Area Support Manager - Essex

Job Introduction

About us:

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

The role:

As an Area Support Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of Primary and Secondary school contracts in the Essex area, leading our clients kitchen teams to deliver an exceptional food operation that consistently exceeds client expectations. Reporting to the Operations Manager, your success is measured by the quality, consistency, and retention of our business.

This position is:

• 40 hours per week

• 52 weeks per year

• Highly Competitive Salary + car allowance

Your responsibilities will include:

• Client Relationship Management: Build and nurture strong, trusting working relationships with both new and existing clients, delivering exceptional customer service that ensures long-term retention.

• Business Growth: Play a key part in strategic expansion by supporting the creation and delivery of sales presentations and assisting in smooth new contract mobilisations.

• Training & Development: Ensure all teams are fully trained and compliant, proactively identifying and addressing any training gaps to elevate skills.

• Quality Assurance: Conduct regular unit audits and maintain strict adherence to company systems, procedures, and legislation.

• Strategic Support: Assist the Operations Manager in executing action plans to guarantee a consistently high-quality, service-led operation.

About you:

You are a proven leader from the hospitality or contract catering sector, ready for a new challenge.

• You excel at supporting, coaching, and developing teams, instilling a shared passion for meeting high standards and excellent service levels at all times.

• You possess excellent communication skills that allow you to confidently lead client meetings, expertly manage expectations, and quickly overcome challenges.

• You are equally service-focused and process-led, ensuring standards, procedures, and systems are rigorously followed and maintained.

• You thrive working under your own initiative, have excellent computer skills, and possess a relentless desire to learn and achieve.

Why apply?

As one of the UK's fastest-growing independent businesses, you'll be joining a company where people are at our clients core.

Career Development

• The opportunity to develop your career with us is limitless. Our client offers fantastic learning and development opportunities and support you in gaining qualifications every step of the way.

Wellbeing Focused

In addition to a competitive salary and car allowance/company car, our client prioritises your health. They’ve just launched their brand new benefits programme, which includes:

• Private Healthcare

• Enhance Parental Leave

• Saving schemes and financial benefits

• The change to spend your birthday doing something special for you instead of working!

Ready to lead service excellence and become a key player in a high-growth business? Apply Today!

Please note, our client expects all staff to share their commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people so an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company 

Contact us about this vacancy
Charlie Stevens
07935600660
charlie.stevens@pineapple-recruitment.co.uk