Elior – A Workplace That Works for You
We’re hiring for an experienced Operations Manager to join our Education division, overseeing a high-performing portfolio across Oxford, Swindon, Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on variety, enjoys building strong teams, and is passionate about delivering great food and service in an education setting. You’ll play a key role in shaping performance across multiple sites by supporting, coaching and empowering your teams to consistently deliver high standards for our clients and customers.
What you’ll be doing…
As an Operations Manager, you’ll take ownership of a portfolio of sites, leading from the front to deliver operational excellence and sustainable growth.
- Leading, motivating and developing Site Managers and their teams across multiple locations
- Taking full ownership of financial performance, managing budgets and identifying opportunities for growth
- Building strong, trusted relationships with clients, ensuring we consistently deliver on expectations and retain business
- Driving high standards across service, food quality and customer experience
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding, training and ongoing development of Site Managers
- Ensuring effective communication across your sites, creating engaged and aligned teams
- Producing clear management reporting and using insight to drive decision-making
- Leading the mobilisation and demobilisation of contracts, working closely with central support teams
- Encouraging innovation, including fresh thinking around menu development and service delivery
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | Field-based role with regular travel across your region
Job ID: 6734
What can you bring?
We’re looking for someone who combines operational expertise with strong people leadership and commercial awareness:
- Proven experience managing multiple sites and teams within a contract catering environment
- A genuine passion for customer service excellence and delivering high-quality experiences
- Confident communicator, able to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders
- A natural leader who can inspire, coach and develop teams across dispersed locations
- Strong financial awareness with experience managing budgets and driving performance
- Well-organised, with the ability to balance competing priorities across a large geographical area
- Experience within education contract catering is highly desirable
Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:
- Free, tasty meals – Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working – including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind – generous holiday allowance of 33 days, with the option to buy more.
- Leave for life’s important moments – whether family, personal or unexpected.
- Give back time – paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow – career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Wellbeing first – mental health support and wellbeing perks.
- Financial security – pension schemes and life assurance.
- Drive in Style – Enjoy a company car or car allowance
One small thing— we welcome you to apply using the name you feel most comfortable with! No need for legal names at this stage.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day.
And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.
Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you’re passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!
We Celebrate You!
At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!
Ready to join us? Hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s chat!
