Compass Group
Operations Director
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Location: National / Mobile
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Company Car / Allowance + Benefits
Sector: Contract Catering
About The Role
We are seeking an exceptional Operations Director to lead and develop a high-performing portfolio of mobile catering contracts across the UK & Ireland.
This is a high-impact, mobile leadership role, responsible for driving operational excellence, commercial performance, and client satisfaction across a diverse, multi-site catering portfolio. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, regional teams, and support functions to deliver industry-leading food service solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead, inspire, and develop a team of Regional/Operations Managers across multiple locations
- Translate business strategy into operational delivery plans that drive growth and performance
- Champion innovation and continuous improvement across all sites
Operational Excellence
- Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality catering services across all contracts
- Drive compliance with food safety, health & safety, and company standards
- Embed best practice and operational consistency across the portfolio
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Commercial Performance
- Own full P&L accountability for your region, delivering on revenue, margin, and cost targets
- Identify and implement opportunities for growth, retention, and efficiency
- Lead contract reviews, renewals, and client negotiations
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders
- Act as a senior point of contact for escalations and strategic discussions
- Ensure service excellence and high client satisfaction scores
People Leadership
- Develop high-performing, engaged teams with a strong focus on talent and succession planning
- Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning
- Lead on employee engagement, retention, and development initiatives
About You
We’re looking for a driven and commercially astute leader with a proven track record in contract catering or hospitality operations.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Senior multi-site leadership experience within catering, hospitality, or foodservice
- Strong commercial acumen with full P&L responsibility
- Demonstrated success in leading large, geographically dispersed teams
- Exceptional stakeholder management and client relationship skills
- Strong understanding of food safety, compliance, and operational standards
- Experience driving change, transformation, and growth across complex portfolios
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Personal Attributes
- Highly adaptable and comfortable working in a mobile, fast-paced environment
- Inspirational leader with a passion for developing people
- Results-driven with a strong focus on delivery and accountability
- Strategic thinker with hands-on operational credibility
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and performance-related bonus
- Company car or car allowance
- Private healthcare and pension scheme
- Access to a range of Compass benefits and wellbeing programmes
- Career development opportunities within a global organisation
Why Join Compass Group UK & Ireland?
At Compass, we’re redefining the future of foodservice. As a global leader, we combine innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence to deliver outstanding experiences for our clients and customers every day.
Join us and be part of a business where your leadership will shape the future of catering across the UK & Ireland.
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