Head of Operations (Temporary)

Location: Manchester (multi-campus)
Contract: Temporary | Full-time 
Salary: £28.46 per hour

Hours: Monday to Friday – 9am -1700pm (hybrid option)

REED Recruitment is partnering with a major University to appoint an experienced Head of Operations on a temporary 3 month basis. This is a senior, high-profile leadership role, ideal for an interim professional who can add immediate value during a period of service transformation.

The Opportunity

Reporting into the Head of Campus Services, you will lead all retail and hospitality other services across multiple university campuses. With responsibility for large-scale operations and a turnover in excess of £4m, you will provide strategic direction while maintaining hands-on operational oversight.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Leading and improving catering, retail and hospitality services across multiple sites
• Driving service quality, customer experience and continuous improvement
• Full commercial accountability, including budget management, forecasting and revenue delivery
• Leading, motivating and developing a large, diverse workforce
• Ensuring compliance across health & safety and licensing (acting as DPS where required)
• Working closely with senior stakeholders, students’ union and external partners

About You

• Senior hospitality or commercial services leader with strong multi-site experience and a proven track record of delivering results in complex environments.
• In-depth knowledge of health & safety and relevant legislation, with demonstrated experience ensuring full compliance.
• Commercially astute, with credibility at senior level and the ability to build trust, momentum and strong stakeholder relationships quickly.
• Highly effective communicator with a strong customer focus and a consistent record of delivering outstanding service standards.
• Reliable, professional and adaptable, with the ability to prioritise demanding workloads, meet tight deadlines and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.