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 unlimited career progression and access to fantastic learning 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 Leicester employer: Pineapple Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding contract catering specialist that prioritises creativity and nutrition in school dining. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and offers competitive financial rewards, including a generous salary, car allowance, and performance bonuses. Located in the vibrant M3/M4 corridor, this role provides an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team while making a meaningful impact in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Operations Manager in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality and catering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in education catering. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the best choice.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Regional Operations Manager role. We want to see your application and help you take the next step in your career!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Operations Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Regional Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in multi-site operations and any relevant achievements in the hospitality or contract catering sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial performance and built strong client relationships in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We want to know how you coach and develop teams, and how you maintain high standards while fostering a collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pineapple Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and their approach to contract catering, especially in the education sector. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and any news related to them. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Regional Operations Manager, your leadership abilities are crucial. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed multiple operations, and driven performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your impact.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Brush up on your financial management skills, as this role involves P&L management and budgetary control. Be ready to discuss how you've previously set financial targets and analysed performance against budgets. Bring examples of how you've implemented solutions for variances to demonstrate your commercial acumen.
✨Client Relationship Mastery
Since client excellence is a big part of the role, prepare to discuss how you've built and maintained strong client relationships in the past. Think of instances where you've managed expectations or resolved complex challenges. This will showcase your interpersonal skills and solution-focused mindset.
