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For Companies 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 excellent growth opportunities and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's dining while advancing your career with no limits.
- 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 Reading employer: Pineapple Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pineapple Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Operations Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Regional Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to client excellence and operational compliance. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve driven commercial performance in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing teams and achieving financial targets to make a strong impression.
✨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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Operations Manager in Reading
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 submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 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 how they bridge high-street food trends with school dining. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve coached managers or improved team performance. Highlight your ability to foster a collaborative environment and drive results, as this is crucial for the Regional Operations Manager position.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Brush up on your P&L management and budgetary control knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've previously analysed financial performance and implemented solutions for variances. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and readiness to contribute to financial targets.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare for potential questions about managing client relationships and handling complex challenges. Your ability to communicate effectively will be key in building trust with clients and leading high-level meetings.