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- Tasks: Lead and integrate diverse operational services in a dynamic food production environment.
- Company: Somerset Larder, committed to nourishing the community with local produce.
- Benefits: Highly competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team focused on collaboration, development, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and deliver excellence in a thriving catering operation.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in operations, strong commercial acumen, and team leadership skills.
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 operations. 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.
The 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.
QualificationsProven 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 systems.
DesirableRelevant leadership or management qualification (e.g. ILM Level 5+ or equivalent).
Advanced Health & Safety qualification.
Experience in large-scale contract catering or similar industries.
Experience of the design and compliance of new catering facilities.
Somerset Larder Values:- Togetherness – Collaborate and support one another
- Nurture – Develop people and capability
- Pride – Deliver excellence in everything we do
- Planet – Operate responsibly and sustainably
Operations Director in Bridgwater employer: WSH Group
Contact Detail:
WSH Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director in Bridgwater
✨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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved operational performance in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability as an Operations Director.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director in Bridgwater
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in operational performance and team management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team at Somerset Larder. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've driven profitability and enhanced performance in previous roles. We love seeing concrete results and how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSH Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand how Somerset Larder operates and what makes their approach to catering unique. This will help you align your answers with their philosophy of nourishing the community and supporting local produce.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to drive performance and enhance collaboration between operational and culinary functions. This is crucial for a role that demands integrated leadership.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Think about how you can illustrate your strong commercial acumen. Bring examples of how you've previously delivered financial and operational performance. This will show that you understand the business side of operations and can contribute to profitability.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your stakeholder management skills. Think of instances where you’ve influenced decisions at various levels. This is key for a senior role, so showing that you can effectively communicate and engage with different stakeholders will set you apart.