Chief Operating Officer - UK - Full Time

Full Job Description

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to: 

• Company Car or Car Allowance  
• Private Medical Insurance 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes 
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits 
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more 
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more 
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster 
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands 
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes 
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families 

Chartwells Independent Education   

Passionate about food? Want to develop your career with the world’s leading food service management company? Look no further, we are one of the leading foodservice and hospitality provider and are looking for a  Chief Operating Officer  to join our talented team on a  full time, permanent   basis with Chartwells Independant Education.  

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will be accountable for the execution the Business Strategy in the delivery of consistent and exceptional product quality and service standards. 

The Chief Operating Officer   is responsible for growing our reputation for celebrated customer experiences and to achieving and exceeding our targets. Working in true partnership with our Independant School client portfolio across multiple sites and regions, we will deliver a business that is client focused, sustainable, exciting, innovative, and profitable. You are integral to this vision and will be passionate about creating something special, while managing, supporting, and developing a team of Senior Managers to achieve the above.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead, support and develop a team of Senior Managers to ensure strategies and policies are implemented effectively, to allow delivery of business requirements & growth. 
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, key stakeholders & the wider Operations team to achieve targeted growth and development of financially sound bids and proposals with operationally sound contracts. 
• Work with the retention team to drive the strategy of growth and retention of the existing clients through the development of long-term account plans, regularly updated, including a rolling lifecycle review process. 
• Financially accountable for all costs and profitability of the operation 
• Ensure that all activities have a clear purpose and measurable outcomes to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions. 
• Drive compliance across the business in all areas e.g., HSE, Profit Protection, HR, Finance etc. 
• Build & maintain strong relationships with internal, cross function stakeholders (culinary, marketing, people etc.) to develop and monitor delivery of services and ensure continuous improvement. 
• Develop succession plan for key roles within the business. 
• Ensure that management continually develop, implement, and monitor activities that will enhance team development and engagement and loyalty. 
• Lead the team in implementing activities to drive our sustainability commitment and journey to carbon net zero. 

About You    

• Have a minimum of 8 years of Senior management experience leading and inspiring regional operational teams to deliver results. 
• Experience of managing a portfolio of business with revenue over £100m, providing insightful analysis and business decisions to achieve targets. 
• Previous P&L accountability & evidence of commercial and financial acumen 
• Exemplary track record of leadership, strategic thinking, advocacy, critical analysis and decision making 
• Strong knowledge and awareness of industry & food trends, locally, nationally and internationally.  
• Strong communication and influencing skills with proven ability to break down complex issues, articulate them clearly to senior stakeholders and work collaboratively to create a focused action plan 
• Have experience of managing teams in the delivery of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts under tight deadlines. 
• Track record of positive client relationships 
• Experience in managing several services streams. 
• Sound relevant HSE knowledge. 
• Professional, confident, and enthusiastic team player with a flexible, can-do attitude. 
• Exudes confidence, energy and agility. 
• Full driver’s license 

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Chartwells is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Chartwells has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Chartwells serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. Chartwells is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all employees to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and a Children's Barred List check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and we ask applicants to declare all previous convictions and cautions in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Job Reference: com/0804/456300/52634500/SU

Compass Group UK&I wants everyone in our business to feel able to be themselves at work and to have an equal opportunity to progress their career. We want to create a culture where we respect and embrace everyone's talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities. Where our colleagues feel valued, can reach their full potential, and thrive - Diversity is Our Strength!