Job Introduction
National Operations Manager – Contract Catering
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum
We are looking for candidates based in and around Northampton or Stoke on Trent.
Are you an accomplished leader with multi-site experience in contract catering? Do you thrive on delivering outstanding service, driving commercial results, and developing high-performing teams? We’re looking for a National Operations Manager to take responsibility for a portfolio of client contracts across the UK.
In this pivotal role, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple catering sites, ensuring exceptional standards, strong financial performance, and long-term client partnerships.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
Directing operations across a varied portfolio of catering contracts nationwide, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency.
Leading, coaching, and supporting Unit Managers to achieve operational excellence across all locations.
Creating a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement within your teams.
Overseeing recruitment and workforce planning to ensure sites are resourced effectively.
Developing strong, collaborative relationships with clients, acting as a senior point of contact and trusted advisor.
Delivering against contractual obligations while improving profitability, service standards, and client retention.
Managing full P&L accountability including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
Maintaining high standards in food quality, health & safety, compliance, and sustainability.
Supporting new contract mobilisations and contributing to tender submissions and business development activity.
Embedding best practice across people management, operational compliance, and service innovation.
What We’re Looking For
Proven experience in a regional or national multi-site operations role within contract catering.
Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable experience managing budgets and financial performance across multiple contracts.
A confident leader who motivates and develops teams to deliver measurable results.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage complex conversations professionally and constructively.
Analytical thinker, comfortable using performance data to inform strategic decisions.
Flexibility to travel extensively across the UK.
A genuine enthusiasm for food, people development, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
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!