Operations Manager - Isle of Wight

Operations Manager (Isle of Wight)

Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 + Car Allowance + Paid Mileage + Bonus

Location: Isle of Wight

Contract: Monday - Friday, 40 Hours per week

The Opportunity

Our client is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in the education sector. 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.

Due to rapid growth, they are seeking a highly accomplished and results-driven Operations Manager to take full responsibility for a portfolio of Primary and Secondary school contracts across the Isle of Wight. This is a pivotal role for a leader who can balance exceptional culinary standards with rigorous financial control.

Core Responsibilities

• Contract Management & Enhancement: Oversee the strategic delivery of all assigned contracts, ensuring services are efficiently delivered and enhanced to surpass client expectations.

• Financial Oversight: Review the performance and profitability of each contract. You will be responsible for strict cost control and budget management without compromising on service quality.

• Culinary Excellence: Uphold the highest food quality standards, ensuring that menus and service delivery across all sites align with current high-street trends and industry best practices.

• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, support, and foster the professional growth of line-reporting managers, maintaining high levels of team engagement and performance.

• Business Growth: Support the sales team in business retention and proactively assist in identifying and obtaining new business opportunities on the island.

• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure rigorous compliance with all relevant Health & Safety and Food Hygiene procedures across every site in your portfolio.

The Ideal Profile

• Experience: A seasoned hospitality or contract catering professional with current multi-site management experience (experience within education catering is a distinct advantage).

• Leadership: A proven ability to coach and develop teams, instilling a collective commitment to high service standards and professional conduct.

• Client Relations: Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead client meetings, manage expectations, and navigate complex challenges to achieve positive outcomes.

• Process-Driven: Both service-focused and process-led, with the discipline to ensure all operational standards and systems are rigorously maintained.

• Technical Skills: Proficient computer skills and a proactive mindset, with a strong desire for continuous professional achievement.

What’s On Offer

• Financials: Competitive salary up to £55k + Car Allowance + Paid Mileage + Performance Bonus.

• Work-Life Balance: 40 hours per week plus an extra day of paid leave for your birthday.

• Health & Family: Private Healthcare and Enhanced Parental Leave.

• Career Growth: As one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent businesses, they offer limitless career progression and dedicated support for gaining professional qualifications.

Note: As this role is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, an enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.

Pineapple Recruitment is acting as a Recruitment Agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy.