Job Introduction
Join our team as Head of Operations to lead the delivery of a newly mobilised, high-profile contract. This is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing multi-site operations, driving performance, and ensuring exceptional service standards across the business. You’ll play a key role in shaping the direction of the contract, embedding a new structure, and leading teams through a period of transformation.
As a Head of Operations, you’ll be:
- Leading the delivery of a newly mobilised contract, ensuring a smooth transition into updated operations and service delivery.
- Managing day-to-day operations across a multi-site estate, with full financial accountability.
- Build strong client relationships through regular liaison and communication.
- Supporting and embedding a new organisational structure following a recent tender process, including driving efficiency and adapting to change.
- Leading, developing, and motivating a team of approximately 35, ensuring high engagement, performance and service excellence
- Driving best practice across sites, sharing knowledge and creating consistency in delivery.
- Playing a key role in building a “centre of excellence” and continuously improving operational standards.
What you’ll need to succeed as a Head of Operations:
- Be hands-on leader who is comfortable being both strategic and operational.
- Proven experience managing teams and leading through change within a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving ability, with the confidence to address challenges quickly and directly.
- Experience in multi-site operations with responsibility for financial performance.
- Excellent client-facing skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels.
- A collaborative mindset, with a willingness to share knowledge and drive best practice.
- A passion for continuous improvement and the ability to lead transformational change.
- Strong leadership presence, with confidence to engage stakeholders and senior leaders.
- Background in contract catering is not essential – candidates from hotel, hospitality, or restaurant environments are encouraged to apply.
This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, confident leader to strengthen client relationships, influence change, and deliver operational excellence within a fast-paced, evolving environment.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Free meals
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Job Reference: com/1203/97901001/52795779/SU #RA Group
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!