Operations Manager

Operations Manager, University, 12 Month Maternity Cover Fixed Term Contract, £48,000, London

We are seeking an experienced and proactive OperationsManager to oversee the delivery of high-quality hospitality and front of house services. This is an exciting opportunity for a confident leader to drive service excellence, manage key contracts, and ensure seamless operations across catering and reception teams. Working for a leading University in London and based at their main campus you will report to the Head of Hospitality Services and manage a team of 10 plus in front of house. This is a 12 month Maternity Cover contract and a great opportunity to become a key part of a dynamic and customer focused team. This is a Monday to Friday role, 9:00am-5:00pm but, as this is a seven day per week operation, there will occasionally be a need for you to work a Saturday if there is specific event taking place.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading the day-to-day management of the Front of House team, ensuring exceptional service delivery for staff, students, and visitors
• Overseeing the catering contract, monitoring service quality and financial performance to ensure standards are met and budgets are effectively managed
• Developing, implementing, and reviewing standard operating procedures to support efficient and professional hospitality services
• Providing leadership for the Front of House team, including rota oversight and ensuring optimal staffing
• Collaborating closely with colleagues across Events, Hospitality, and Estates teams to support internal and external events to the highest standards
• Maintaining compliance with all Health & Safety requirements, including food hygiene standards
• Periodically auditing catering services and using feedback to drive continuous improvement
• Supporting recruitment, training, and development of team members, fostering a culture of excellence and customer focus
• There will be some cross campus travel in this role within London

About You - You will have a friendly and approachable manner with a good working knowledge of MS Office. A "coaching and developing" approach when dealing with colleagues and students, plus the ability to work in a collegiate way would be an advantage.

Experience needed:

• Proven experience managing catering and/or front of house operations in a busy, customer-facing environment
• Degree in Events, Hospitality or a relevant discipline
• Experience of delivering events and hospitality services to a high standard
• Experience of managing and developing a large team in a front of house or venue capacity
• Knowledge and experience of security functions across a large complex estate
• Knowledge of event or venue security
• Strong 3rd party contract management and budget monitoring skills
• Excellent leadership and line management experience, with the ability to motivate and develop teams and achieve financial targets
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and food hygiene regulations - IOSH trained
• Knowledge of licensing legislation
• Flexible and collaborative approach, with the ability to work across multiple teams and manage services over a 7-day operation
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with a focus on delivering outstanding customer service
• Duty management experience

This is an excellent role for someone who enjoys working in a dynamic environment and is passionate about creating a positive experience for all stakeholders.

Due to the large number of applications that we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Val Wade Recruitment are actively looking for applicants from underrepresented communities, and pride ourselves as an equal opportunities' employer and agency.