Regional Operations Manager

Mission

The Regional Operations Manager is responsible for the operational, financial and qualitative performance of the client sites operated by Yarzin Sella within their geographical area of responsibility (Western Europe).

They oversee the execution of client contracts, ensure the harmonisation of operational standards, and maintain consistently high levels of client satisfaction while meeting budgetary objectives.

They manage local operational teams (Site Managers, Catering Managers, etc.), supporting them in structuring and optimising their operations, and act as a strategic link between on-site teams, clients and support functions (HR, Finance, Procurement, Food Safety, etc.).

Position located in France

RESPONSIBILITIES

Multi-site Operations Management

• Supervise all catering operations across the sites within their area of responsibility, including corporate restaurants, micro-kitchens and event catering services.
• Ensure that services comply with contractual commitments, Yarzin Sella standards and client requirements.
• Support the opening of new sites and contractual transitions, including contract takeovers and scope extensions.
• Provide operational and strategic support in responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), including needs analysis, defining operational arrangements, cost estimates, validating assumptions and supporting client presentations.
• Identify operational issues and oversee the implementation of corrective action plans.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, food safety and occupational health and safety standards, including HACCP requirements and local regulations.
• Ensure consistency and harmonisation of operational practices across different countries and sites.

Financial Management and Performance

• Manage site operating budgets, including food costs, payroll costs and other operating costs.
• Analyse budget variances, define and monitor cost optimisation initiatives, and contribute to the continuous improvement of profitability.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including service quality, client satisfaction, costs, productivity and compliance.

Operational Team Management

• Manage and support Site Managers and operational managers.
• Structure on-site organisation by defining roles, responsibilities and levels of delegation.
• Participate in the recruitment of key operational positions.
• Provide teams with all the tools they need to perform their duties effectively and drive continuous improvement, including tracking dashboards, checklists, processes and reporting tools.
• Support change management and the implementation of new processes in line with client requirements and Yarzin Sella's internal standards.
• Develop the managerial and operational skills of team members through coaching, feedback, performance reviews and on-site training.
• Work closely with HR teams on employee relations, disciplinary matters and regulatory requirements.

Client Relations and Business Development

• Participate in client meetings, define action plans and follow up on their implementation.
• Coordinate and participate in Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) with Client Business Executives (CBEs).
• Prepare and present performance reviews covering KPIs, service quality, end-user satisfaction, financial performance and action plans.
• Maintain high levels of client satisfaction and anticipate contractual risks.
• Propose improvements to service offerings and operational arrangements in line with client needs and objectives.
• Actively contribute to contract renewals, scope extensions and business development opportunities within existing accounts.
• Actively monitor the market, analyse trends and client expectations, identify new opportunities, and demonstrate a proactive approach to prospecting and developing new accounts.

Requirements

Skills

• Strong experience in the catering or hospitality industry
• Experience in managing multi-site operations and complex organisational structures
• Team management skills
• Strong budgeting and financial analysis skills
• Excellent understanding of client and contractual requirements
• Proficiency in IT tools and reporting systems

Personal Attributes

• Leadership and credibility in the field
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Strong service orientation and commitment to client satisfaction
• Initiative and proactivity
• Rigour, organisational skills and the ability to prioritise
• Autonomy and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment
• Fluency in english both written and spoken