At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams across multiple education sites while ensuring exceptional service and operational performance.
- Company: Dynamic catering brand focused on great food and people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous leave, and a company pension.
- Other info: Flexible travel across the South West with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client is a leading supplier of catering services to a number of schools and education trusts across the South West.
As the business continues to expand, we’re looking for an experienced Operations Director to join our team and oversee a portfolio of education sites across the West.
This is a field‑based role, supporting and inspiring teams across multiple locations, so flexibility to travel is essential (car provided.) The region is South Wales, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.
As an Operations Director, you will
- Lead, motivate, and develop Area Managers, Chef Managers and on‑site teams
- Build strong, professional relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders
- Champion great food and exceptional service standards
- Deliver high‑quality operational performance across multiple sites
- Provide confident financial oversight, including commercial and fixed‑price management
- Support recruitment, HR processes, and people development
- Lead a region of 5 area managers and 70+ sites 350 employees
- Increase School meal uptake, control costs & deliver business unit KPI’s
- Maintain & Grow our customer base through extensions and supporting Tenders/Business development.
- Lead on projects & contract mobilisations
- Represent the business with professionalism
We’re looking for someone with
- Experience as a multi-site Operations Manager or Area Manager in either a services or hospitality or retail
- A track record of managing a large multisite business
- Strong leadership skills with a “lead by example” approach
- Confidence communicating at all levels
- Excellent organisational skills, resilience, and the ability to prioritise effectively
- Competence with Microsoft Office, including producing reports, spreadsheets, and presentations
- A genuine passion for great food, great people, and great service
- Qualification in Food Safety & Management experience advantageous
- Prepared to Travel across the region meeting Clients & supporting the team, and home based when not visiting sites
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Car or car allowance
- Company pension
- Generous annual leave
- A chance to be part of a dynamic, creative, people‑focused catering brand
Regional Director (Operations) in Exeter employer: SRM Recruitment
At SRM Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in Hitchin. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development opportunities and a flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
