At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver exceptional catering services in the education sector.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing contract catering specialist known for innovative food experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with unlimited career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's dining experiences while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site leadership within hospitality or contract catering is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 + Car Allowance + Paid Mileage + Bonus
Location: M3/M4 Corridor (Basingstoke, Ascot, Wembley, Bournemouth)
Contract: Monday- Friday, 40 Hours per week
Reporting to: Regional Operations Director
The Opportunity
Our client is a market-leading and rapidly growing contract catering specialist within the education sector. Known for bridging the gap between high-street food trends and school dining, they create exciting, creative, and nutritious food experiences for children across the UK. Due to continued expansion, they are seeking a driven Regional Operations Manager to lead their South East portfolio. This is a high-level leadership role designed for an expert operator who can manage multiple Operations Managers, maintain exceptional client relationships, and drive commercial performance across a diverse region.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Oversee and guide a team of Operations Managers to ensure full compliance with contractual specifications. You will be responsible for ensuring services consistently meet or exceed client and company standards.
- Financial Management: Collaborate with senior leadership to set financial and commercial targets. You will analyse regional performance against budgets and implement actionable solutions for any variances.
- Operational Compliance: Track and manage regional adherence to the company’s Business Management Systems, ensuring all QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment) standards are rigorously maintained.
- Team Development: Lead, coach, and assess direct-report managers using formal appraisal processes to drive professional growth and high-performance results.
- Business Growth: Actively contribute to the sales and retention process, assisting with bid preparations and high-stakes presentations to secure and maintain contracts.
- Client Excellence: Act as a senior point of contact for clients, managing expectations and building trusted, long-term partnerships.
The Ideal Profile
- Industry Background: Currently operating in a multi-site leadership role within the hospitality or contract catering sector (Education catering experience is desirable).
- Proven Leadership: A skilled coach who can instil a passion for high standards in their team and foster a collaborative, results-driven environment.
- Commercial Acumen: Deep experience in P&L management, budgetary control, and identifying opportunities for service enhancements to protect margins.
- Communication: Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to lead high-level client meetings and manage complex challenges with a solution-focused mindset.
- Organisational Skills: Proactive, IT-literate, and comfortable working independently across a large geographical area.
What’s On Offer
- Financials: Competitive salary up to £65k + Car Allowance + Paid Mileage + Performance Bonus.
- Security: Company Pension, Private Healthcare, and Life Insurance.
- Work-Life Balance: 5 weeks annual leave plus a day off for your birthday.
- Career Trajectory: Join one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent businesses with "no ceiling" on career progression and access to fantastic learning and development programmes.
Note: As this role involves working within the education sector, an Enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.
Regional Operations Manager in Exeter employer: Pineapple Recruitment Ltd
As a market-leading contract catering specialist in the education sector, our client offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a competitive salary package, generous benefits including a company pension and private healthcare, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team while making a meaningful impact on children's dining experiences across the UK. Join a rapidly growing company where your contributions are valued and career progression knows no bounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Operations Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and goals. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve driven results in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Operations Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in multi-site leadership and any relevant achievements in the hospitality or contract catering sector. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Regional Operations Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial performance and built client relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire a team. In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. How do you coach your team? What strategies do you use to maintain high standards? Let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pineapple Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Regional Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on your P&L management and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past. Prepare specific examples of how you've identified opportunities for service enhancements that protected margins.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your coaching style during the interview. Be prepared to share stories about how you've developed your team and fostered a collaborative environment. Highlight any formal appraisal processes you've implemented to drive performance.
✨Client Relationship Mastery
Since client excellence is key, come armed with examples of how you've built long-term partnerships. Discuss your approach to managing client expectations and resolving complex challenges. This will show that you can be the senior point of contact they’re looking for.
✨Be Proactive and Organised
With the role covering a large geographical area, it's essential to demonstrate your organisational skills. Share how you manage multiple sites effectively and ensure compliance with QHSE standards. Mention any tools or strategies you use to stay on top of operational compliance and team development.
