At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse foodservice operation, ensuring high standards and exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Compass Group, the leading provider of catering and support services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a team that inspires and unites communities through exceptional food and service.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment that values innovation and community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in foodservice operations and a passion for customer service.
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 and Safety regulations.
Head Of Operations - Kent employer: ESS
Compass Group is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant work culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. As the leading provider of catering and support services in Kent, we offer our employees opportunities for professional growth and development while fostering a supportive environment that values their contributions. With a commitment to sustainability and quality, our teams are empowered to create memorable experiences for our customers, making every day at Compass Group both meaningful and rewarding.
