At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food operations at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, driving innovation and excellence in service delivery.
- Company: Join a flagship healthcare operation with a focus on quality and customer experience.
- Benefits: Career growth opportunities, meaningful work, and the chance to shape food services in healthcare.
- Other info: Champion sustainability and innovation in a dynamic healthcare setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while leading a diverse team.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in operational management, with a passion for food and exceptional service.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
About The Role
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Food Operations at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. This full-time senior leadership role is part of a soft FM contract where you will drive excellence in service delivery, innovation, compliance, and customer experience across a large-scale healthcare environment.
About The Contract
Our Addenbrooke’s Hospital contract is a flagship healthcare operation, delivering a wide range of services including cleaning, portering, patient feeding, and retail. Serving a major teaching hospital with a large and diverse patient population, this is a complex, fast‑paced, rewarding environment where high standards and innovation are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Develop and deliver the food service strategy in line with business and client objectives
- Drive innovation across food delivery, sustainability, and customer experience
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across all food services
Operational Excellence
- Oversee day‑to‑day food operations, ensuring high standards in quality, hygiene, and safety
- Monitor KPIs and SLAs, driving performance and minimising deductions
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, Food Safety Act, and all relevant legislation
- Maintain brand standards and contractual obligations
Leadership & People
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers to create a high-performance culture
- Drive engagement, wellbeing, and inclusion across the workforce
- Ensure effective performance management and succession planning
- Promote a customer‑first mindset across patient, visitor, and retail services
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the senior point of contact for all food services
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with the client
- Deliver an exceptional customer experience aligned to client values
- Lead service improvement initiatives to enhance satisfaction and retention
Financial & Commercial
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost controls to ensure profitability
- Identify growth opportunities and operational efficiencies
- Understand and manage contract risks and commercial obligations
Health & Safety
- Champion a zero‑harm culture and safe systems of work
- Ensure all teams are trained, equipped, and supported to work safely
Sustainability & Innovation
- Lead sustainable practices including waste reduction and responsible sourcing
- Stay ahead of industry trends and introduce innovative solutions
About You
We’re looking for a confident and inspiring leader who thrives in a fast‑paced healthcare environment.
Key Experience & Skills
- Minimum 3+ years in operational management, including 1+ year in food service leadership
- Proven experience managing large, diverse teams and developing managers
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L responsibility
- Deep understanding of food safety, compliance, and service standards
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Passion for food, innovation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver results
Leadership Attributes
- Curious – Innovative, solution‑focused, and forward‑thinking
- Confident – Sets clear standards, develops others, and delivers results
- Courageous – Leads with integrity, challenges constructively, and drives positive change
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a flagship healthcare contract with real impact
- Lead a large and diverse team in a meaningful environment
- Shape the future of food services in a major NHS hospital
- Opportunities for career growth and development
