Operations Manager

Location: Gauteng

Hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM 4:30 PM (Some weekends required)
Salary: Two options available Consulting basis or Employment Contract
Start Date: Immediate
Industry: Food Service / Hospitality / Education Catering

Job Description

Join a dynamic, fast-growing food service company revolutionizing the way schools, student campuses, and corporates experience daily meals. We are looking for a passionate and driven Operations Manager to oversee multiple sites within a specific region, ensuring exceptional food service delivery and operational efficiency.

This role is ideal for someone with a background in food service, operations leadership, and team managementespecially within a high-volume or institutional catering environment. Youll be responsible for leading teams, ensuring compliance, and upholding the companys mission to provide nutritious, home-style cooked meals to thousands every day.

Our company currently provides over 38,000 meals per day, and that number is rapidly growing. Be part of a mission-driven team focused on changing lives one plate at a time.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily food service operations across a group of school or corporate locations.

• Manage kitchen and service teams, ensuring smooth and efficient operations at each site.

• Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety and hygiene regulations.

• Oversee meal planning, preparation, and delivery, with a focus on balanced, home-cooked meals.

• Serve as the key liaison between site teams, the central office, and client representatives.

• Drive continuous improvement in operational efficiency, food quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Track performance metrics and manage cost control, stock, and inventory.

• Support recruitment, training, and staff development initiatives in your region.

• Collaborate closely with senior management to align on goals and strategy.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.

• Strong planning, coordination, and organizational skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and client-facing communication.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-site food service environment.

• Deep understanding of food hygiene, health and safety regulations.

• Energetic, adaptable, and proactive in solving day-to-day challenges.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years in a similar Operations or Multi-Site Management role within food services, catering, or hospitality.
• Relevant qualification in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Operations Management, or related field preferred.

• Health & Safety certification highly advantageous.

• Must be comfortable with early hours and some weekend work.

Contract Options

1. Consulting Basis

   • No deductions for UIF or PAYE. Consultant is responsible for their own tax compliance and submissions.

2. Employment Contract

   • Duration based on client agreement.

   • Eligible for a performance-based bonus if the client extends the contract and the employee is retained.

Place of work