Operations Manager
Location: No Fixed Place of Work – Midlands and North EnglandDays/Shift Pattern: Monday to FridayTotal Hours Per Week: 40 HoursSalary: Competitive per annum plus £1,300 flexible benefit fund and a company car
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Operations Manager to lead and inspire operational excellence across KEVIAT Schools within a defined geographical region. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for contract performance, client relationships, financial delivery and people leadership across a diverse, multi‑site schools portfolio.
Reporting to the Operations Director, you will play a pivotal role in driving growth, retention and service excellence, while ensuring the highest standards of compliance, safety and child protection. You will lead, coach and develop a team of Operations Managers, acting as a trusted partner to Clients and a strategic contributor to the wider business.
This role is ideal for a confident operational leader with strong commercial acumen, a track record of managing complex, multi‑site environments and a passion for building high‑performing teams in a regulated, people‑focused setting. Regular travel across the region is an essential part of the role.
What you’ll do
- Own the commercial relationship with Clients, leading contract negotiations with a strategic focus on growth and retention.
- Accountable for the commercial performance across all relevant sites; managing the billing and budgets, driving labour, food and other cost control.
- Assign and manage budgets for the mobile workforce and agency workers.
- Create and own plans to ensure the region achieves operational and commercial targets.
- Act as an escalation point for Operations Managers with regards to any identified issues and risks in the business.
- Monitor and measure the performance of Operations Managers, ensure a high focus on employee safety and positive client relations. Conducting performance reviews as appropriate and in line with Company policy.
- Periodically review site action plans with the relevant Operations Manager to ensure delivery of change or improvement.
- Deliver comprehensive talent, succession and development plans for all key roles within the business area.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven presentation and negotiation skills in both sales and client facing environments
- Strong commercial acumen and financial management in a multi‑site operational context
- Professional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt style to either internal or external audience
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all key stakeholders
- Organised and efficient ways of working
- Identify and provide effective solutions to issues and challenges
- Ability to lead and use initiative
- Driven to achieve results and exceed expectations
- Innovation and forward thinking
- Proven experience in leadership and people management
- Owns a full, valid UK driving licence
What We Offer
- A competitive salary & excellent benefits package.
- Opportunities for career growth and development.
- A diverse, supportive, and inclusive workplace.
Additional Perks & Benefits
- Unlimited access to an online mental health and wellbeing support platform.
- An Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.
- 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
- Exclusive discounts for you, your family, and friends through the Sodexo Discounts Scheme.
- Membership in the Mercer Aspire Pension Plan to help you save for your future.
- Learning and development opportunities to enhance your career growth.
- A Bike to Work Scheme, supporting both your fitness and the environment.
Sodexo and our Clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and / or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).
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