Overview
Food Operations Manager
Location: Northampton, NN4 7SG
Hours of work: 40 (Monday - Friday)
Contract Type: Permanent
Our client, a leading provider of facilities services in the UK, is seeking a new Food Operations Manager.
We are looking for a skilled and proactive Food Operations Manager to lead the management of all food and beverage services across the Northampton Campus.
This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on operational management, ensuring that colleagues enjoy a high-quality dining experience while meeting the clients’ standards for safety, sustainability, and wellbeing.
Job Description
The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, managing vendor partnerships, and continuously enhancing the food service offering. You will play a key role in shaping a vibrant, engaging, and efficient food environment that aligns with our corporate values and campus objectives.
In this role, you will be responsible for both the strategic direction and day-to-day management of food operations. You will ensure compliance with food safety regulations, monitor performance metrics, manage budgets, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Your leadership will help shape a safe, engaging, and sustainable dining environment that enhances the overall campus experience.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage day-to-day food operations across staff restaurants, cafés, vending, hospitality, and event catering.
* Ensure seamless service delivery with internal teams and third-party vendors.
* Act as the main point of contact for catering providers and manage contractual compliance.
* Monitor and maintain food safety and hygiene standards, including allergen management and audits.
* Oversee budgets, cost control, and procurement of food-related supplies and equipment.
* Lead initiatives to enhance the colleague dining experience through innovation and feedback.
* Collaborate with Workplace Experience, Health & Safety, and Sustainability teams to support wellbeing and environmental goals.
* Track performance through KPIs, SLAs, and customer satisfaction metrics, taking action to drive continuous improvement.
Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications
* Proven experience in managing food operations in a large-scale corporate, hospitality, or campus environment.
* Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and quality assurance systems (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).
* Excellent stakeholder management and vendor negotiation skills.
* Financial acumen with experience managing large budgets and contracts.
* Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
* Passion for sustainability, innovation, and customer experience.
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