Operations Director – North and Midlands

We seek a commercially driven and client-focused Operations Director to lead on the growth of our Healthcare division Caterplus in the North & Midlands area.

Working with the Divisional Director you will create an overarching catering strategy across our care and retirement living client base. Linking into the sales and marketing teams, this strategy will include the creation and development of new service initiatives and food offers

If you are interested in joining our team as part of an expanding and forward-thinking healthcare sector, we would love to hear from you!

You will be responsible for leading your region with a team of operations managers across a combined contract size of up to 18 million turnover, covering the North and Midlands area. Demonstrating excellent people skills and a proven track record of building and maintaining client relationships is essential.

Lead the strategic development of the healthcare business within each area of responsibility.  Reporting to the Divisional Director of Caterplus, this role is responsible for all aspects of the operational performance and contract delivery through a team of Operational, Group and Area Managers across the business.  These roles will ensure the service offered by Caterplus meets and continues to meet client and customer’s needs.

The Operations Director will be required to develop and motivate their own team and ensure that appraisals, training and succession plans are in place, and compatible with strategy and growth plan.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Contribute as part of the senior team to the strategic direction of the division and translate strategy into operational action plans to improve both operational and financial performance.
• Fully understand the terms, conditions, and standards of our existing contracts and ensure these are delivered by visiting every contract regularly and ‘experiencing; all aspects of the Company’s service provision.
• Maintain regular, close contact with the Client (and other key influencers), reviewing their needs and agreeing on future short and long-term expectations.
• Manage, motivate, and develop all Managers, and key unit-based staff.  Communicate with them on a regular basis and plan forward activities.
• Be aware of the challenges Operations/Group/Unit Managers may experience and assist them in arriving at acceptable and innovative solutions.
• Hold monthly review meetings with direct reports to monitor business activity and financial performance, and anticipate future business requirements and demands on divisional resources. 
• Monitor financial information and forecasting, to ensure divisional performance targets are achieved.
• Oversee management of debt and cash flow
• Review the site ‘Customer Journeys’ and the services and taste the food.  Action plans are to be produced and reviewed at regional meetings for presentation at monthly accounts.
• Encourage the operations Team to involve unit staff in identifying any new business opportunities.
• Assist the Sales Director and Business Development Team, as required, to obtain new business.
• Carry out various tasks from time to time as specified by the Divisional Director.
• Attend and/or host client entertainment as required.
• Ensure safety and security of all Company assets.

 DBS clearance will be required for this role

The experience and knowledge we are looking for from the future Operations Director include:

• Leadership: Proven track record in leading strategic development within healthcare, translating vision into actionable plans.
• Team Management: Skilled in motivating teams for operational excellence, nurturing talent, and aligning with growth objectives.
• Client Relationships: Extensive experience in building and maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring service delivery alignment.
• Operational Excellence: Strong grasp of contract terms, innovative problem-solving for meeting goals.
• Financial Management: Expertise in monitoring financial performance, forecasting, and achieving targets.
• Communication: Effective liaison with clients, stakeholders, and teams, facilitating collaboration.
• Business Development: Collaborative support for sales initiatives, identifying and securing new contracts.
• Quality Assurance: Diligent in maintaining quality standards, driving continuous improvement.
• Safety Compliance: Ensuring asset protection and safety regulations adherence.
• Client Representation: Professional representation at client events, fostering positive relationships.

At Elior, we strive to ensure that our colleagues feel appreciated & rewarded, which is why we offer generous rewards & benefits in exchange for your dedicated efforts.

We offer a salary of £65,000 plus 15% KPI performance-related bonus and company car

FREE On-Site Lunches: Enjoy complimentary lunches, saving you time & money while ensuring you stay nourished & energised throughout the day.

Support Your Way of Life:

• Flexible Working: We offer full-time & part-time roles, with varying shift patterns across the business. Allowing colleagues the flexibility to balance their personal & professional commitments
• Holiday Allowance: Relax & recharge with 33 days of holiday (including bank holidays)
• Additional Holiday Purchase Option: Customise your time off by purchasing extra holidays
• Family Leave: Prioritise family commitments with flexible leave options
• Paid Charity Leave: Make a positive impact with two additional paid days for charity work
• Health Care - Immediate Family Cover

Big Enough for Growth, Small Enough to Connect:

• Opportunities for career progression while developing a close-knit community

Supporting You Through Life’s Ups & Downs:

• Access mental health support & comprehensive wellbeing benefits

Keeping Finances & Wellbeing in Mind:

• Life assurance, workplace pension schemes, discounts, cashback, entertainment, leisure discounts, & a cycle to work scheme

Elior is a multi-award-winning people business and one of the UK’s leading contract caterers, with over 10,000 colleagues operating across a diverse range of sectors including:

• Workplaces & Office Space
• Sporting Venues & Stadiums
• Attraction & Heritage Sites
• Public Sector & Defence
• Health, Care & Hospitals
• Schools, Colleges & Universities

Along with our purpose of enriching lives everywhere, every day, we’re committed to an inclusive culture and want our people to feel appreciated, supported, and fulfilled.

That’s why 85% of colleagues tell us how proud they are to work for us!