At a Glance
- 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, career development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a values-driven team focused on togetherness, nurturing talent, 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 excellent communication 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.
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 systems
- 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 employer: WSH Group
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 commitment to nurturing local talent through apprenticeships and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to grow and excel in their careers while contributing to sustainable practices. The company's focus on delivering excellence in catering operations, combined with its strong values of togetherness, nurture, pride, and planet, creates a rewarding environment for those seeking meaningful employment in the hospitality sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and hospitality sector. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to make new contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and delivered exceptional outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Somerset Larder, and express your interest in working with them. A personal touch can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and operations. Understand their approach to sustainability and community engagement. This will help you align your answers with what they care about, making you a standout candidate!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:As an Operations Director, we want to see your proven leadership experience shine through. Share specific examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams and achieved operational excellence in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Commercial Acumen:Make sure to emphasise your strong commercial acumen. We’re looking for someone who can drive profitability and enhance performance, so include any relevant metrics or achievements that demonstrate your financial success.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Operations Director role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
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 this exciting opportunity at Somerset Larder!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSH Group
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Somerset Larder thoroughly. Understand their philosophy, values, and the local sourcing of ingredients they pride themselves on. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Operations Director, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams or driven operational performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've previously improved profitability and operational efficiency. Bring data or case studies that highlight your achievements in financial performance, as this role requires a strong commercial mindset.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in complex environments. Think about potential challenges in catering operations and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your strategic thinking and decision-making process effectively.
