Head of Operations

• Job Title: Head of Operations
• Location: Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ
• £competitive Salary + Bonus + Flexible benefits fund
• 40 Hours / 5 over 7days

Job Introduction

We seek an experienced and dynamic Head of Operations for the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, a flagship venue within our Heritage Portfolio sites. This pivotal role will drive operational excellence, strengthen client relationships, and deliver outstanding visitor and customer experiences across all catering and events services. The successful candidate will lead, develop, and manage the catering operations team, ensuring the highest quality, safety, and innovation standards while delivering commercial success.

This position requires a proactive approach to continuous improvement, financial management, and a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment where excellence is the standard.

Heritage Portfolio was founded in Edinburgh in 2002, and since then, we have built a reputation for delivering exceptional catering and event services across some of Britain’s most iconic venues. Our focus on quality, creativity, and client satisfaction has earned us a loyal client base and a reputation for excellence in the industry.

Our guiding principle is building a business to be proud of, and as we expand our reach within bespoke events and visitor experiences, we remain committed to providing remarkable experiences that go beyond excellent food, creating memorable moments for every guest.

What You'll Do

Team Leadership and Development

• Maintain high performing teams through effective annual appraisals, staff engagement surveys, talent development, and succession planning.

Recruitment and Training

• Recruit, train, and develop team members to ensure their skills align with their roles and personal development plans.

Financial Management

• Achieve financial objectives by analysing monthly results, providing accurate forecasts, and delegating responsibilities to direct reports.

Operational Performance Improvement

• Identify opportunities to enhance performance across all catering functions, including retail, events, internal functions, and staff amenities.

Client Engagement and Contract Management

• Monitor client relationships and performance to support contract extension opportunities and ensure client satisfaction.

Client Relationship Building

• Liaise with clients to understand their objectives and develop tailored strategies that align with the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh activities.

Health and Safety Compliance

• Promote a zero harm culture by managing quality control, health, safety, and hygiene standards in line with company policies.

Incident Reporting and Response

• Report any incidents, accidents, or safety concerns immediately and take appropriate action according to company procedures.

Operational Support

• Provide operational support and ensure the effective delivery of services as directed by leadership.

What you bring:

• Experience managing a team in the events industry
• Strong commercial background with responsibility for managing a complex venue P and L
• A passionate interest in the catering industry, knowledge of current trends and interest in the hospitality world
• Demonstrable experience in a high volume hospitality and retail catering environment
• A competent communicator and ability to present to colleagues, peers, and clients
• Evidence of being organised and possess excellent planning skills
• Ability to competently use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Email
• Proven record of managing a team encompassing operations, culinary, coordination, and finance
• Ability to motivate a team of mixed abilities and personalities

Desirable

• Experience and understanding of event costings and design of events
• Staff training experience or qualification
• Experience in assisting to create a sales and marketing plan
• Capability to identify and highlight revenue maximising opportunities
• Ability to produce accurate work to tight deadlines under pressure
• First aid and personal alcohol licence qualifications
• High degree of dependability and self reliance

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we also offer a range of resources, rewards and benefits for our colleagues and their families:

• Unlimited access to an online platform offering mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme to help with everyday issues or larger problems where you may need additional support, including legal and financial advice, support with work related issues or personal issues such as bereavement.
• Access to a free health and wellbeing app that provides rewards for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and includes access to a 24hr virtual GP and various other services.
• The Sodexo Discounts Scheme, offering great deals 24/7 (also open to friends and family) and/or the prepayment cashback card.
• Money Insights and financial benefits via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Save for your future by becoming a member of the Sodexo Retirement Plan
• A Death-in-Service benefit for colleagues who pass away whilst employed by Sodexo
• Opportunities to enable colleagues to grow and succeed throughout their career at Sodexo, including a variety of learning and development tools.
• Cycle to Work Scheme to help colleagues to do their bit for the environment whilst keeping fit.
• Volunteering Opportunities to enable all colleagues to help support worthwhile causes in our communities.
• Flexible and dynamic work environment
• Competitive compensation
• Full training and full protective uniform supplied.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today! Career progression for the caring profession.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.

File Downloads

• UK Rewards and Benefits Guide..pdf
• RBGE - Head of Operations..doc