Contract Manager – Metropolitan Police, LondonESS, a part of Compass Group UK & Ireland
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for delivering exceptional catering services in a high-profile, fast-paced environment?
Do you thrive on managing large-scale operations, developing high-performing teams, and building strong client relationships? If so, we have an exciting opportunity to join ESS, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, as a Contract Manager supporting our prestigious Metropolitan Police contract in London.
About the Role
The Metropolitan Police Service is one of the most recognised public service organisations in the UK, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
As Contract Manager, you will be responsible for leading the delivery of catering services across a portfolio of police sites, ensuring colleagues, officers and staff receive outstanding food and service experiences every day. You'll take ownership of operational performance, financial delivery, client relationships, compliance, and people development while driving continuous improvement across the contract.
This is a highly visible leadership role where no two days are the same.
What You'll Be DoingLead & Deliver
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Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple catering operations.
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Ensure the safe, consistent and efficient delivery of catering services across the contract.
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Drive a culture of service excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.
Inspire & Develop People
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Lead, coach and develop a diverse management and frontline team.
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Create a high-performance culture focused on engagement, wellbeing and development.
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Support succession planning and talent development across the contract.
Build Strong Client Partnerships
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Develop and maintain strong relationships with Metropolitan Police stakeholders.
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Act as the primary point of contact for senior client representatives.
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Ensure client expectations are consistently exceeded.
Drive Commercial Performance
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Manage contract budgets, forecasts and financial reporting.
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Deliver agreed financial targets, KPIs and productivity objectives.
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Identify opportunities for growth, innovation and service enhancement.
Champion Compliance & Safety
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Ensure full compliance with Compass policies and procedures.
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Lead all Health & Safety, Food Safety and environmental compliance activities.
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Maintain excellent audit standards and regulatory compliance across all locations.
Innovate & Improve
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Introduce new ideas, technologies and catering solutions.
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Drive sustainability initiatives and social value outcomes.
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Use data and insight to support operational decision-making and continuous improvement.
Who We're Looking For
Our ideal candidate will have:
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Proven experience managing large-scale catering, hospitality or facilities contracts.
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Strong leadership experience across multi-site operations.
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Excellent commercial acumen with responsibility for budgets and P&L performance.
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A track record of building successful client relationships.
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Experience leading operational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
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Strong knowledge of Health & Safety and Food Safety legislation.
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Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
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The ability to perform effectively within highly regulated environments.
Why Join ESS?
At ESS, we deliver catering, retail and facilities services across defence, government, energy and secure environments throughout the UK.
Join us and you'll benefit from:
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Competitive salary and benefits package
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Contributory pension scheme
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Career development and leadership programmes
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Access to Compass Group's extensive learning and development resources
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Exclusive colleague discounts and wellbeing support
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Opportunity to work within one of the UK's most prestigious public sector contracts
Security Requirements
Due to the nature of this contract, the successful candidate will be required to pass enhanced security clearance and vetting procedures. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to meet all security requirements associated with working within police environments.
Join Us and Make a Difference
At Compass Group UK & Ireland, we're passionate about creating exceptional experiences and delivering critical services that support people, communities and public services every day.
If you're a driven operational leader ready to take on a high-profile contract and make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of catering services across the Metropolitan Police estate.
