Head of Operations

Great food in the workplace isn’t simply about fuel. It’s about increasing productivity and improving performance; it’s about happy motivated people and inspiring environments. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do – we live to bring food and people together.

We are brave, bold and curious adventurers in food and drink. Never shy of being different, always challenging the conventional. Our passionate team of chefs, baristas, servers, nutritionists and much more, love nothing more than creating memorable moments that enrich the everyday. Come and join our award-winning teams – We are looking for an Head of Operations to join our team in South/Home Counties areas.

Location: Hybrid role covering South/Home Counties.

Salary: £75,000 per annum

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver high standards of food and service across all sites

Ensure SOPs are in place and consistently followed

Review performance and implement improvements

Drive innovation through menu development and pop-ups

Build strong client relationships across all sites

Act as escalation point for feedback and resolve issues

Lead regular client review meetings

Gather feedback to improve service and offer

Set and manage site budgets with Ops leads

Ensure financial targets are met and address gaps

Support teams with cost control, purchasing and waste reduction

Produce and present financial reports

Support new business opportunities

Represent CH&CO in presentations when needed

Recruit and develop General Managers and senior teams

Support performance management and appraisals

Coach site teams and support HR processes

Identify and develop talent across sites

Ensure full compliance with H&S, HACCP and COSHH

Maintain safe, clean environments across all sites

Report and address any risks or issues promptly

Provide cover during absences where needed

Support ongoing training and personal development

What We’re Looking For:

Previous experience as a Group, Operations or Support Manager within contract catering or events

Level 5 Operations Management Apprenticeship (or similar) preferred

Strong focus on delivering excellent customer service across multiple sites

Confident building client relationships and driving service improvements

Able to make decisions with both client and business needs in mind

Experience structuring and leading teams to meet operational demands

Commercially aware, with the ability to support retention and growth

Good understanding of the contract catering/events industry

Able to turn business strategy into clear, workable plans

Comfortable using systems and following company processes

Sees the bigger picture and understands business impact

What's in it for you?

Working with Gather and Gather has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

Personal Development and Training opportunities

Life assurance scheme

Pension scheme

Holiday allowance

Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion

Eye care

A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance

Family friendly support

Regular social events and communication with our leaders

A holiday purchase scheme

Volunteering days

Professional subscriptions

Recognition schemes and people awards

Long service awards

Access to some great high street discount vouchers