Job Introduction

Operations Director 

Location: National / Mobile Role
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Company Car / Allowance + Benefits
Sector: Contract Catering

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Operations Director to lead and develop a high-performing portfolio of mobile catering contracts across the UK & Ireland.

This is a high-impact, mobile leadership role, responsible for driving operational excellence, commercial performance, and client satisfaction across a diverse, multi-site catering portfolio. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, regional teams, and support functions to deliver industry-leading food service solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership

  • Lead, inspire, and develop a team of Regional/Operations Managers across multiple locations
  • Translate business strategy into operational delivery plans that drive growth and performance
  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement across all sites

• Operational Excellence

  • Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality catering services across all contracts
  • Drive compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards
  • Embed best practice and operational consistency across the portfolio

• Commercial Performance

  • Own full P&L accountability for your region, delivering on revenue, margin, and cost targets
  • Identify and implement opportunities for growth, retention, and efficiency
  • Lead contract reviews, renewals, and client negotiations

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders
  • Act as a senior point of contact for escalations and strategic discussions
  • Ensure service excellence and high client satisfaction scores

• People Leadership

  • Develop high-performing, engaged teams with a strong focus on talent and succession planning
  • Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning
  • Lead on employee engagement, retention, and development initiatives

About You

We’re looking for a driven and commercially astute leader with a proven track record in contract catering or hospitality operations.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Senior multi-site leadership experience within catering, hospitality, or foodservice
• Strong commercial acumen with full P&L responsibility
• Demonstrated success in leading large, geographically dispersed teams
• Exceptional stakeholder management and client relationship skills
• Strong understanding of food safety, compliance, and operational standards
• Experience driving change, transformation, and growth across complex portfolios

Personal Attributes

• Highly adaptable and comfortable working in a mobile, fast-paced environment
• Inspirational leader with a passion for developing people
• Results-driven with a strong focus on delivery and accountability
• Strategic thinker with hands-on operational credibility

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• Private healthcare and pension scheme
• Access to a range of Compass benefits and wellbeing programmes
• Career development opportunities within a global organisation

Why Join Compass Group UK & Ireland?

At Compass, we’re redefining the future of foodservice. As a global leader, we combine innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence to deliver outstanding experiences for our clients and customers every day.

Join us and be part of a business where your leadership will shape the future of catering across the UK & Ireland.