Regional Operations Director - South East

Our Client is a market leading contract catering company specialising in school food. By combining their understanding of the education sector and their knowledge of what’s on trend in the food world, they encourage creativity and excitement in their kitchens, allowing teams to do what they do best and provide fantastic food

experiences for the children.

By providing excellent care and services to both clients and children, they have ensured the successful growth of the company and to keep up with the rapid pace of this growth, they are now looking for an experienced Regional Operations Director.


The role:

As Regional Operations Director, you will take full ownership of regional performance—leading, inspiring, and supporting your team of Regional Operations Managers and Operations Managers across the South East and London. Your focus will be to deliver against strategic objectives, ensure operational excellence, and support the sustainable, profitable growth of the business. This is a senior leadership role with a strong focus on people, performance, and partnerships.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Contractual Compliance - Ensure that all services outlined in contract specifications are delivered to the highest standards, regularly reviewing and enhancing service delivery to exceed client and company expectations.
• Business Management Systems - Oversee the implementation and compliance of all business systems, processes, and policies. Monitor key performance metrics to ensure consistent operational excellence.
• People - Lead, support, and develop your team of managers—driving engagement, accountability, and performance through regular feedback, coaching, and structured appraisal processes.
• Commercial and Financial Management – Set and monitor financial targets for the region. Ensure all commercial activities align with company budgets and strategic goals, taking proactive steps to address underperformance.
• Quality, Health, Safety and Environment - Champion a culture of safety and quality across all contracts. Work closely with QHSE colleagues to ensure robust compliance and continuous improvement in safety standards.
• Employee Training - Liaise with the L&D team to Identify skills gaps and training needs across your region and support ongoing staff development and capability-building.
• Sales and Retention - Attend, deliver and support sales and retention bids and processes as required ensuring the highest levels of achievement are delivered on a consistent basis.
• Operational delivery and support - Support the business through the completion of projects, new contract mobilisations, and strategic initiatives. Where necessary, take direct responsibility for key contracts.
• Operates in accordance with the company confidentiality policy and agreement - Act in accordance with Aspens' confidentiality policies and ensure that all sensitive business information is handled appropriately.
• Additional Duties Undertake any additional tasks as required to support the effective operation and success of the company.

About you:

You’re a dynamic and experienced leader in the contract catering or hospitality sector, with a strong background in multi-site operational management. You’re passionate about delivering high-quality services, nurturing talent, and building strong client relationships.

Skills and Experience: 

• A proven track record in leading and developing operational teams across multiple sites

• Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets and financial performance

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Skilled in stakeholder management and employee relations (grievances, disciplinaries, performance)

• Strong IT literacy and ability to work confidently with data and systems

• Highly organised, adaptable, and solution-focused

• Positive, professional, and resilient with a collaborative leadership style

Education and Qualifications:

• ‘A’ Level standard or equivalent (minimum)

• A degree or equivalent business/leadership qualification (preferred but not essential)

• Food Hygiene and QHSE training

• Business Management or leadership certification

Why apply?

As one of the UK's fastest growing independent businesses you'll be joining a company where people are at their core and the opportunity to develop your career is endless. They offer fantastic learning and development programmes and the ability to gain qualifications whilst supporting you all the way Our client understands that the health and wellbeing of employees is vital so as well as a competitive salary and car allowance/car, they've just launched a brand new benefits programme which includes the important things like private healthcare and enhanced parental leave, ways to save money and the opportunity to spend your birthday doing something special to you rather than working! 

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

Pineapple Recruitment are recruiting for this role on behalf of our client and are acting as Recruitment Agency.