Operations Manager - Food

Make Your Mark on a Major New Contract

ISS is seeking an experienced Food Operations Manager to join our Education team and play a pivotal role in the mobilisation and delivery of a significant new contract

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of school catering across 75 primary schools throughout West Sussex. You'll have the autonomy to influence service delivery, develop high-performing teams and drive exceptional outcomes for our customers, while helping improve the food experience and wellbeing of thousands of children every day.

The Role

As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for leading a large and geographically diverse school catering operation. Managing a team of Area Managers, you'll ensure services are safe, compliant, commercially successful and consistently delivered to the highest standards.

You'll spend time building strong relationships with schools, stakeholders and client representatives, while providing leadership and support to your teams to achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

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• Lead the day-to-day operation of multiple school catering locations.
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• Ensure food services are delivered safely, consistently and to agreed quality standards.
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• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and service excellence.
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• Manage budgets, KPIs and overall Profit & Loss performance.
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• Deliver contractual commitments and business objectives.
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• Develop account plans and contingency measures to maximise performance.
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• Lead, coach and develop a team of 4-8 Area Managers.
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• Lead regular client meetings and manage stakeholder expectations.
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About You

We're looking for a commercially minded, people-focused leader with a passion for education catering and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Essential experience:

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• Minimum two years' experience as an Area Manager or equivalent leadership role.
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• Proven multi-site management experience.
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• Strong background within catering, food service or hospitality operations.
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• Previous education catering experience is essential.
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• Experience managing budgets and Profit & Loss accounts.
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• Strong leadership and people management skills.
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• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management abilities.
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• Commercially aware with a track record of delivering operational results.
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• Full UK driving licence.
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Additional Information

This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

The Company

ISS is a global leader in workplace and facilities management, helping organisations create environments where people and businesses can thrive. We partner with clients across sectors—from healthcare to finance—to deliver smart, sustainable solutions that improve everyday experiences.

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to diversity, wellbeing, and supporting the Armed Forces community.

As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you require any adjustments, please contact our Resourcing Team—we’ll be happy to support you.

Join ISS and be part of something bigger.