Senior Operations Manager
Location: Field-based across the region (Head Office: Mundells, Welwyn Garden City)
Salary Range: £42,117 - £47,357 per Annum (DOE)
Salary Grade: M1
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Reports to: Regional Operations Manager
Lead High-Quality Operational Delivery Across a Multi-Site Catering Portfolio
Are you an experienced multi-site operations leader who thrives on delivering exceptional food, service and safety standards? HCL is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of primary and secondary school contracts, leading Operations Managers and ensuring schools receive high-quality, nutritious and engaging food experiences.
What Youll Lead
Operational performance across a large multi-site portfolio, ensuring consistent food, service and safety standards.
A team of Operations Managers and mobile workforce, providing coaching, development and performance oversight.
Strategic relationships with clients, acting as a senior escalation point for service reviews and queries.
Commercial performance, including food and labour cost control and contract retention.
Mobilisation of new contracts, ensuring full operational readiness and compliance.
Digital adoption across sites, ensuring accurate reporting and effective use of company systems.
What Youll Bring
Experience leading multi-site operations in education or contract catering.
Strong commercial acumen including pricing, contract variations and budgeting.
Ability to build senior client relationships and deliver solutions that balance value and sustainability.
Proven people leadership with experience developing managers and chefs.
Knowledge of Food Safety, Health & Safety, safeguarding and compliance requirements.
A proactive, organised and resilient approach in a fast-paced environment.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel widely across the region.
Why Join HCL?
Competitive salary
Generous holiday entitlement
Good pension scheme
Life assurance & Employee Assistance Programme
A values-driven organisation committed to quality, innovation and community
Strong focus on personal development and leadership growth
Apply Now
If youre a forward-thinking operational leader who enjoys driving performance, inspiring teams and delivering outstanding customer outcomes, wed love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 08/02/2026
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