Regional Operations Manager - Manchester

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 Manager.

The role:

Our client is looking to appoint an experienced and driven Regional Operations Manager to oversee their team in the North region across schools in Manchester. Reporting to the Regional Operations Director, you will be responsible for leading their teams in delivering an excellent food operation meeting and exceeding the client’s expectations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Oversee and guide Operations Managers to ensure full compliance with contractual specifications, delivering services that meet or exceed client, customer, and company standards. Identify and implement opportunities for service enhancements.
• Track and manage operational compliance with company Business Management Systems, ensuring all processes, policies, and procedures are effectively followed and aligned with agreed metrics.
• Lead, develop, and assess all direct-report managers, applying company performance management and appraisal processes to drive continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish financial and commercial targets. Oversee and analyse regional and individual financial performance against budgetary goals, addressing any variances with actionable solutions.
• Ensure comprehensive QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment) management across all areas of operations to maintain the highest safety and quality standards.
• Partner with the Learning & Development (L&D) Manager to identify team training needs, supporting the creation and delivery of effective training programs.
• Actively participate in sales and retention processes, contributing to bid preparation and presentations to maximize success rates.
• Support business objectives through project completion and play an active role in the smooth mobilisation of new business accounts.
• As needed, manage specific contracts and client relationships directly to uphold company standards and strengthen client satisfaction.

About you:

• Industry Experience: Currently working in the contract catering sector with experience in education catering. You bring a track record in a similar role, with multi-site management experience and a strong foundation in overseeing operations teams.
• Team Leadership: Skilled in supporting, coaching, and developing teams to instill a passion for high standards and exceptional service. You foster a collaborative environment and motivate team members to consistently deliver top-quality results.
• Client Relationship Management: With outstanding communication skills, you are adept at leading client meetings, managing expectations, and effectively addressing challenges to build strong, trusted relationships.
• Operational Excellence: Process-oriented and service-focused, you ensure all standards, procedures, and systems are rigorously maintained. You combine strategic thinking with attention to detail to ensure consistency and quality across operations.
• Technical and Organizational Skills: Proficient with IT and confident working independently, you’re organized, proactive, and dedicated to ongoing learning and achievement.
   
• Essential Experience:
  • Proven experience in managing and developing teams, including handling HR matters such as grievances and performance management.
  • Strong client and stakeholder management skills, both internally and externally.
  • Prior experience in contract catering within the education sector, managing multiple sites, is essential.
  •  A full, clean driving license is required for travel between locations.

• 40 hours per week
• 52 weeks per year
• Competitive salary of £62,000 - £65,000 per annum (OTE up to £74,000 - £76,000 per annum)
• Based in schools across Manchester
• Benefits include - Company Pension, Healthcare, Life Insurance, £650 car allowance, 25 days annual leave plus a day off for your birthday
• Working for a fast-growing, ambitious company. There is no ceiling here in terms of where you can take your career
• A dedicated L&D team to support you in developing your skills including apprenticeships and training courses that are available for everyone.

Why join us?

As one of the UK's fastest-growing independent businesses you'll be joining a company where people are at the core and the opportunity to develop your career is endless. Our client offers fantastic learning and development programmes and the ability to gain qualifications whilst supporting you all the way

They understand that the health and well-being of their employees is vital so as well as a competitive salary and car allowance, 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 a Recruitment Agency.