Overview

Salary: Competitive Salary

Shift hours: Full Time

Operations Director 

Location: National / Mobile Role
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Company Car / Allowance + Benefits
Sector: Contract Catering

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Operations Director to lead and develop a high-performing portfolio of mobile catering contracts across the UK & Ireland.

This is a high-impact, mobile leadership role, responsible for driving operational excellence, commercial performance, and client satisfaction across a diverse, multi-site catering portfolio. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, regional teams, and support functions to deliver industry-leading food service solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership

    • Lead, inspire, and develop a team of Regional/Operations Managers across multiple locations
    • Translate business strategy into operational delivery plans that drive growth and performance
    • Champion innovation and continuous improvement across all sites

  • Operational Excellence

    • Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality catering services across all contracts
    • Drive compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards
    • Embed best practice and operational consistency across the portfolio

  • Commercial Performance

    • Own full P&L accountability for your region, delivering on revenue, margin, and cost targets
    • Identify and implement opportunities for growth, retention, and efficiency
    • Lead contract reviews, renewals, and client negotiations

  • Client & Stakeholder Engagement

    • Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders
    • Act as a senior point of contact for escalations and strategic discussions
    • Ensure service excellence and high client satisfaction scores

  • People Leadership

    • Develop high-performing, engaged teams with a strong focus on talent and succession planning
    • Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning
    • Lead on employee engagement, retention, and development initiatives

About You

We’re looking for a driven and commercially astute leader with a proven track record in contract catering or hospitality operations.

Essential Experience & Skills

  • Senior multi-site leadership experience within catering, hospitality, or foodservice
  • Strong commercial acumen with full P&L responsibility
  • Demonstrated success in leading large, geographically dispersed teams
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and client relationship skills
  • Strong understanding of food safety, compliance, and operational standards
  • Experience driving change, transformation, and growth across complex portfolios

Personal Attributes

  • Highly adaptable and comfortable working in a mobile, fast-paced environment
  • Inspirational leader with a passion for developing people
  • Results-driven with a strong focus on delivery and accountability
  • Strategic thinker with hands-on operational credibility

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
  • Company car or car allowance
  • Private healthcare and pension scheme
  • Access to a range of Compass benefits and wellbeing programmes
  • Career development opportunities within a global organisation

Why Join Compass Group UK & Ireland?

At Compass, we’re redefining the future of foodservice. As a global leader, we combine innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence to deliver outstanding experiences for our clients and customers every day.

Join us and be part of a business where your leadership will shape the future of catering across the UK & Ireland.

Reference: compass/TP/308146/222429

Location: West Midalnds

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