Food and Hospitality Operations Manager

Food and Hospitality Operations Manager

Location: Luton, LU1 3PG
Hours of work: 40 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent

Our client, a leading provider of facilities services in the UK, is seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to lead a dedicated Food and Hospitality team at a high-profile client site.

Job Overview

This is a hands-on, highly visible leadership role suited to someone who lives and breathes premium hospitality. The successful candidate will take full ownership of the food and hospitality experience on site, where beautifully presented food and genuine guest connection are considered non-negotiable.

The role goes beyond traditional contract management, offering autonomy to shape and develop a flagship food operation supported by new investment. The Operations Manager will confidently engage with high‑profile guests and stakeholders while leading a diverse offer that includes a coffee bar, staff restaurant, hospitality services and a BBQ area.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visible, hands-on leadership to support and inspire a team of managers, setting standards by leading from the front
• Drive commercial performance through effective cost control and strategic sales growth, while protecting brand standards
• Take ownership of the end-to-end guest journey, ensuring food quality, service speed and presentation consistently exceed expectations
• Embed robust operating standards across all areas of the site, using data, audits and guest feedback to continuously improve performance
• Lead the food operation across the coffee bar, staff restaurant, hospitality offer and BBQ area
• Champion growth initiatives, including support for new site openings and brand extensions to ensure seamless mobilisation
• Take full ownership of food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and property standards across the site
• Build and maintain strong relationships with high-profile guests and stakeholders, acting as the senior operational representative on site

Person Specification

• Proven experience in premium, food-led hospitality environments such as fine dining, contract catering or hotels
• Demonstrable ability to deal confidently with senior stakeholders and high-profile guests
• Strong operator mindset with the flexibility and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, high-profile environment
• Exceptional attention to detail, from food presentation and service aesthetics to P&L management
• A genuine passion for developing people and building engaged, high-performing teams
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to professionally manage escalated guest feedback and turn it into learning opportunities