Regional Operations Director – Education Catering – Kent and East and West Sussex

Salary: £90,000 – £100,000 + Benefits

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Director to join a well-established contract catering company with a strong reputation for delivering fresh food-led services in the education sector.

We seek a dynamic leader to drive operational excellence, lead a team of Operations Managers, and maintain outstanding client retention across a large portfolio of state schools.

The Role

As Operations Director, you will work closely with the Managing Director.  You will lead a team a large team of Operations Managers, ensuring high standards, team development, and strategic growth across 120+ schools in, South East London, East and West Sussex and Kent.

Key Responsibilities for the Director:

• Lead and develop a team of Operations Managers, ensuring a high-performing, motivated team.
• Foster strong relationships with clients to maintain long-term retention and satisfaction.
• Take a strategic approach to operations, focusing on business growth and innovation.
• Drive financial performance with a strong commercial focus.
• Be able to control over 100 P&Ls

The Ideal Director:

• Experienced at the Operations Director level (or a highly established Senior Operator) within the catering sector a must.
• A strategic thinker with a track record of delivering operational excellence.
• Client-focused, with the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships.
• A motivational leader with experience managing and developing multi-site teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to drive financial performance.

You will play a key role in shaping the future of education catering while leading a high-performing team.

 Location: Ideally based in South East London, Sussex or Kent to ensure effective regional coverage.

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