At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate teams across multiple school kitchens to ensure exceptional food and service.
- Company: Join one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, dedicated to student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare, and a salary sacrifice electric car scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities and employee wellbeing programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site management within catering and strong people management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Impact Food Group (IFG) is one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, serving around one million students every day across more than 1,500 schools. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment. Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector. We’re growing fast, and we’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of schools, supporting our teams and ensuring exceptional food, service, and operational standards. This is a field-based role, so you’ll need to be prepared to travel between sites.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead, motivate, and develop your teams to deliver outstanding results
- Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders
- Monitor and improve operational performance across your portfolio
- Ensure food quality, hygiene, and compliance standards are consistently met
- Manage financial performance, including budgets, commercial and fixed-price contracts
- Support Chef Managers with recruitment, HR, and day-to-day operations
- Present data, reports, and insights to demonstrate operational success
Who We’re Looking For:
You’re a hands-on, results-driven manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’ll have:
- Experience as an Area Manager or Operations Manager in contract or retail catering, managing at least 8 sites
- A proven track record of leading multi-site teams, with strong people management skills
- Confidence communicating with everyone—from kitchen teams to senior stakeholders
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively
- Strong proficiency with Office tools, spreadsheets, and presentations
- A passion for fresh, contemporary food and delivering outstanding service
We’re looking for someone who leads by example, motivates teams, and genuinely cares about people and food.
What’s in It For You:
We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career you can be proud of:
- 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays
- Life assurance and company pension
- Healthcare
- Access to our online learning and development platform
- Employee wellbeing programme
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
- IFG Rewards high-street discounts
- Annual Summer Party with company awards
If you’re ready to lead high-performing teams, make a real impact, and take your career to the next level, we’d love to hear from you!
Please note: An interview and assessment will be part of the recruitment process. IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure and children’s barred list check, which IFG will pay for. We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.
Locations
Operations Manager in Somerset, Taunton employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group (IFG) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can truly make a difference in the lives of students through high-quality food services. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including 25 days of annual leave, healthcare, and a commitment to wellbeing, IFG fosters a culture of support and growth. Join us in Taunton or Weston-Super-Mare, where your leadership will inspire teams and contribute to our mission of delivering nutritious meals across schools.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Somerset, Taunton
✨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 Impact Food Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Impact Food Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Impact Food Group 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 Somerset, Taunton
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 Impact Food Group 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 Impact Food Group
✨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!
