Operations Manager

Job Description We are looking for a strong people leader who can plan, organise, direct and lead teams and resources to meet company targets and budgets. You will think ahead, drive continuous improvement, and ensure the professional image of the company is reflected at all times through service quality, compliance, and stakeholder relationships. Key Responsibilities Manage day-to-day operations across school locations to ensure safe and consistent food service delivery. Deliver and exceed budgets and KPIs through effective leadership and performance management. Set, maintain, and uphold operational standards that reflect the professional image of the company. Take full ownership of health, safety, and food safety, embedding a strong safety culture across teams. Ensure compliance with food policies, including cultural, religious, ethnic, allergy, and special diet requirements. Build and maintain positive, effective relationships with clients, students, suppliers, and internal teams. Manage contractual obligations, ensuring full adherence to tender proposals and agreements. Lead succession planning, supporting progression while ensuring continuity in key roles. Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications Level 3 (or above) Food Safety Certificate and Intermediate Health & Safety qualification. Experience at Area Manager level in the food or hospitality sector, ideally with school catering and multi-site management. Proven experience managing a full Profit & Loss account. Excellent presentation and communication skills. Ability to work under pressure, using initiative to solve problems effectively. Demonstrated ability to manage, lead and motivate teams. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Solid financial and commercial acumen. The Company ISS is a world-leading workplace and facility management company, connecting people and places to make the world work better. Working with customers day by day, side by side, we understand every aspect of the user experience. Through a unique combination of intelligent solutions, high standards and people who care, to help our customers achieve their purpose, whether it’s hospitals healing patients, businesses producing the next great innovation, or airports bringing passengers home to their families. ISS is committed to doing business the right way, taking its corporate responsibility very seriously. Our passion is people. We offer you a challenging and exciting career in an organisation with people at its heart. In ISS, everyone has the opportunity to develop, grow and make a difference. #Becomewhoyouwant, #Bepartofsomethingbigger, #aplacetobeyou, #facilitiesmanagement ISS is proud to be a diverse and inclusive employer. ISS welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin and caste), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background. We are proud to be a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holder and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, recognising our commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and military families. Through our Joint Forces Programme, we provide mentoring and support to members of the Armed Forces community and their spouses as they transition into civilian careers. We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 2) employer, proudly supporting and promoting inclusive hiring practices in line with the UK government’s Disability Confident scheme. Our passion for inclusivity and diversity makes ISS a more creative, productive and happy place to work….