At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and integrate diverse services in catering and hospitality operations.
- 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 passionate team focused on community and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment 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 facilities
Operations Director in West Bromwich 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 to thrive. With a strong focus on local sourcing and sustainability, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and excellence in catering services. The company offers ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that team members are equipped with the skills needed for future success in the hospitality sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in West Bromwich
✨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 led teams and improved operations in previous roles. This will help them see you as the perfect fit for the Operations Director position.
✨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. You never know when an opportunity might pop up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and helps us keep track of your application more efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. We want to see how you've successfully managed diverse groups and driven performance in complex environments.
Be Commercially Savvy:Demonstrate your strong commercial acumen by sharing specific examples of how you've improved financial outcomes in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can translate strategy into tangible results!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use similar language and terminology to show that you understand the role and its requirements. This helps us see you as a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Larder
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Somerset Larder's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their focus on local sourcing and community nourishment. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and align with their philosophy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in complex environments. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of an Operations Director.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Think about how you would approach strategic planning for operational performance and client outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your vision for integrating culinary and operational functions, as this is key to the role. Having a clear strategy will impress the interviewers.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety
Brush up on Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations relevant to the catering industry. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles. This knowledge is crucial for the Operations Director position and will show you take these responsibilities seriously.
