Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Salary: Competitive Salary plus Car Allowance & Great Benefits

Location: Kent / Surrey

Employment type: Full-time

Role at Impact Food Group
, we’re more than a school caterer. The people are the heart of what we do. We’re driven by creating a positive food culture and helping more students eat better food. Making a positive social impact is at the centre of our identity. We tirelessly learn, develop and make improvements in every way, every day. Delivered by our distinct and industry leading brands – Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One and Hutchison – we cater for over 600,000 students.

Due to continued business growth an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to join the Chapter One brand – this role is overseeing a portfolio of schools. This field‑based role requires travel to support teams out in the business.

• Manage, inspire, and engage our teams.
• Meet with clients to build strong, professional relationships with internal and external individuals, service providers, suppliers, and businesses.
• Demonstrate passion and knowledge of great contemporary fresh food and service.
• Deliver exceptional senior management operations in a contract catering environment for a range of senior clients with exceptional standards.
• Demonstrate strong motivation skills with a ‘lead by example’ approach.
• Deliver financial management skills – commercial and fixed price.

• Background as an Area Manager/Operations Manager within Independent Education contract catering desirable; experience from State Education, Business & Industry or retail catering with at least 8 sites.
• Day‑to‑day management and guidance of the chef managers running the sites including client relationships, recruitment and HR matters.
• Comfortable conversing at all levels, from the kitchen to the board room.
• Self‑motivated, resilient, highly organisable manager with ability to prioritise effectively.
• Proficiency in the Office suite and ability to produce spreadsheets and presentations to track performance.

• Competitive salary plus a Car Allowance / Bonus.
• 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Life assurance & company pension scheme.
• Healthcare.
• Access to extensive online learning platform and development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing platform.
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme.
• IFG rewards for high‑street discounts.
• Annual summer party with company awards.

IFG is committed to safeguarding children and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which we cover the cost for.

We are a committed equal opportunities employer. If you require any assistance during the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.

We look forward to receiving your application!