Lead a £12 million retail operation that makes a difference every day.
We're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead our retail operations across eight hospital sites in the South Region, overseeing a £12 million turnover business. This is an exciting opportunity to manage a diverse portfolio of staff and visitor restaurants, coffee shops, retail outlets and vending services, delivering exceptional customer experiences while driving commercial performance across a large, multi-site operation.
Working in partnership with our NHS clients, you'll lead high-performing teams, build strong stakeholder relationships and ensure operational excellence across your portfolio. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded leader who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and is passionate about delivering outstanding retail services within healthcare.
What you'll be doing
As Operations Manager, you'll take ownership of a portfolio of hospital retail sites, ensuring they consistently deliver excellent customer service, commercial success and operational excellence. You'll:
- Lead, coach and develop Site Managers and their teams across multiple hospital locations.
- Drive retail sales and profitability while effectively managing budgets and financial performance.
- Ensure outstanding customer experiences across restaurants, coffee shops, retail outlets and vending services.
- Recruit, induct, train and support managers to build engaged, high-performing teams.
- Build strong relationships with NHS stakeholders and clients, providing regular operational updates and maintaining excellent service standards.
- Monitor compliance, health & safety and company procedures across all sites.
- Lead the successful mobilisation and demobilisation of contracts, working closely with support functions to ensure a seamless transition.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, innovation and growth across your portfolio.
Working Pattern: 5 days over 7 (predominantly Monday to Friday)
Job ID: 7074
What can you bring?
We're looking for a passionate and commercially minded leader who thrives in a multi-site environment. You'll have:
- Proven experience managing multiple sites and leading large operational teams.
- Strong retail or contract catering management experience (healthcare experience is desirable).
- A genuine passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop teams.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets and driving sales growth.
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with confidence working alongside clients and senior leaders.
- The ability to prioritise, solve problems and deliver results in a fast-paced operational environment.
If you're an experienced multi-site leader looking for your next challenge and want to play a key role in delivering exceptional retail services within the NHS, we'd love to hear from you.
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!
