Operations Manager

We are a catering events business that incorporates several different brands within it. The Fendale Group comprises Caiger \& Co, Spoilt for Choice, The Pie Man, Sophie Wright Catering and Archies. We deliver a diverse range of events, from private weddings and bespoke dinner parties for high-end corporate clients to workplace catering and more cost-conscious options.

We create food and hospitality experiences that bring people together. Built on founder energy and purposeful brands, we craft exceptional food with heart and intention. As we move towards our B-Corp certification, we are committed to creating impact beyond the plate - championing sustainability, looking after our people, and cultivating meaningful connections with our clients and communities.

About You

Reports to:

Business Directors

Direct Reports:

Head of Events and Accounts Executive, with dotted-line operational oversight of the wider office and kitchen teams.

The Catering Operations Manager is the operational anchor and integrator of The Fendale Group. You are the vital bridge between strategy and execution, ensuring that our day-to-day operations run smoothly, profitably, and in alignment with our B-Corp values: People, Planet and Profit. This includes executing long-term business planning for the group and the individual brands.

You will maintain a strong financial grip on the business, oversee high-level logistics and event planning, and serve as the present, daily leader for the team. By ensuring our operations are structured, measured, and benchmarked against the best, you allow the Directors to focus on future growth.

The Ideal Candidate

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Experience:

Proven experience in a senior operational or operational management role within the premium catering or events industry.

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Commercial Acumen:

Strong financial literacy with the ability to project revenues, manage margins, and oversee invoicing and credit control.

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Logistical Mastermind:

Exceptional organisational skills. You can spin multiple plates - from high-level client handling to detailed van logistics - without dropping the ball.

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Systems Savvy:

Highly proficient in event and staff management software, such as Eventworks and Planday, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.

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Empathetic Leader:

A natural people person who embodies Fendale's pastoral leadership style. You can hold a team accountable while supporting wellbeing and development.

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Purpose-Driven:

A genuine passion for sustainability and ethical business practices, with the confidence to champion our B-Corp journey.

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Resilient \& Adaptable:

Capable of managing the unpredictable nature of events, last-minute changes, and the demands of visionary founders.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at:

[email protected]

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence \& Integration

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Oversee the Event Planning team day to day, reviewing planning processes and systems with planners.

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Hold weekly SMT meetings to discuss company oversight, priorities and actions.

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Conduct monthly meetings with Heads of Department across Events, Logistics and Kitchen to support consistency across Fendale procedures.

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Run the weekly Chefs' Meeting, acting as the key link between the Events and Kitchen teams and ensuring job sheets are clear and correctly translated for food preparation.

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Maintain oversight of event logistics, working closely with the Warehouse \& Logistics Manager on van scheduling and equipment allocation.

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Act as the internal champion and expert for operational software, particularly Planday, ensuring systems support business needs efficiently.

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Drop into live events to meet clients, inspect venue setups, and ensure food and service standards reflect the Fendale Craft pillar.

Commercial \& Financial Grip

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Produce detailed quarterly management reports for the Board, reviewing sales, current margins, post-job profitability, client feedback and freelance budgets. Hold P\&L accountability for AGM.

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Maintain a rigorous rolling view of the financial position through calendar projections and incoming quotes, keeping Directors proactively informed of pipeline health.

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Review and spot-check quotes to sense-check staffing levels, budgets and profitability before they reach the client.

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Oversee the invoicing pipeline, track outstanding debt, ensure executed events are promptly invoiced and manage necessary chasing.

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Set the annual budget with the CEO, including full department forecasts and KPIs.

Client \& Venue Management

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Act as the primary liaison and account manager for key, high-value clients and complex venues.

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Oversee communications, job sheets and packing lists for complex events, managing these events on-site where required.

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Lead project management for the largest annual activations, ensuring seamless delivery of complex, multi-layered events.