Head Of Food Operations

Head of Food OperationsAddenbrooke's Hospital, CambridgeFull-time | Senior Leadership RoleAbout the RoleWe are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Food Services to lead and elevate food operations within our soft FM contract at Addenbrooke's Hospital .This is a high-impact leadership role where you will drive excellence in service delivery, innovation, compliance, and customer experience across a large-scale healthcare environment. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team , you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, delivering commercial performance, and creating a high-performing, engaged team culture.About the ContractOur Addenbrooke's Hospital contract is a flagship healthcare operation, delivering a wide range of services including cleaning, portering, patient feeding, and retail.Serving a major teaching hospital with a large and diverse patient population, this is a complex, fast-paced and rewarding environment where high standards and innovation are essential.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipDevelop and deliver the food service strategy in line with business and client objectivesDrive innovation across food delivery, sustainability, and customer experienceLead continuous improvement initiatives across all food servicesOperational ExcellenceOversee day-to-day food operations, ensuring high standards in quality, hygiene, and safetyMonitor KPIs and SLAs, driving performance and minimising deductionsEnsure compliance with HACCP, Food Safety Act, and all relevant legislationMaintain brand standards and contractual obligationsLeadership & PeopleLead, coach, and develop a team of managers to create a high-performance cultureDrive engagement, wellbeing, and inclusion across the workforceEnsure effective performance management and succession planningPromote a customer-first mindset across patient, visitor, and retail servicesClient & Stakeholder EngagementAct as the senior point of contact for all food servicesBuild strong, collaborative relationships with the clientDeliver an exceptional customer experience aligned to client valuesLead service improvement initiatives to enhance satisfaction and retentionFinancial & CommercialManage budgets, forecasts, and cost controls to ensure profitabilityIdentify growth opportunities and operational efficienciesUnderstand and manage contract risks and commercial obligationsHealth & SafetyChampion a zero-harm culture and safe systems of workEnsure all teams are trained, equipped, and supported to work safelySustainability & InnovationLead sustainable practices including waste reduction and responsible sourcingStay ahead of industry trends and introduce innovative solutionsAbout YouWe're looking for a confident and inspiring leader who thrives in a fast-paced healthcare environment.Key Experience & SkillsMinimum 3+ years in operational management , including 1+ year in food service leadershipProven experience managing large, diverse teams and developing managersStrong commercial and financial acumen with P&L responsibilityDeep understanding of food safety, compliance, and service standardsExcellent stakeholder management and communication skillsPassion for food, innovation, and delivering exceptional customer experiencesStrong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver resultsLeadership AttributesCurious - Innovative, solution-focused, and forward-thinkingConfident - Sets clear standards, develops others, and delivers resultsCourageous - Leads with integrity, challenges constructively, and drives positive changeWhy Join Us?Be part of a flagship healthcare contract with real impactLead a large and diverse team in a meaningful environmentShape the future of food services in a major NHS hospitalOpportunities for career growth and developmentTPBN1_UKTJ