Compass Group - Head - Operations - Food Services

JD Head of Operations (Food Services)

Location: Bangalore

Department: Operations Food Services

Reports to: Vice President Operations / Regional Director

Position Overview:

The Head of Operations Food Services will provide strategic leadership and overall management of all food service operations across multiple locations or regions. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with food safety and quality standards, optimizing resources, enhancing client satisfaction, and leading large teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in large-scale food service or hospitality operations, with a proven track record of delivering growth, efficiency, and innovation in a competitive environment.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Operations Leadership:

- Develop and execute the operational strategy for food services aligned with company goals and client requirements.

- Lead large-scale multi-site food operations, ensuring consistent service quality, compliance, and cost-efficiency.

- Drive innovation in service delivery, menu development, and customer engagement to maintain competitive advantage.

Client & Stakeholder Management:

- Build and nurture strong relationships with key clients, senior stakeholders, and business partners.

- Act as the escalation point for client issues, ensuring timely resolution and maintaining high satisfaction.

- Lead client negotiations, contract renewals, and service level agreement (SLA) development

Team Leadership & Organizational Development:

- Provide leadership to regional managers, operations managers, culinary heads, and support teams.

- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and employee engagement.

- Oversee recruitment, talent development, succession planning, and performance management at senior levels.

- Champion health, safety, and food hygiene culture across the organization

Financial & Business Performance:

- Own P&L responsibility for the food services division or portfolio.

- Develop budgets, financial forecasts, and cost control strategies to maximize profitability.

- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), identify trends, and implement corrective actions to meet targets.

- Drive initiatives to optimize supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, and improve operational margins

Compliance & Quality Assurance:

- Ensure strict adherence to all food safety regulations, certifications (FSSAI, HACCP, ISO, etc.), and internal policies.

- Oversee the implementation of robust quality management systems and regular audits.

- Lead risk management and crisis response related to food safety or operational disruptions.

Compliance & Risk Management:

- Ensure adherence to food safety, storage, and transportation regulations (FSSAI, HACCP, etc.).

- Maintain proper documentation for audits, traceability, and internal controls.

- Support business continuity through contingency planning and risk assessments.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

- Champion process improvements and technology adoption to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

- Monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify growth and innovation opportunities.

- Lead cross-functional projects aimed at service enhancement, sustainability, and digital transformation.

Reporting & Governance:

- Provide comprehensive reports and presentations to senior leadership and board members on operational performance, financial health, client satisfaction, and strategic initiatives.

- Establish governance frameworks to ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability across all operation.

Key Requirements:

Education:

- Bachelors or Masters degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Food Technology, or related fields.

Experience:

- 12-15 years of progressive experience in food services operations or hospitality, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing multi-location operations.

- Proven experience managing large teams and complex operational portfolios

Skills:

- Strong strategic thinking and business acumen with P&L ownership.

- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

- Expertise in food safety standards, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance.

- Financial management skills including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

- Ability to drive change management and lead large-scale projects.

- Proficiency with food service management software and operational analytics tools.

- Certifications in food safety (FSSAI, HACCP), facility management, or leadership development are advantageous