Operations Manager - Edinburgh Zoo
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/2442865/153835
- Location: Edinburgh Zoo
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours pw 5/7
- Salary: Upto £45,000 per annum plus Sodexo Benefits
- Closing date: 25 February 2026
About the role
Operations Manager – Edinburgh Zoo
Join Our Team at One of Scotland’s Most Iconic Visitor Attractions
Heritage Portfolio is proud to deliver exceptional catering and events experiences at Edinburgh Zoo - one of Scotland’s most loved and visited attractions. We are seeking a highly skilled Operations Manager to lead our retail and catering operations, drive service excellence, and support our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
If you are a people-focused leader with a passion for delivering outstanding hospitality experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Role
As Operations Manager, you will:
- Lead, develop and motivate high‑performing teams across the zoo’s catering and retail outlets.
- Ensure exceptional standards of food service, presentation, and guest experience.
- Work closely with HPL teams and RZSS client contacts to deliver seamless communication and strong partnership working.
- Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with food safety, H&S, HACCP, COSHH, fire safety, allergens, and all legislative standards.
- Drive continuous improvement consistent with our “Never Standing Still” ethos.
- Deliver financial targets through effective operational planning, forecasting and detailed performance analysis.
- Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness, tidiness and maintenance across all retail and event spaces.
- Build a supportive, inclusive and development-driven working environment.
- Deputise for the Head of Operations when required and support wider HPL-operated retail sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Recruit, train and develop team members aligned with capability and career pathways.
- Foster a culture of engagement, responsibility and pride in service delivery.
- Maintain strong quality control processes across all touchpoints.
- Respond swiftly and professionally to customer feedback and operational issues.
- Drive innovation in food, service and systems to enhance the visitor experience
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings:
- A natural creative flair, genuine love of food, and strong attention to detail.
- Excellent people-management skills and the ability to inspire teams.
- Strong communication abilities and confidence in multi‑tasking.
- Industry insight spanning retail to high-end events.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- A professional, motivated and solution-focused mindset.
- The ability to lead with positivity, resilience and commercial awareness.
What You’ll Help Us Achieve
- High-performing teams with strong engagement and retention.
- Exceptional visitor experiences that position Edinburgh Zoo as a market leader.
- Financial results that meet or exceed targets.
- A strong, collaborative relationship with our client partner, RZSS.
Ready to Make Your Impact?
If you’re an experienced operator with passion, drive and a commitment to excellence, this is a unique opportunity to shape the visitor experience at one of Scotland’s most celebrated attractions.
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KEY BENEFITS
-
Advice and guidance
Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it. -
Pension Plan
Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan. -
Wellbeing support
Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7. -
Generous leave
For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge. -
Discounts and savings
Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme -
Virtual GP
24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.
Social Impact
Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.
We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.
Edinburgh Zoo, United Kingdom, EH12 6TS
Register your interest
Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.