At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise commercial operations, ensuring smooth supply chain and product delivery.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a key player in Compass Group's commercial success.
- Benefits: High-impact role with career development in a supportive, innovative environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape operations across multiple sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, high-growth procurement organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Chertsey
Foodbuy is at the heart of Compass Group’s commercial success, and our connectivity with both Compass sectors and suppliers has never been more vital. As we navigate challenges across inflation, supply chain, sustainability and growth, we’re committed to making collaboration simpler, smarter and more effective.
About the Role
Sitting at the centre of our Compass Commercial Management team, this senior role partners closely with sector-focused Commercial Directors and Foodbuy Culinary Solutions. You will lead our Customer Experience Team (CET), ensuring smooth day-to-day operations between Compass units, Foodbuy and suppliers — and driving continuous improvement in the way we work. You’ll also shape strategic supply chain requirements across Compass, hold internal teams and suppliers to account, and play a key role in the delivery of critical UK-wide and sector-specific projects. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Compass operator looking to diversify their experience, a Central Functions leader seeking progression, or an external candidate excited to make a real impact in a complex, fast‑paced and high‑growth environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead & Optimise Commercial Operations
- Manage the CET team, ensuring all supplier, product, pricing and operational issues are handled effectively and escalated appropriately
- Oversee CET data analysis, reporting and process improvement
- Drive continuous improvement of Foodbuy Online (FBOL), working with the Foodbuy Transformation Board
- Ensure Smooth Supply Chain & Product Delivery
- Oversee supplier onboarding and product setup, ensuring timely alignment across multiple teams
- Support new client mobilisations and existing client de‑mobilisations
- Respond to supplier, product and pricing queries, collaborating with key Foodbuy functions
- Partner, Influence & Deliver Business Outcomes
- Lead and influence stakeholders across Compass sectors and Foodbuy
- Manage reporting and information requests for Compass and Foodbuy teams
- Act as a senior member of the Commercial Management team, taking ownership of cross‑functional and ad hoc projects
About You
You’re a strong commercial operator with the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders and the resilience to navigate a fast‑moving and high‑pressure environment. You bring:
- Proven leadership experience resolving complex cross‑functional issues (ideally within supply chain or commercial operations)
- Outstanding commercial acumen and decision‑making capability
- A track record of delivering change and business process improvement across complex organisations
- Exceptional data interpretation and analytical skills
- A contagious “can do” attitude with strong interpersonal and influencing skills
- Experience leading multiple workstreams and projects simultaneously
- Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
Why Join Foodbuy?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high‑impact, strategically significant role within one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious procurement organisations. You’ll shape how Compass delivers for clients and consumers across every sector while developing your own career within a supportive, innovative and fast‑growing business. If you're commercially driven, operationally excellent and motivated to make things better — we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Commercial Operations employer: Foodbuy
At Foodbuy, located in Chertsey, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer that champions collaboration and operational excellence. Our supportive work culture fosters employee growth through continuous improvement initiatives and strategic projects, providing you with the opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and encourages professional development within one of the UK's leading procurement organisations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help them navigate issues like supply chain management and operational excellence. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Commercial Operations. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've driven change in previous roles — make it clear why you're the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Commercial Operations. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in commercial operations or supply chain management. We want to see how you can bring value to Foodbuy!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for the role and how your skills align with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience in driving change and improving processes — that’s music to our ears!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since data interpretation is key for this role, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improvements in past roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨Know Your Commercial Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the commercial operations landscape, especially within the food supply chain. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and innovations in the industry. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in resolving complex cross-functional issues. Think about times when you influenced stakeholders or led a team through a challenging project. Be ready to discuss how you can bring that same energy to the Customer Experience Team at Foodbuy.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role requires exceptional data interpretation skills, come prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive business improvements in the past. Bring examples of reports you've created or analyses you've conducted that led to significant operational changes. This will show that you can leverage data effectively in your decision-making process.
✨Demonstrate Your 'Can Do' Attitude
Foodbuy is looking for someone with a positive, proactive mindset. During the interview, convey your enthusiasm for tackling challenges and your resilience in fast-paced environments. Share stories that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and how you maintain a positive outlook even under pressure.
