Operations Manager- Catering
| Company: | Coppersmith Recruitment and Services |
|---|---|
| Salary: | from £25 an hour |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | West Sussex |
| Working pattern: | Field-based |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 18 Sept 2026 |
| Closing date: | 17 Oct 2026 |
Summary
Date posted: 16 September 2026
Pay: £25.00 per hour
Job Description:
Operations Manager – Education Catering
Coppersmith Recruitment and Services Ltd is recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Operations Manager – Education Catering to lead a portfolio of multi-site catering operations.
This is a senior operational leadership opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager, Senior Area Manager or Multi-Site Catering Manager with a strong background in contract catering, ideally within the education or school catering sector.
You will lead a team of Area Managers and take overall responsibility for operational performance, client relationships, people management, compliance and commercial results across your portfolio.
The Role
As Operations Manager, you will plan, organise and lead multiple catering contracts, ensuring consistently high standards while achieving financial and operational targets.
You will work closely with your Area Managers and other operational teams to drive continuous improvement, develop your people and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include:
Directly managing, supporting and developing a team of Area Managers
Overseeing catering operations across multiple sites and contracts
Taking ownership of operational performance across your portfolio
Managing budgets, P&L, sales, costs and profitability
Ensuring accurate financial and operational reporting
Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders
Leading regular client and performance review meetings
Ensuring contractual commitments and service standards are consistently achieved
Maintaining excellent food safety, Health & Safety and compliance standards
Taking ownership of issues identified through audits, inspections or operational events
Ensuring teams comply with food policies, including allergens and special dietary requirements
Supporting menu development and responding to customer feedback
Managing staffing, succession planning and development across your teams
Ensuring HR, payroll, training, food safety and Health & Safety records are accurately maintained
Identifying opportunities to improve performance, efficiency and customer satisfaction
Leading and implementing operational change
Supporting contract negotiations and key account planning where required
The original specification places significant emphasis on accurate financial controls, including payroll, purchasing, operating reports and understanding and acting upon P&L performance.
About You
We are looking for an experienced operational leader who is commercially focused but equally passionate about people, service quality and customer relationships.
You will ideally have:
A minimum of 2 years' experience at Area Manager level or above within the food, catering or hospitality industry
Proven multi-site management experience
Previous experience within school or education catering would be highly advantageous
Experience leading and developing Area Managers or other operational management teams
Strong experience managing P&L accounts, budgets and financial performance
Excellent commercial and financial acumen
Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams
Strong client and stakeholder management skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills
The ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively and use your own initiative
A proactive approach to continuous improvement and change
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel or equivalent systems
These requirements reflect the experience and traits identified in the original role specification.
Essential Qualifications
Level 3 Food Safety Certificate or above
Intermediate Health & Safety Certificate or equivalent
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for an established catering professional ready to take responsibility for a substantial multi-site operation.
You will have the opportunity to lead and develop management teams, influence commercial performance and build long-term client relationships while maintaining exceptional standards across your portfolio.
If you are currently working as an Operations Manager, Senior Area Manager, Regional Catering Manager, Contract Catering Manager or Multi-Site Catering Manager, we would be very interested in hearing from you.
Apply today with your up-to-date CV.
Coppersmith Recruitment and Services Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy.
INDWC
Application question(s):
How many years of experience do you have at Area Manager, Operations Manager or Regional Manager level within catering, food service or hospitality?
Experience:
managing catering operations across multiple sites?: 1 year (required)
Work Location: On the road
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