 1+ year in food service leadership
- Proven experience managing large, diverse teams and developing managers
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L responsibility
- Deep understanding of food safety, compliance, and service standards
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Passion for food, innovation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver results
- Curious - Innovative, solution-focused, and forward-thinking
- Confident - Sets clear standards, develops others, and delivers results
- Courageous - Leads with integrity, challenges constructively, and drives positive change
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a flagship healthcare contract with real impact
- Lead a large and diverse team in a meaningful environment
- Shape the future of food services in a major NHS hospital
- Opportunities for career growth and development
Head Of Food Operations in Rugby employer: Compass Uk & Ireland
As a Housekeeping Supervisor with us, you'll be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages personal growth. Our commitment to investing in our employees means you'll have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, all while working in a dynamic environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. Join us in Defence, where your efforts will directly impact the quality of service we provide, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Food Operations in Rugby
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Compass Uk & Ireland.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Compass Uk & Ireland!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Compass Uk & Ireland, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Compass Uk & Ireland, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Food Operations in Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Compass Uk & Ireland, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Compass Uk & Ireland.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Compass Uk & Ireland. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Compass Uk & Ireland. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Uk & Ireland
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Compass Uk & Ireland’s mission.
