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- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional service in education contract catering.
- Company: Join Elior, a leader in the education sector with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while driving performance and financial growth.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in contract catering and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a commercially sharp, people-focused Operations Director to take ownership of a thriving portfolio across the Midlands within our Education division. This is a high-impact role for a seasoned Operations Manager ready to step up, or an established Operations Director who knows exactly how to drive performance in education contract catering.
If you bring deep sector expertise, a strong grip on financial performance, and the ability to inspire teams to deliver exceptional service every day, this is your opportunity to make a real difference, both to clients and the communities we serve.
Elior is committed to safeguarding children and colleagues. Candidates that are shortlisted for this role will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including Children's Barred List, and two suitable references.
What you’ll be doing:
- Accountable for creating a culture of excellent customer experience within their community.
- Accountable for ensuring legal and company compliance within strategic area of responsibility.
- Accountable for creating a platform for financial growth, exceeding financial targets.
- Accountable for building and proactively maintaining external relationships with senior clients to exceed client expectations, delivering a value-added service proposition which will build and sustain industry competitive advantage.
- Oversee Operations Management function within area of responsibility.
- Accountable for overseeing recruitment, support, training and development of operations team in order to deliver an efficient, high quality, financially beneficial value proposition to Company and senior client in line with Company processes.
- Support the sales team with site visits, sales presentations, and ensuring bids are operationally sound.
- Developing centres of excellence within sites to be used as reference points is essential.
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | 37.5 hours per week
What can you bring?
- Extensive experience in contract catering, within a multi-site, senior management role.
- Ability to demonstrate experience in leading, inspiring and motivating a large and diverse team.
- Proven experience of working closely and successfully with clients.
- Confidence in numbers and P&L management.
Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Free, tasty meals – Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working – including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind – generous holiday allowance of 33 days, with the option to buy more.
- Leave for life’s important moments – whether family, personal or unexpected.
- Give back time – paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow – career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Financial security – pension schemes and life assurance.
- Drive in Style – Enjoy a company car or car allowance.
Director of Operations in Birmingham employer: Elior
Contact Detail:
Elior Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those in the Midlands. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in driving performance in contract catering.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; be proactive! Reach out directly to hiring managers or teams at Elior through our website. Express your interest and share how you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you inspire teams to deliver exceptional service. We want to hear how you can create a culture of excellent customer experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the education sector shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to deliver exceptional service in contract catering within educational settings.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: Make sure to emphasise your ability to lead and inspire teams. We’re looking for someone who can motivate a diverse group of people, so share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
Be Financially Savvy: Since this role involves a strong grip on financial performance, don’t shy away from showcasing your experience with P&L management. We want to know how you’ve driven financial growth in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the communities we serve.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elior
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to be confident in your financial acumen. Brush up on P&L management and be ready to discuss how you've driven financial growth in previous roles. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to exceed financial targets.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about inspiring and motivating teams. Think of instances where you've successfully led diverse teams or improved team performance. Be prepared to share your strategies for creating a positive culture and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Elior values strong client relationships, so do your homework on their operations and client expectations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built and maintained external relationships in the past, and how you plan to exceed client expectations in this role.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since compliance is a key responsibility, brush up on relevant regulations and company policies. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured legal and company compliance in your previous roles, and how you would approach this in the context of education contract catering.