Operations Manager

Wesrice; Cambridge, St Albans; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company is seeking an Operations Manager in Cambridge to oversee catering operations across school contracts. The role involves ensuring high standards, financial management, and team leadership in a growth-focused environment. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a coaching mindset, and a dedication to operational excellence. Competitive benefits and career progression are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance

Private healthcare

Enhanced parental leave

Birthday off

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop teams.
• Excellent communication skills for client meetings.
• Service-focused with process-led approach.
• Strong initiative and commitment to learning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee catering operations in Cambridge and St Albans.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Manage contract performance and financial oversight.
• Support business growth and retention.

Skills

Team Leadership

Excellent Communication

Operational Standards Maintenance

Coaching and Development

Problem-Solving

Tools

Computer Skills

Job description

About Us

Aspens Services is a market‑leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals; we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest high‑street food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen. Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.

The Role

We are seeking a highly accomplished and results‑driven Operations Manager to assume responsibility for a specific operational area within the Cambridge and St Albans area, overseeing the comprehensive performance of our catering operations across a portfolio of Primary and Secondary school contracts. This pivotal role involves leading your team to deliver exceptional food operations while exceeding client expectations.

Core Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Contract Management & Enhancement: Ensuring all contracted services are adhered to, efficiently delivered, and enhanced to surpass the expectations of clients, customers, and the company.
• Financial Oversight & Control: Reviewing the performance and profitability of each contract, strictly controlling costs, without compromising service quality or delivery standards.
• Culinary Standardisation: Upholding the highest food quality standards, ensuring menus and service delivery align with current high street trends and industry best practices.
• Team Leadership & Development: Managing, supporting, and fostering the professional development, progress, and performance of line‑reporting managers, maintaining high team engagement.
• Business Growth Support: Collaborating with sales to support business retention and proactively assist in obtaining new business opportunities.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensuring rigorous compliance with all relevant Health & Safety and Hygiene procedures across all sites.

About You

• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop teams, instilling a collective commitment to maintaining high service standards and professional conduct.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of leading client meetings, effectively managing client expectations, and navigating complex challenges to achieve positive outcomes.
• Being both service-focused and process-led, ensuring all operational standards, procedures, and systems are rigorously maintained.
• Excellent computer skills, strong initiative, and a profound desire for continuous learning and professional achievement.

Why Join Us

As one of the UK's fastest‑growing independent businesses, we place our people at the core of our success, offering limitless career progression.

Benefits

• Career Investment: Comprehensive learning and development programmes, offering the opportunity to gain professional qualifications with dedicated support.
• Total Rewards Package: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, enhanced parental leave, and your birthday as an additional day of paid leave.

Please note: we expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people so an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.