At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse services in catering and operations, ensuring efficiency and excellence.
- Company: Somerset Larder, committed to nourishing the community with local produce.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape the future of catering.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and exceptional service delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while leading innovative culinary operations.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in complex operational environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Somerset Larder produces fresh food and meals to go using locally sourced ingredients from all over the west country. Our philosophy is to nourish the community with amazing produce, to employ local people and to train apprentices for future careers in the catering and hospitality sector.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Director to lead and integrate a diverse portfolio of services, including logistics, facilities, projects, catering, and culinary operation. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for operational performance, commercial outcomes, and service excellence. You will play a critical role in shaping and delivering strategy, while ensuring seamless alignment between operational infrastructure and culinary delivery.
You will bring strong commercial acumen, proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams, and the ability to operate effectively within complex, client-driven environments. As Operations Director, you will lead the end-to-end delivery of all operational services, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and aligned to business objectives. You will be responsible for driving profitability, enhancing performance, and delivering exceptional client and customer outcomes. A key focus is the integrated leadership of both operational and culinary functions, ensuring effective collaboration between logistics, production, and service delivery to achieve a best-in-class catering operation.
Key ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate will bring strong commercial acumen, proven leadership of multi-disciplinary teams, and the ability to operate effectively within complex, client-driven environments. As Operations Director, you will lead the end-to-end delivery of all operational services, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and aligned to business objectives. You will be responsible for driving profitability, enhancing performance, and delivering exceptional client and customer outcomes. A key focus of the role is the integrated leadership of both operational and culinary functions, ensuring effective collaboration between logistics, production, and service delivery to achieve a best-in-class catering operation.
Qualifications- Proven experience operating at senior leadership or Director level within a complex operational environment
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, including both operational and culinary/food production functions
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering financial and operational performance
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into effective execution
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
- Significant senior leadership experience in operations within catering, hospitality, facilities, or a related sector
- Strong knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations within a catering or similar environment
- Experience leading integrated operations across logistics, facilities, and service delivery functions
- Experience delivering mobilisation, transformation, and continuous improvement programmes
- Strong IT and systems capability, including operational and asset management
- Advanced Health & Safety qualification
- Experience in large-scale contract catering or similar industries
- Experience of the design and compliance of new catering systems
Operations Director in England employer: South West Larder
Somerset Larder is an exceptional employer that prioritises community engagement and employee development, making it a fantastic place for the Operations Director role. With a strong commitment to sourcing local ingredients and training apprentices, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and excellence in catering services. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, a supportive environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the hospitality sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved operations in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you're interested in, like Somerset Larder, and express your enthusiasm for their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in operational excellence and community engagement.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food and Community:When writing your application, let your love for fresh food and community shine through. We want to see how your values align with our philosophy at Somerset Larder, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to local produce and community engagement.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:As an Operations Director, you'll be leading diverse teams, so make sure to showcase your leadership skills in your application. Use specific examples of how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams and driven performance in complex environments.
Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen:We’re looking for someone with strong commercial insight, so don’t shy away from discussing your achievements in driving profitability and operational performance. Include metrics or outcomes that illustrate your impact in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application to Us:Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically to the role at Somerset Larder. Use the job description as a guide to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and remember to apply through our website for the best chance of success!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Larder
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the operations of catering and hospitality. Brush up on your knowledge of logistics, food safety regulations, and how to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re the right fit for the Operations Director role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to drive performance and enhance collaboration between operational and culinary functions.
✨Align with Their Philosophy
Understand Somerset Larder's commitment to local sourcing and community nourishment. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company’s future and operational strategies. Inquire about their current challenges or upcoming projects. This not only demonstrates your strategic thinking but also your genuine interest in the role.
