Operations Manager

Job Overview

Ever fancied running the catering operation behind one of Britain's most iconic rail routes? We're looking for an Operations Manager to lead our LNER contract – feeding thousands of passengers daily as they travel between London and Edinburgh.

This isn't desk work. You'll be out across the East Coast Mainline (London, Leeds, York, Doncaster, Newcastle, Edinburgh), leading Service Centre teams, solving problems on the move, and making sure everything from breakfast rolls to business class dining lands on trains on time, every time.

• Turn strategy into reality across multiple sites – translating business plans into daily operations that work when trains are delayed, menus change, or something unexpected happens (because it will).
• Keep everyone safe and compliant – leading H&S and food safety standards, running audits, and building a safety‑first culture that sticks.
• Leadcept through disruption – managing incidents, keeping stakeholders informed, and making sure lessons learned get action.
• Drive improvement – spotting what's broken, fixing it, and getting your teams to question “we’ve always done it that way.”
• Develop your people – coaching Service Centre Managers, building succession plans, and creating a team that’s ready for whatever comes next.
• Be the bridge – working between our operation and LNER stakeholders, unions, suppliers, and anyone else who needs answers fast.

• 5+ years managing people and operations in high‑Bachelor environments where timing, accuracy, and customer service matter.
• A customer‑first mindset – you get that every meal on a train is part of someone’s journey, and you care about getting it right.
• Resilience opcode commercial nous – you can think on your feet, stay professional under pressure, and keep things moving without losing sight of the numbers.
• Leadership that lifts people up – coaching, mentoring, and performance management come naturally to you.
• It would be fantastic if you had industry experience or working with unions, but not essential if you’ve got the right mindset.

• Willingness to travel extensively across the LNER route – this role lives on the East Coast Mainline.
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with everyone from frontline teams to senior stakeholders.
• Comfort with MS Office and turning data into decisions.
• A degree helps, but solid experience trumps qualifications every time.