Job Introduction
We are brave, bold and curious adventurers in food and drink. Never shy of being different, always challenging the conventional. Our passionate team of chefs, baristas, servers, nutritionists and much more, love nothing more than creating memorable moments that enrich the everyday. Come and join our award-winning teams – We are looking for an Operations Manager to join our team in Crawley/Gatwick areas.
Location: Hybrid role covering Crawley/Gatwick areas.
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 per annum +Car + Travel + Bonus
Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
About This role:
Responsible for a portfolio of sites to ensure that the service and operation is delivered in line with Compass standards, the client’s expectations and achieving all set financial targets and budgets. To assist an Operations Director and Business Partners with ongoing projects. To support senior management in the management of the wider portfolio of sites as required.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver high standards of food and service across all sites
Ensure SOPs are in place and consistently followed
Review performance and implement improvements
Drive innovation through menu development and pop-ups
Build strong client relationships across all sites
Act as escalation point for feedback and resolve issues
Lead regular client review meetings
Gather feedback to improve service and offer
Set and manage site budgets with Ops leads
Ensure financial targets are met and address gaps
Support teams with cost control, purchasing and waste reduction
Produce and present financial reports
Support new business opportunities
Represent CH&CO in presentations when needed
Recruit and develop General Managers and senior teams
Support performance management and appraisals
Coach site teams and support HR processes
Identify and develop talent across sites
Ensure full compliance with H&S, HACCP and COSHH
Maintain safe, clean environments across all sites
Report and address any risks or issues promptly
Provide cover during absences where needed
Support ongoing training and personal development
What We’re Looking For:
- Previous experience as a Group, Operations or Support Manager within contract catering or events
- Level 5 Operations Management Apprenticeship (or similar) preferred
- Strong focus on delivering excellent customer service across multiple sites
- Confident building client relationships and driving service improvements
- Able to make decisions with both client and business needs in mind
- Experience structuring and leading teams to meet operational demands
- Commercially aware, with the ability to support retention and growth
- Good understanding of the contract catering/events industry
- Able to turn business strategy into clear, workable plans
- Comfortable using systems and following company processes
- Sees the bigger picture and understands business impact
What's in it for you?
Working with Gather and Gather has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers