Operations Director

Operations Director Location

National / Mobile Role

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
• 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 YouWe’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

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.