Operations Manager Job at 14forty (Chertsey)

Job Description

At Pabulum, we're passionate about providing fresh, nutritious, and delicious food that helps children and young people thrive. As one of the UK's leading education catering providers, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional food and service while creating positive dining experiences that support learning and wellbeing. We're now looking for an experienced and commercially minded Operations Manager to join our team and lead a portfolio of school catering contracts. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated leader who enjoys building strong relationships, developing people, and driving operational excellence across multiple sites.

Job Responsibility

Champion a positive safety culture and ensure full compliance with Health & Safety, food safety, and company policies
Lead, inspire, and develop a team of managers across a portfolio of school contracts
Build strong and lasting relationships with clients, schools, and key stakeholders
Drive operational performance, ensuring sites consistently deliver excellent food quality and customer service
Deliver agreed financial targets through effective budget management, cost control, and commercial decision-making
Support business retention and growth strategies, working alongside sales and retention teams
Review contract performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
Ensure menus, food offers, and promotions remain relevant, innovative, and aligned with customer needs
Encourage and utilise customer feedback to enhance the dining experience and increase participation
Support the implementation of company initiatives and best practice across all sites
Develop succession plans and create opportunities for career progression within your team
Review labour structures and operational efficiencies to ensure sustainable business performance
Manage employee relations matters fairly and consistently in line with company procedures

Requirements

Proven experience managing multi-site operations within contract catering, hospitality, retail catering, education catering, or a similar service environment
Experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing teams
Strong commercial and financial management skills, including budget and profit responsibility
Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
The ability to influence, motivate, and engage teams at all levels
A proactive, organised, and solution-focused approach
A passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences
Flexibility to travel regularly across your portfolio of sites

What we offer

Electric vehicle charging points
Contributory pension scheme
Career development opportunities through structured learning and development programmes
Digital GP access for you and your immediate family, plus wider healthcare benefits
Exclusive travel discounts with leading providers including TUI, Expedia and Booking.com
Discounts at major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons
Up to 44% off cinema tickets
Cashback rewards across a wide range of retailers and brands
Free wellbeing, mindfulness and exercise classes
Access to discounts and offers that can be shared with friends and family

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Operations Manager

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