Group Manager

Company Description

At Aramark we empower our people to create experiences that matter.
We share a passion for hospitality, it’s at the foundation of everything we do. Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day. We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

At Aramark, we are passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences that support learning, wellbeing and achievement. We are looking for an experienced Group Manager to lead a portfolio of education sector contracts, building strong relationships with school and college leaders while ensuring outstanding operational, financial and service performance across multiple sites.

This is a highly visible leadership role, ideal for someone with a proven background in multi-site catering or facilities management within education. You will drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams, champion compliance and safeguarding standards, and identify opportunities for growth and innovation, all while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

Key Benefits:

• Competitive salary of up to £38,000 depending on experience
• Generous annual leave that increase in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra
• Life assurance and pension scheme
• Benefits app: access to 100s of discounts, free mortgage advice, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, online GP appointments, and our Employee Assistance Programme
• FOOD! Opportunities to attend in-house events and try the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)

Key Responsibilities:

• Take overall accountability for the operational performance of a portfolio of education sector contracts, ensuring service excellence and client satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Headteachers, Business Managers, College Leaders and key stakeholders across all sites.
• Lead, coach and develop site-based management teams to deliver high standards of service, compliance and customer experience.
• Drive financial performance through effective management of budgets, labour costs, food costs and profitability targets.
• Conduct regular site visits, audits and performance reviews to ensure contractual, operational and quality standards are achieved.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health and safety, safeguarding requirements and all relevant company policies and legislation.
• Support contract retention, mobilisation activities and business growth by identifying opportunities for innovation and service improvement.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, HSE and Procurement teams to resolve challenges, enhance performance and achieve business objectives.

Key Requirements:

 

• Significant experience managing multi-site catering, facilities management or support service contracts within the education sector.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships with senior stakeholders and education leaders.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience developing high-performing operational teams.
• Sound commercial and financial acumen, including budget management and delivery of financial targets.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety, food safety, safeguarding and compliance requirements.
• Full UK driving licence with the flexibility to travel regularly across a multi-site portfolio.

Additional Information

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including references and an enhanced DBS check in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – careers@aramark.co.uk

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.