Operations Manager

Compass Group; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering firm is seeking an experienced Operations Manager in the Cambridge area. The successful candidate will lead daily operations across multiple catering contracts, ensuring high standards and client satisfaction. Key responsibilities include mentoring unit managers, managing financial performance, and building strong client relationships. Offering a competitive salary of £50,000 - £55,000, along with a company car/allowance and an extensive benefits package, this role promotes teamwork and excellence.

Benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Food shopping discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Career Pathways programme

Contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a mid-level operations role.
• Track record in managing P&L performance.
• Ability to travel frequently throughout South West England.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations across multiple catering sites.
• Mentor a team of Unit Managers to maintain high standards.
• Manage financial performance including budget planning and forecasting.
• Build and maintain strong, proactive client relationships.

Skills

Strong commercial focus

Outstanding communication

Team-building skills

Analytical and commercially astute

Job description

Operations Manager – Cambridge area and within a 50 mile radius

• £50,000 - £55,000 per annum
• Company Car / Allowance
• Bonus
• Private Healthcare

Are you a driven and experienced operations professional with a passion for food, service excellence, and people's leadership? We’re seeking an Operations Manager to join our dynamic team and take the lead across a portfolio of catering contracts throughout Cambridge and surrounding areas.

As Operations Manager, you will oversee a diverse range of catering contracts, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, and client satisfaction. You’ll lead a team of site managers, inspire frontline teams, and build trusted relationships with our clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operations across multiple catering sites throughout the Southwest, ensuring consistent service excellence.
• Support and mentor a team of Unit Managers to deliver high standards across all locations.
• Develop and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and collaboration.
• Oversee recruitment across your portfolio, ensuring the right people are hired at the right time.
• Build and maintain strong, proactive client relationships across your geographic area, acting as a trusted partner.
• Ensure full contract compliance while maximizing profitability, enhancing client satisfaction, and driving retention.
• Manage financial performance including budget planning, forecasting, and effective cost control measures.
• Promote exceptional food quality, uphold safety standards, and drive continuous innovation in service delivery.
• Lead the mobilisation of new contracts and contribute to tender processes and bid development as required.
• Champion best practices across HR, health & safety, compliance, and sustainability throughout all operations.

About You:

• Demonstrated experience in a mid-level, multi-site operations role within the contract catering or wider hospitality sector.
• Strong commercial focus with a solid track record in managing P&L performance across multiple contracts.
• Confident and effective leader with outstanding communication and team-building skills.
• Skilled in managing challenging conversations with professionalism, empathy, and clarity.
• Analytical and commercially astute, using data insights to make informed, strategic decisions.
• Flexible and mobile, with the ability to travel frequently throughout South West England as required.
• A genuine passion for food, people development, and delivering a best-in‑class customer experience.

What you get:

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Regular emails filled with the best discounts and savings available
• Receive Wow Points every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways programme
• Compass exclusive offers on Perks At Work

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!