Education Catering Operations Director | Job in Hammersmith And Fulham

The Education Catering Operations Director role is a pivotal position within our organization, responsible for leading the strategic planning and operational execution of education catering services across London and its surrounding regions. This role requires an experienced, dynamic, and visionary leader with a deep understanding of the educational sector and a proven track record in delivering outstanding catering solutions. In this role, you will work collaboratively with our senior management team to shape and implement our strategic vision for education catering services, ensuring we consistently exceed the expectations of our valued clients - schools, colleges, and other educational institutions. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our operations, from menu development and supply chain management to staff training and customer service. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing strategic plans for education catering services, aligning them with the organization's overall objectives
• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the education catering business, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability
• Managing relationships with key stakeholders, including schools, colleges, local authorities, and suppliers
• Ensuring the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and nutrition in all our services
• Leading and motivating a team of professionals to deliver exceptional catering services that meet the unique needs of each educational institution The successful candidate will possess:
• Extensive experience in education catering operations management
• A proven ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders
• A deep understanding of food safety regulations and industry best practices
• Strong strategic planning and financial management skills
• A passion for exceptional food and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced professional to make a significant impact on the education catering landscape in London. If you are ready to take your career to the next level we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your current CV and a covering letter detailing how your experience and skills align with the role requirements.

Skill Requirements

*Strategic Leadership

• : Ability to develop and implement strategic plans for the education catering operations, aligning them with the organization's goals and values.

• *Operational Management

• : Proven experience in managing complex operational processes within the food service industry, particularly in an educational setting.

• *Financial Acumen

• : Strong understanding of financial management principles, including budgeting, cost control, and revenue optimization. Experience with large-scale catering operations is preferred.

• *Regulatory Compliance

• : Knowledge of relevant UK food safety regulations and standards, as well as the ability to ensure compliance across all operational sites.

• *Stakeholder Management

• : Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including education institutions, suppliers, and local authorities.

• *Innovation & Technology

• : Familiarity with modern catering technologies and trends with a focus on sustainability and efficiency improvements.

• *People Management

• : Experience in leading and developing a large team with a focus on promoting a positive work culture and fostering professional growth.

• *Nutritional Knowledge

• : Understanding of nutritional requirements for school-aged children with the ability to develop balanced and appealing menus.

• *Sustainability Initiatives

• : Experience in implementing sustainable practices within catering operations, such as waste management strategies and local sourcing.

• *Project Management

• : Proficiency in project management methodologies with a track record of delivering projects on time and to budget.

• *Culinary Expertise

• : Background in culinary arts or related field with a passion for food and service excellence.

• *Communication Skills

• : Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, strong leader, and effective communicator with a proven track record in managing large-scale catering operations within an educational setting. A passion for food and service excellence, combined with a commitment to sustainability and innovation, is essential.

Who We Are Looking For

We are a forward-thinking and dynamic educational institution based in London, committed to providing an exceptional learning experience for students from diverse backgrounds. As part of our ongoing growth and development we are seeking an experienced Education Catering Operations Director to join our dedicated team. The Education Catering Operations Director will lead and manage all aspects of the catering operations within our educational institution, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of our diverse student population. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in catering management a deep understanding of nutrition, and excellent leadership skills.

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the catering operations, aligning with the overall mission and values of the institution.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, including food preparation, service, and hygiene.
• Manage a team of culinary professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback to ensure continued growth and development.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including school administrators, teachers, and students, to understand dietary needs and preferences and adapt menus accordingly.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and safe environment for staff and students.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local suppliers to source high-quality, fresh ingredients.
• Oversee the budgeting process, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality.
• Continuously innovate and improve catering offerings to align with evolving student tastes and dietary trends.
• Implement sustainable practices within the catering operations, promoting a responsible approach to food waste and energy consumption.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop engaging promotional materials for catering services.
• Proven experience in a similar role within educational catering or hospitality industry.
• Strong leadership abilities with the ability to motivate and manage a team effectively.
• Excellent understanding of nutrition and dietary requirements.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A creative mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Passion for sustainability and responsible food practices.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, as required. If you are an innovative, dedicated professional seeking a rewarding role in education catering we would love to hear from you. Join our team and make a significant impact on the future of our students. Apply today!

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in joining our dynamic and forward-thinking team as the Education Catering Operations Director. We are seeking a passionate, experienced professional who will lead our education catering operations to provide high-quality food services that nurture the minds and bodies of students across London.

*Qualifications: *

• Proven experience in managing large-scale catering operations within the education sector
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team
• Excellent understanding of nutrition, hygiene, and food safety regulations relevant to the education sector
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong financial management abilities, including budgeting and cost control
• Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement

*Application Process: *

• *Initial Screening:

Our recruitment team will review your application to ensure you meet the qualifications for the role. If selected, you will be invited for an initial phone or video interview.

• *Interviews:

Successful candidates will be invited to attend one or more in-person interviews with our senior management team. This may include a practical assessment of your catering operations expertise.

• *Reference Checks:

If you are offered the role we will conduct reference checks to verify your qualifications and work history.

• *Job Offer:

Once all stages have been completed we will extend a job offer to the successful candidate. We look forward to receiving your application! Our team values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know at the time of application.

Equal Opportunity

*Equal Opportunity *

Our organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class under applicable law. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances our organization's ability to learn from each other's unique perspectives and experiences, which in turn fosters creativity, innovation, and mutual understanding among our team members. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, ensuring that all individuals are given the opportunity to realize their potential. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe that a diverse workforce contributes to our success and strengthens our ability to serve the communities in which we operate. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected class in our hiring practices, and we will make reasonable accommodations during the application process for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request. In line with our equal employment opportunity commitment, our organization prohibits retaliation against applicants who file a complaint alleging discrimination or who participate in an investigation regarding the filing of such a complaint. Any employee found to have engaged in such retaliatory conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage all applicants to apply for positions with our organization without fear of discrimination. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning more about the diverse talents you can bring to our team.

Position Details

Position Details: Education Catering Operations Director

*Job Title: *

Education Catering Operations Director

*Location: *

London, United Kingdom

*Sector: *

Education and Food Services

*Type: *

Full-Time

*Experience Required: *

Minimum of 10 years in senior operations roles within the catering or food service industry, preferably within an educational setting.

*Responsibilities: *

• Oversee all aspects of our organisation's education catering operations, ensuring high-quality, nutritious meals are served to students across our schools.
• Lead a team of catering managers and staff, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure operational excellence.
• Develop and implement strategies for cost control, efficiency improvements, and waste reduction within the catering operations.
• Collaborate with school leadership teams to understand specific dietary needs and preferences, and adapt menus accordingly.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, as well as food hygiene standards.
• Work closely with procurement and supply chain teams to negotiate competitive pricing for ingredients and supplies.
• Monitor performance metrics, identify trends, and implement corrective actions where necessary to maintain high standards of service.
• Stay abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends in education catering, seeking opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Represent the organisation at relevant industry events, networking opportunities, and stakeholder meetings as required.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation by providing insights from your area of responsibility and collaborating on cross-functional projects.

*Qualifications: *

• Proven leadership experience in a similar role, ideally within an educational setting.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with team members, school leaders, and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions based on insights gained.
• A strategic thinker with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Food Science, Nutrition, Business Management) is desirable but not essential.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., HACCP, CIEH) are advantageous. Join our team and make a meaningful impact on the education of thousands of students by ensuring they receive nutritious, delicious meals every day! We look forward to receiving your application.

Organization Info

Organization Info We are a leading education catering provider in London, committed to delivering high-quality meals and exceptional service to schools across the city. Our mission is to nourish the minds of tomorrow by providing nutritious, delicious, and sustainable food options. We believe that every school day should start with a meal that fuels learning, encourages growth, and brings joy. As our Education Catering Operations Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our education catering services, ensuring seamless delivery of meals to our schools. You will lead a dedicated team in delivering exceptional service, managing budgets, and implementing strategies that align with our mission.

• Lead the education catering team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship
• Develop and implement operational strategies for efficient and effective food delivery
• Manage budgets and financial resources to ensure cost-effective operations
• Collaborate with schools to understand their specific needs and tailor our services accordingly
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and safe environment for staff and students
• Monitor food quality and safety standards, implementing corrective actions where necessary
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent supply of high-quality ingredients
• Continuously seek ways to improve our services, incorporating feedback from schools and staff
• Proven experience in a similar role within the education catering sector
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing teams
• Financial acumen with experience in budget management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships
• A passion for food and a commitment to sustainability and healthy eating
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in the catering industry
• A flexible approach to work with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances Join our team and make a difference in the lives of students across London. Help us shape the future one meal at a time.