Operations Director

About the role

Our client, a leading catering supplier to schools and education trusts across the South West, is expanding and seeks an experienced Operations Director. You will oversee a portfolio of education sites, travelling across South Wales, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, while providing strong leadership and support to on‑site teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop Area Managers, Chef Managers and on‑site teams across 70+ sites and 350 employees.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Champion high‑quality food and exceptional service standards.
• Deliver operational performance, manage commercial and fixed‑price contracts, and oversee financial performance.
• Support recruitment, HR processes and people development.
• Increase school meal uptake, control costs and achieve business unit KPIs.
• Maintain and grow the customer base through extensions, tenders and business development.
• Lead projects, contract mobilisations and represent the business professionally.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a multi‑site Operations Manager or Area Manager in services, hospitality or retail.
• Track record of managing a large multi‑site business.
• Strong leadership with a “lead by example” approach.
• Excellent communication at all organisational levels.
• Outstanding organisational, resilience and prioritisation abilities.
• Passion for great food, people and service.
• Food Safety & Management qualification (advantageous).
• Willingness to travel across the region and work from home when not on site.

Required skills

• Microsoft Office (reports, spreadsheets, presentations).

What we offer

• Competitive salary £60,000‑£70,000 per year.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Company pension scheme.
• Generous annual leave.
• Opportunity to join a dynamic, creative, people‑focused catering brand.