At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple sites, ensuring operational excellence and sustainable growth.
- Company: Dynamic catering company focused on quality service and customer satisfaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Other info: Field-based role with a Monday to Friday schedule and growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading teams and enhancing customer experiences.
- 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 Southampton 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 Southampton
✨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 showcase 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 show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨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 Southampton
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 your financial acumen. We want to see how you can bring operational excellence 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 customer service and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Be sure to mention any relevant experience in contract catering, especially in education, as it’s a big plus for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop teams across various locations. Share examples of how you've motivated your teams and built strong relationships with clients.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elior
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operations management role and the specific challenges faced in contract catering. Familiarise yourself with the company's portfolio of sites and think about how you can contribute to operational excellence and sustainable growth.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading and developing teams. Think of specific examples where you've motivated Site Managers or improved team performance. Highlight your ability to inspire and coach others, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing budgets and driving financial performance is key, come ready to talk about your experience with financial management. Prepare to share examples of how you've identified opportunities for growth and improved profitability in previous roles.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice building rapport during the interview by engaging with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their expectations and share your thoughts on how to enhance customer service and food quality.
