About Caterlink:
Caterlink is a leading contract caterer exclusively serving the education sector. With over 20 years of experience and more than 1 million meals served weekly, our Fresh Food Policy lies at the heart of everything we do — ensuring healthy, high-quality meals for pupils and staff across Primary, Secondary Schools, and Colleges in the UK.
About the Role:
We are recruiting an experienced Operations Manager to oversee 16 education sites, ensuring smooth catering operations and excellent client satisfaction across your portfolio. This is a dynamic role suited to a hands-on leader with strong commercial and people management skills.
You’ll lead and support on KPIs across Health & Safety, Retention, Quality, and Finance — while embodying the Caterlink values of People, Perception, Passion, and Pride.
Key Responsibilities:
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Oversee daily catering operations across 16 school sites
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Lead, develop, and inspire site-based teams to deliver top performance
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Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with school clients
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Ensure delivery of Caterlink’s Fresh Food Policy and operational standards
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Monitor budgets and drive financial performance
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Ensure compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations
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Step in to support site operations as needed — we’re a hands-on team!
Ideal Candidate Profile:
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Proven experience in catering operations management, ideally within education or contract catering
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A natural leader and motivator who thrives on team success
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Commercially savvy and financially aware
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Strong client relationship skills with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
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Confident communicator, organised, and resilient under pressure
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Willing and able to travel between multiple school sites
Enhanced DBS clearance required for the successful candidate (company-supported)
Benefits & Perks:
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Competitive salary + performance-related bonus
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Monthly car allowance or company car
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33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
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Private healthcare via BUPA
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Fully expensed laptop & phone
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Virtual GP access for you and your family
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Access to exclusive employee discounts – groceries, restaurants, cinema & more
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Blended learning & development programme, including formal qualifications
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Opportunity to join Aviva Workplace Pension Scheme
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Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential mental health & wellbeing support
Why Join Caterlink?
We believe “people work for people” — and we invest in the growth, wellbeing, and potential of every employee. You’ll join a supportive, values-driven company where your efforts directly impact communities, pupils, and schools.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re a strategic operator with a passion for food, people, and performance — we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now to join Caterlink and shape the future of education catering!
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