Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Education Catering (Northampton Area) Salary: Competitive + Bonus Scheme
Benefits: Company Car or Car Allowance | Private Healthcare | Pension Scheme | Career Development Opportunities
About the Role We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Operations Manager to lead and oversee catering operations across a trust of 24 primary schools in the Northampton area. This is a pivotal leadership role for a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, passionate about delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that make a difference in the lives of children every day.
You’ll take responsibility for the overall performance of catering services, ensuring excellence in food quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction, while driving innovation and efficiency across all sites.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage catering operations across multiple school sites, ensuring consistent service delivery and compliance.
• Build strong relationships with school leadership teams, trust stakeholders, and on-site catering teams.
• Drive operational excellence, food quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure all sites meet Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, and Safeguarding standards.
• Manage budgets, cost controls, and financial reporting.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and professional development of catering teams.
• Lead on innovation and menu development in line with school needs and nutritional guidelines.
• Conduct regular audits and site visits to maintain standards and identify areas for improvement.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in contract catering operations, ideally within the education sector.
• Strong leadership and people management skills across multi-site operations.
• Excellent understanding of school food standards, safeguarding, and compliance.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and KPIs.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across multiple sites.

Desirable

• Experience working with academy trusts or local authorities.
• Relevant qualifications in Catering, Hospitality, or Business Management.
• Knowledge of sustainability and allergen management in school catering.

Why Join Us? This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of catering across a growing network of schools. You’ll join a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
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