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Job Title: Operations Manager
Location: Oxfordshire Area ( OX26)
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Weeks: Term Time
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Us:
We are a specialist education caterer, passionate about producing healthy, nutritious meals cooked from scratch in school kitchens every day. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond food we value and support our teams, ensuring they feel appreciated and empowered to deliver outstanding service.
We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Operations Manager to oversee our school catering operations in Oxfordshire. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring exceptional service delivery, client satisfaction, and operational excellence.
As an Operations Manager, you will play a vital role in overseeing and optimising daily catering operations across multiple sites, ensuring exceptional service delivery, team development, and customer satisfaction.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee the smooth and efficient running of catering operations across all locations, ensuring that quality, presentation, and service standards consistently deliver a first-class experience for clients and customers. Develop and implement processes to drive operational efficiency, productivity, and innovation.
- Customer Focus: Act as the primary liaison between clients, customers, and catering teams, ensuring expectations are clearly communicated and consistently met. Respond promptly and proactively to queries from clients, suppliers, managers, and colleagues to maintain clear, effective communication and strong relationships.
- Cost Management: Monitor and manage budgets, controlling costs effectively while maintaining the highest standards of quality and delivery. Manage stock levels, ensuring cost-effective procurement and seamless operations without compromising on service.
- Performance Monitoring: Regularly review the performance and profitability of contracts, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to optimize results. Conduct regular site visits to audit compliance with company standards, policies, and procedures, addressing any areas requiring improvement.
- Equipment and Innovation: Ensure all catering equipment is properly maintained, serviced, and operational to support uninterrupted service delivery. Stay informed of food and beverage trends to foster innovation and keep the company competitive in the market.
- Team Leadership and Development: Provide strong leadership and support to onsite teams, fostering a positive, inclusive, and professional working environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated. Build a culture of collaboration and open communication, ensuring all team members are equipped with the tools and guidance needed to excel in their roles.
- Line Manager Development: Manage, develop, and monitor the performance of teams, conducting regular meetings, setting clear objectives, and providing constructive feedback. Identify and implement training and development opportunities to help managers grow into confident and capable teams.
- Best Practices and Continuous Improvement: Identify, share, and implement best practices across all locations to maintain consistent standards of service delivery, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Continuously evaluate workflows and processes, ensuring ongoing improvements and innovation.
- Leading by Example: Set high standards of behaviour, professionalism, and performance, serving as a role model for all employees. Demonstrate a hands-on approach when needed, offering guidance and support in day-to-day operations. Inspire and motivate teams to achieve their full potential while upholding company values and goals.
- Health & Safety: Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety and hygiene procedures and standards. Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, embedding safeguarding practices into daily operations.
About You
Were looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a passion for delivering excellence in education catering.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in managing and developing teams within the Education sector.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships.
- A keen eye for detail and commitment to maintaining high standards.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a strong sense of responsibility.
- Strong leadership and planning skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
- Full driving license and willingness to travel across multiple sites.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive salary and benefits, including expensed travel.
- 5 weeks of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment with an open-door policy and flat management structure.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
How to Apply:
If youre passionate about leading teams, driving operational excellence, and delivering nutritious meals to schools, wed love to hear from you. Please submit your CV to
