We are brave, bold and curious adventurers in food and drink. Never shy of being different, always challenging the conventional.
Our passionate team of chefs, baristas, servers, nutritionists and much more, love nothing more than creating memorable moments that enrich the everyday. Come and join our award winning teams - we are currently recruiting for an Operations Manager to join our team in the Reading/Oxford area.
Location: Ideal base is Oxford/Reading - we do need someone who can travel up to Stevenage and down to Dorking on occasion as required
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum plus company car/car allowance and bonus
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday
We’re looking for a Operations Manager to lead and inspire teams across multiple sites in Oxford/Reading and the M4 Corridor, driving performance, operational excellence, and exceptional food service for our clients and customers. We are looking for an excellent communicator who is innovative, great attention to detail, who can bring the sparkle to make our operations shine!
What you will be doing:
- Overseeing day-to-day catering operations across a small portfolio of sites within your region to begin
- Leading, supporting, and developing on-site managers and teams to deliver outstanding service
- Ensuring compliance with company policies, health & safety, food hygiene, and brand standards
- Managing financial performance including budget control, forecasting, and cost efficiency
- Building strong client relationships and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction
- Supporting new site mobilisations and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
Our ideal candidate:
- Proven operational experience in catering management, preferably within contract catering, would suit a Senior GM
- A strong understanding of P&L management, labour control, and compliance standards
- Inspirational leadership skills - able to motivate and manage remote teams effectively
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Strong commercial awareness and a passion for delivering outstanding food & service
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the region
What\'s in it for you?
Working with Gather and Gather has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we\'ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager- Monday - Friday in Reading
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Gather & Gather UK. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Gather & Gather UK
Don't be shy about reaching out to Gather & Gather UK directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Gather & Gather UK and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gather & Gather UK
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
