Operations Manager - Basildon, Essex

Independent Contract Caterers

Talkington Bates are award-winning bespoke contract caterers with over 25 years of experience of providing tailored catering & hospitality services to businesses across the UK.  We are a proactive bunch, taking great pride in our high quality, personalised service; we’re enthusiastic about great food, fresh ingredients and always striving to go the extra mile for our clients. 

See more about our Vision and Culture.

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We recognise that the essence of our success is our People, and we currently have a vacancy for an experienced and enthusiastic Operations Manager.

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Key Attributes Personal Qualities;

• Flexible, Energetic, Enthusiastic & fun

• Strong Interpersonal Skills / Team Management

• Active Listener

• Financial Management /Data Analysis

• Tech Proficient

• Strategic Planning / Well organised and calm

• Quality Control / Decision Maker

• Motivational skills fostering professional development, and ensuring operational efficiency

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Job Purpose

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The Operations Manager is responsible for the management of catering contracts within clients’ premises within the business, ensuring a high-quality food service is delivered through a highly motivated team daily and within budget. They will support management within the business via continuous personal development, innovations, client liaison, achieving financial targets, and ensuring Health & Safety best practice.

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Key Responsibilities will include;

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• Mobilisation of new contracts and prepare new budgets at least 3 months in advance

• Control and review client budgets and attend Monthly Client Account review meetings

• Liaison with suppliers

• Management of holiday/sickness support

• Motivate and train site management teams via daily and weekly site visits

• Ensure that the catering complies with current hygiene legislation, and Talkington Bates and client companies’ Health & Safety policy.

• Identify and implement opportunities to increase revenue

• Maintain accurate financial records and process in line with Company procedure

• Check all unit payroll monthly for errors or fraud

• Quarterly KPT and reports completed within five working days

• Monthly site reviews with on site manager and objective setting

• Organise and host regular teams leader meetings

• Monthly review of Company P&L by site with Operations Director and Financial Director

• Promote the ethos and culture of Talkington Bates

Key Performance Indicators

• Client retention and extended contracts 2/3yrs

• Financial performance

• Managing and developing an understanding of the business

• Queries responded to quickly, efficiently and enthusiastically

Qualifications

City & Guilds 706/1 and 2 or equivalent, City & Guilds 707/1 and 2 or equivalent

Food Hygiene Level 3

Health and Safety Level 3

HACCP Level 3

IT – Microsoft Office

Communication skills, NLP certified

Behavioural Management / Leadership Training

Skills/knowledge

• Excellent cookery Knowledge with good understanding of food trends in commercial restaurants/hotels

• Good communicator

• Professional approach: being aware of the range/variety of customers served

• Awareness of business needs within the site and globally

• Proven understanding of financial controls

• A very good understanding of HR practices

• Hospitality/front of house

• Effective Coaching skills

Experience

• Multi-Site Operational

• 5 years management experience in contract catering

• 2 years’ experience in multi-site management

Hours of work:  Monday to Friday, 42.5hrs/week as required

Location: H/O (Oxon) and Mobile – M25 Corridor / Essex / Bucks / Hants

Salary: circa £55,000- £60,000 per annum DOE

Benefits: 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, workplace pension, Company Vehicle details TBC

If you think this role might be for you, please forward your CV to Lesley, HR BUSINESS PARTNER and she will be in touch shortly.

lesley@talkingtonbates.com