Head of Food Operations
Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge
Full-time | Senior Leadership Role
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Food Services to lead and elevate food operations within our soft FM contract at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
This is a high-impact leadership role where you will drive excellence in service delivery, innovation, compliance, and customer experience across a large-scale healthcare environment. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategy, delivering commercial performance, and creating a high-performing, engaged team culture.
About the Contract
Our Addenbrooke’s Hospital contract is a flagship healthcare operation, delivering a wide range of services including cleaning, portering, patient feeding, and retail.
Serving a major teaching hospital with a large and diverse patient population, this is a complex, fast-paced and rewarding environment where high standards and innovation are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Develop and deliver the food service strategy in line with business and client objectives
- Drive innovation across food delivery, sustainability, and customer experience
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across all food services
Operational Excellence
- Oversee day-to-day food operations, ensuring high standards in quality, hygiene, and safety
- Monitor KPIs and SLAs, driving performance and minimising deductions
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, Food Safety Act, and all relevant legislation
- Maintain brand standards and contractual obligations
Leadership & People
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers to create a high-performance culture
- Drive engagement, wellbeing, and inclusion across the workforce
- Ensure effective performance management and succession planning
- Promote a customer-first mindset across patient, visitor, and retail services
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the senior point of contact for all food services
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with the client
- Deliver an exceptional customer experience aligned to client values
- Lead service improvement initiatives to enhance satisfaction and retention
Financial & Commercial
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost controls to ensure profitability
- Identify growth opportunities and operational efficiencies
- Understand and manage contract risks and commercial obligations
Health & Safety
- Champion a zero-harm culture and safe systems of work
- Ensure all teams are trained, equipped, and supported to work safely
Sustainability & Innovation
- Lead sustainable practices including waste reduction and responsible sourcing
- Stay ahead of industry trends and introduce innovative solutions
About You
We’re looking for a confident and inspiring leader who thrives in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Key Experience & Skills
- Minimum 3+ years in operational management, including 1+ year in food service leadership
- Proven experience managing large, diverse teams and developing managers
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with P&L responsibility
- Deep understanding of food safety, compliance, and service standards
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Passion for food, innovation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver results
Leadership Attributes
- Curious – Innovative, solution-focused, and forward-thinking
- Confident – Sets clear standards, develops others, and delivers results
- Courageous – Leads with integrity, challenges constructively, and drives positive change
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a flagship healthcare contract with real impact
- Lead a large and diverse team in a meaningful environment
- Shape the future of food services in a major NHS hospital
- Opportunities for career growth and development