At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance catering operations in schools, ensuring exceptional food experiences.
- Company: Aspens Services, a leading contract caterer focused on school food.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, enhanced parental leave, and your birthday off!
- Other info: Limitless career progression and comprehensive learning opportunities await you!
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing company and make a real impact on young minds through food.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or contract catering, with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Aspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals—we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest high-street food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.
We are seeking a highly accomplished and results-driven Operations Manager to assume responsibility for a specific operational area within one of our busy regions, overseeing the comprehensive performance of our catering operations across a portfolio of Primary and Secondary school contracts. This pivotal role involves leading your team to deliver exceptional food operations while exceeding client expectations.
Core Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- You will ensure the strategic delivery and financial viability of all assigned contracts.
- Contract Management & Enhancement: Ensuring all contracted services are adhered to, efficiently delivered, and enhanced to surpass the expectations of clients, customers, and the company.
- Financial Oversight & Control: Reviewing the performance and profitability of each contract, strictly controlling costs, without compromising service quality or delivery standards.
- Culinary Standardisation: Upholding the highest food quality standards, ensuring menus and service delivery align with current high street trends and industry best practices.
- Team Leadership & Development: Managing, supporting, and fostering the professional development, progress, and performance of line-reporting managers, maintaining high team engagement.
- Business Growth Support: Collaborating with sales to support business retention and proactively assist in obtaining new business opportunities.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Ensuring rigorous compliance with all relevant Health & Safety and Hygiene procedures across all sites.
About you:
We require a seasoned professional with current experience in the hospitality or contract catering sector, ideally in a similar multi-site management role. The successful candidate will possess:
- Demonstrated ability to coach and develop teams, instilling a collective commitment to maintaining high service standards and professional conduct.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of leading client meetings, effectively managing client expectations, and navigating complex challenges to achieve positive outcomes.
- Being both service-focused and process-led, ensuring all operational standards, procedures, and systems are rigorously maintained.
- Excellent computer skills, strong initiative, and a profound desire for continuous learning and professional achievement.
As one of the UK's fastest-growing independent businesses, we place our people at the core of our success, offering limitless career progression.
Career Investment: We provide comprehensive learning and development programmes, offering the opportunity to gain professional qualifications with dedicated support.
Total Rewards Package: Alongside a competitive salary and a car allowance, our comprehensive benefits programme includes: Enhanced parental leave, Your birthday as an additional day of paid leave.
Please note: we expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people so an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Leeds
✨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 Grow and Thrive Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Grow and Thrive Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Grow and Thrive Limited 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 Operations Manager in Leeds
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 Grow and Thrive Limited 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 Grow and Thrive Limited
✨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!
