At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams across multiple sites to achieve operational excellence.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on delivering high-quality catering services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Field-based role with a Monday to Friday working pattern.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving service quality and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and budgets in a catering environment.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
What you’ll be doing… As an Operations Manager, you’ll take ownership of a portfolio of sites, leading from the front to deliver operational excellence and sustainable growth.
- Leading, motivating and developing Site Managers and their teams across multiple locations
- Taking full ownership of financial performance, managing budgets and identifying opportunities for growth
- Building strong, trusted relationships with clients, ensuring we consistently deliver on expectations and retain business
- Driving high standards across service, food quality and customer experience
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding, training and ongoing development of Site Managers
- Ensuring effective communication across your sites, creating engaged and aligned teams
- Producing clear management reporting and using insight to drive decision-making
- Leading the mobilisation and demobilisation of contracts, working closely with central support teams
- Encouraging innovation, including fresh thinking around menu development and service delivery
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | Field-based role with regular travel across your region
What can you bring? We’re looking for someone who combines operational expertise with strong people leadership and commercial awareness:
- Proven experience managing multiple sites and teams within a contract catering environment
- A genuine passion for customer service excellence and delivering high-quality experiences
- Confident communicator, able to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders
- A natural leader who can inspire, coach and develop teams across dispersed locations
- Strong financial awareness with experience managing budgets and driving performance
- Well-organised, with the ability to balance competing priorities across a large geographical area
- Experience within education contract catering is highly desirable
Operations Manager - South East & West in Oxford employer: Elior
As an Operations Manager with us, you'll thrive in a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and operational excellence. We offer competitive benefits, including opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to innovation in service delivery, all while working across the vibrant South East and West regions. Join our team and be part of a company that values strong relationships, high standards, and a passion for customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - South East & West in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their values and goals. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and financial acumen.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - South East & West in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing multiple sites and teams, as well as any achievements in customer service excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and built strong relationships with clients in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you lead and motivate teams. Include examples of how you've developed Site Managers and created engaged teams across different locations. This is your chance to shine!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elior
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of operations management, especially in a contract catering environment. Familiarise yourself with the company's portfolio and think about how you can contribute to operational excellence and sustainable growth.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and developing teams across multiple locations. Think about times when you've motivated Site Managers or improved team performance, as this will resonate well with their focus on people leadership.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience managing budgets and driving financial performance. Bring specific examples of how you've identified opportunities for growth and improved financial outcomes in previous roles.
✨Build Rapport with Real Examples
Since building strong relationships is key, prepare to share stories that illustrate your ability to connect with clients and stakeholders. Highlight instances where you've ensured customer service excellence and retained business through effective communication.
