At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage catering contracts, ensuring high service standards and client satisfaction.
- Company: Join a bold and innovative food company that values people and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, personal development, healthcare support, and a great wellbeing strategy.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth and regular social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while leading passionate teams.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in operations management with strong client relationship skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 63000 £ 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.
We are currently recruiting for a Regional Operations Manager to work across our Gather & Gather and Venues estate.
Salary: £60,000 - £63,000 per annum
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (with occasional weekend support as required)
Location: Hybrid role - covering sites across London, Bedfordshire and some South Coast contracts (Fully expensed company car)
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 12–15 workplace catering contracts across a multi‑site region.
- Contract Retention & Growth – Build strong client relationships to support contract retention, identifying opportunities for growth and added value through innovative and proactive thinking.
- Oversee day‑to‑day catering operations, ensuring high standards of service delivery.
- Lead, support, and develop on‑site managers and teams to achieve operational excellence.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Manage financial performance, including budgets, forecasting, labour control, and cost efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, health & safety regulations, food hygiene standards, and brand requirements.
- Support new site mobilisations and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Drive commercial performance while maintaining exceptional food and service standards.
Candidate Requirements
- Minimum 3–5 years' experience in an Operations Manager role within contract catering or a similar multi‑site environment.
- Proven experience managing 10+ client contracts or sites.
- Strong commercial acumen with a solid understanding of P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and labour control.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate remote and site‑based teams.
- Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong understanding of compliance, health & safety, and food hygiene standards.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and problem‑solving abilities.
- Able to work independently and effectively across a large geographical region.
- Passion for delivering outstanding food, service, and customer experiences.
- Looking for an experienced Operations Manager who can hit the ground running, rather than someone stepping into their first OM role.
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
Regional Operations Manager employer: Gather & Gather
At Gather and Gather, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our people and their development. With a strong focus on personal growth, we offer extensive training opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a range of benefits including a life assurance scheme, healthcare support, and regular social events. Join us in creating memorable moments through food and service while enjoying the perks of a hybrid role across vibrant locations in London, Bedfordshire, and the South Coast.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Operations Manager
✨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 Regional Operations Manager
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!
