At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations to deliver exceptional food and service across multiple sites.
- Company: Join an award-winning team passionate about food and creating memorable experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy personal development, health support, and a great work-life balance.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and a strong focus on customer service required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Great food in the workplace isn’t simply about fuel.
It’s about increasing productivity and improving performance; it’s about happy motivated people and inspiring environments.
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do – we live to bring food and people together.
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 looking for a Head of Operations to join our team in South/Home Counties areas.
Location: Hybrid role covering South/Home Counties. Salary: £75,000 per annum. Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver high standards of food and service across all sites
- Ensure SOPs are in place and consistently followed
- Review performance and implement improvements
- Drive innovation through menu development and pop-ups
- Build strong client relationships across all sites
- Act as escalation point for feedback and resolve issues
- Lead regular client review meetings
- Gather feedback to improve service and offer
- Set and manage site budgets with Ops leads
- Ensure financial targets are met and address gaps
- Support teams with cost control, purchasing and waste reduction
- Produce and present financial reports
- Support new business opportunities
- Represent CH&CO in presentations when needed
- Recruit and develop General Managers and senior teams
- Support performance management and appraisals
- Coach site teams and support HR processes
- Identify and develop talent across sites
- Ensure full compliance with H&S, HACCP and COSHH
- Maintain safe, clean environments across all sites
- Report and address any risks or issues promptly
- Provide cover during absences where needed
- Support ongoing training and personal development
- What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience as a Group, Operations or Support Manager within contract catering or events
- Level 5 Operations Management Apprenticeship (or similar) preferred
- Strong focus on delivering excellent customer service across multiple sites
- Confident building client relationships and driving service improvements
- Able to make decisions with both client and business needs in mind
- Experience structuring and leading teams to meet operational demands
- Commercially aware, with the ability to support retention and growth
- Good understanding of the contract catering/events industry
- Able to turn business strategy into clear, workable plans
- Comfortable using systems and following company processes
- Sees the bigger picture and understands business impact
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
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Gather & Gather
Don't be shy about reaching out to Gather & Gather 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
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 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
✨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!
