Regional Operations Manager

Operations Manager

M5 Corridor, between Taunton/Bristol

up to 53K plus Car Allowance

Contract Catering

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to join a well-established education contract catering provider. This role will take overall responsibility for a portfolio of sites across South West England, along the M5 corridor, driving performance, standards, and client satisfaction across the region. Based near Bristol, the position offers a salary of up to £53,000 plus car allowance.

About the Role

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a dynamic and commercially minded professional who can lead from the front. You will oversee multiple sites, ensuring consistency in service delivery while maintaining the highest standards in food quality, presentation, and customer experience.

The successful candidate will have a strong track record in managing change, including team development, contract mobilisation, and new site openings. You will be confident in building high-performing teams, embedding a positive culture, and delivering operational excellence in a fast-paced environment. Previous area or regional management experience within the education catering sector is highly desirable.

A keen eye for detail and a genuine understanding of what “excellent” looks like in both food and service will be essential. You will be well-presented, composed under pressure, and able to balance the needs of clients, customers, and internal stakeholders effectively.

Financial accountability sits at the core of this role. You will be responsible for managing budgets, driving profitability, and identifying opportunities for growth, all while consistently exceeding client expectations.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience within contract catering, ideally within the education sector
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and retain teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with clients and stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience in contract mobilisation and managing change
• Commercially and financially astute, with a solid understanding of budgets and performance metrics
• Passionate about food, service, and delivering exceptional standards
• Proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused with a ‘can do’ attitude
• Confident in using IT systems and reporting tools
• A credible and professional leader with the presence and gravitas to influence at all levels

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Operations Manager looking to make a real impact within a growing and reputable business.

Kellan Group (including all of our brands, Berkeley Scott and Xpress Recruitment) are committed to promoting equal opportunities to people regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, race, sexuality or disability. We operate as an employment agency and employment business. You'll find a wide selection of vacancies on our websites