At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a dynamic catering events business, ensuring smooth execution and profitability.
- Company: Join The Fendale Group, a purpose-driven catering company focused on sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to ethical practices and B-Corp certification.
- Why this job: Be the operational backbone of exciting events that bring people together with heart and intention.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management within the catering or events industry is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are a catering events business that incorporates several different brands within it. The Fendale Group comprises Caiger & Co, Spoilt for Choice, The Pie Man, Sophie Wright Catering and Archies. We deliver a diverse range of events, from private weddings and bespoke dinner parties for high-end corporate clients to workplace catering and more cost-conscious options. We create food and hospitality experiences that bring people together. Built on founder energy and purposeful brands, we craft exceptional food with heart and intention. As we move towards our B-Corp certification, we are committed to creating impact beyond the plate - championing sustainability, looking after our people, and cultivating meaningful connections with our clients and communities.
About You
Reports to: Business Directors
Direct Reports: Head of Events and Accounts Executive, with dotted-line operational oversight of the wider office and kitchen teams.
The Catering Operations Manager is the operational anchor and integrator of The Fendale Group. You are the vital bridge between strategy and execution, ensuring that our day-to-day operations run smoothly, profitably, and in alignment with our B-Corp values: People, Planet and Profit. This includes executing long-term business planning for the group and the individual brands.
You will maintain a strong financial grip on the business, oversee high-level logistics and event planning, and serve as the present, daily leader for the team. By ensuring our operations are structured, measured, and benchmarked against the best, you allow the Directors to focus on future growth.
The Ideal Candidate
- Experience: Proven experience in a senior operational or operational management role within the premium catering or events industry.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong financial literacy with the ability to project revenues, manage margins, and oversee invoicing and credit control.
- Logistical Mastermind: Exceptional organisational skills. You can spin multiple plates - from high-level client handling to detailed van logistics - without dropping the ball.
- Systems Savvy: Highly proficient in event and staff management software, such as Eventworks and Planday, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
- Empathetic Leader: A natural people person who embodies Fendale's pastoral leadership style. You can hold a team accountable while supporting wellbeing and development.
- Purpose-Driven: A genuine passion for sustainability and ethical business practices, with the confidence to champion our B-Corp journey.
- Resilient & Adaptable: Capable of managing the unpredictable nature of events, last-minute changes, and the demands of visionary founders.
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at:
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence & Integration
- Oversee the Event Planning team day to day, reviewing planning processes and systems with planners.
- Hold weekly SMT meetings to discuss company oversight, priorities and actions.
- Conduct monthly meetings with Heads of Department across Events, Logistics and Kitchen to support consistency across Fendale procedures.
- Run the weekly Chefs' Meeting, acting as the key link between the Events and Kitchen teams and ensuring job sheets are clear and correctly translated for food preparation.
- Maintain oversight of event logistics, working closely with the Warehouse & Logistics Manager on van scheduling and equipment allocation.
- Act as the internal champion and expert for operational software, particularly Planday, ensuring systems support business needs efficiently.
- Drop into live events to meet clients, inspect venue setups, and ensure food and service standards reflect the Fendale Craft pillar.
Commercial & Financial Grip
- Produce detailed quarterly management reports for the Board, reviewing sales, current margins, post-job profitability, client feedback and freelance budgets. Hold P&L accountability for AGM.
- Maintain a rigorous rolling view of the financial position through calendar projections and incoming quotes, keeping Directors proactively informed of pipeline health.
- Review and spot-check quotes to sense-check staffing levels, budgets and profitability before they reach the client.
- Oversee the invoicing pipeline, track outstanding debt, ensure executed events are promptly invoiced and manage necessary chasing.
- Set the annual budget with the CEO, including full department forecasts and KPIs.
Client & Venue Management
- Act as the primary liaison and account manager for key, high-value clients and complex venues.
- Oversee communications, job sheets and packing lists for complex events, managing these events on-site where required.
- Lead project management for the largest annual activations, ensuring seamless delivery of complex, multi-layered events.
Operations Manager employer: The Fendale Group
The Fendale Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises sustainability and employee wellbeing, making it a fantastic place for an Operations Manager to thrive. With a strong commitment to B-Corp values, we foster a collaborative work culture that encourages personal and professional growth, while offering unique opportunities to lead diverse and impactful catering events. Join us in crafting memorable experiences and making a positive difference in our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the catering and events industry. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience in operational management and your knack for logistics. Bring along examples of past successes to back up your claims – it’s all about making a memorable impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you love, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly through our website and express your interest. Share how your skills align with their mission, especially around sustainability and community impact – it shows you’re genuinely invested!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s values and recent projects. Understand their B-Corp journey and think about how you can contribute. Tailor your responses to reflect their commitment to people, planet, and profit – it’ll show you’re the perfect fit for their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Catering:When writing your application, let your love for the catering and events industry shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission of creating exceptional food and hospitality experiences that bring people together.
Highlight Your Operational Skills:Make sure to emphasise your operational management experience. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks effortlessly, so share examples of how you've successfully managed logistics and event planning in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Financial Acumen:Since financial literacy is key for this role, don’t shy away from showcasing your experience with budgets, margins, and invoicing. We want to know how you’ve kept a tight grip on finances in past positions.
Be Authentic and Personable:We value empathy and connection, so let your personality come through in your application. Share your leadership style and how you support team wellbeing, as we’re all about cultivating meaningful connections at The Fendale Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Fendale Group
✨Know Your Brands
Familiarise yourself with each brand under The Fendale Group. Understand their unique offerings and how they contribute to the overall mission. This will show your genuine interest in the company and help you articulate how you can enhance their operations.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial management, particularly in catering or events. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed budgets, projected revenues, and improved profitability in previous roles. This will highlight your commercial awareness.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you handle multiple tasks and manage logistics effectively. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully coordinated complex events or projects, demonstrating your ability to keep everything running smoothly.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
As an empathetic leader, it's crucial to convey your approach to team management. Discuss how you support your team's wellbeing while holding them accountable. Share stories that illustrate your leadership style and how it aligns with Fendale's values.
