Regional Operations Director – Education Catering
Location: Surrey / Cambridge
ETAB-Recruits is recruiting a Regional Operations Director to oversee a substantial education catering portfolio of approximately 300–400 schools, leading a team of 6–8 Operations Managers.
This opportunity will suit an experienced education catering leader with strong commercial judgement, a commitment to food and service quality, and the ability to deliver results through their management team.
The role
You will take responsibility for operational and financial performance across the portfolio, ensuring your Operations Managers have the direction, support and accountability needed to deliver consistently high standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, coaching and developing 6–8 Operations Managers.
- Overseeing catering operations across approximately 300–400 schools.
- Managing budgets, reviewing performance and identifying opportunities to improve profitability.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with schools and key client stakeholders.
- Driving food quality, service standards and customer satisfaction.
- Ensuring consistent standards of food safety, health and safety, and operational compliance.
- Supporting contract retention, business growth and new contract mobilisations.
- Developing talent and succession plans across the operational team.
About you
We are looking for someone with:
- Senior operational management experience within education contract catering.
- A track record of managing a large, geographically spread portfolio through a team of managers.
- Strong financial understanding, including budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
- Experience building client relationships and supporting contract retention.
- The confidence to address performance challenges and implement improvements.
- An approachable leadership style and a commitment to developing people.
- The ability to travel regularly across the portfolio.
Applications are welcomed from established Regional Operations Directors and experienced senior operational leaders ready to take the next step.
What’s on offer
- A senior leadership role with responsibility for a significant school catering portfolio.
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Regional Operations Director in Cambridge employer: ETAB-Recruits
Join a dynamic and innovative corporate dining environment in Surrey, where your culinary expertise will shine as you lead a busy kitchen serving up to 300 customers daily. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that encourages creativity and professional growth, offering competitive salaries and opportunities to develop your skills in a high-quality setting. With a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavours, this role not only promises a rewarding career but also the chance to make a significant impact on our food offerings.
