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're passionate about delivering exceptional services that support learning environments and create positive experiences for students, staff, and school communities. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Assistant Group Manager to support the operational leadership of a portfolio of secondary school contracts across the Oxford area.

Reporting to the Group Operations Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality catering and support services, driving operational excellence, maintaining strong client relationships, and supporting the financial and commercial success of the portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-site environment and is passionate about developing teams, improving services, and delivering outstanding customer experiences.

This is a permanent and full time role. 

Key Benefits:

• Competitive salary of up to £21,032.37 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 Responsbilities:

• Support the operational management of multiple secondary school contracts, ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with contractual requirements.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Headteachers, School Business Managers, and client stakeholders, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.

• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to health, safety, safeguarding, and Aramark standards.

• Assist in managing budgets, monitoring labour and food costs, controlling expenditure, and identifying opportunities to improve financial performance.

• Lead, coach, and develop Site Managers and operational teams, supporting recruitment, induction, performance management, and employee engagement.

• Monitor service quality across catering and support services, ensuring KPIs and contract specifications are consistently achieved.

• Support the mobilisation of new contracts, service improvement projects, refurbishments, and the implementation of operational initiatives.

• Analyse operational performance data, prepare business reviews and reports, and contribute to continuous improvement and business growth across the portfolio.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience managing multi-site operations within catering, facilities management, hospitality, or education environments.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop high-performing teams.

• Sound understanding of health & safety legislation, compliance standards, and safeguarding requirements within operational settings.

• Experience managing budgets, controlling costs, and delivering operational and financial performance targets.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues at all levels.

• Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel regularly across the Oxford area to support multiple school sites.

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.