Head of Operations
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
Head of Operations
[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is seeking an experienced Head of Operations for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This role drives operational excellence, strengthens client relationships, and delivers outstanding visitor experiences across catering and events.
- Location: Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours a week
- Salary: £competitive per annum plus [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Benefits
- Closing date: 21 May 2026
About the Role
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.
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.
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.
- Client Engagement and Contract Management: Monitor client relationships and performance to support contract extension opportunities.
- Client Relationship Building: Liaise with clients to understand their objectives and develop tailored strategies.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Promote a zero harm culture by managing quality control, health, safety, and hygiene standards.
- Incident Reporting and Response: Report any incidents immediately and take appropriate action.
- Operational Support: Provide operational support and ensure effective delivery of services.
What You Bring
- Experience managing a team in the events industry
- Strong commercial background with responsibility for managing a complex venue P&L
- Passionate interest in the catering industry, knowledge of current trends
- Demonstrable experience in high volume hospitality and retail catering environment
- Competent communicator and ability to present to colleagues, peers, and clients
- Organised with excellent planning skills
- Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Email
- Proven record of managing a team encompassing operations, culinary, coordination, and finance
About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
At [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], 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.
Key Benefits
- Advice and guidance: Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues.
- Pension Plan: Save effectively for your future.
- Wellbeing support: Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7.
- Generous leave: For holidays, care needs or major life events.
- 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.
Location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH3 5NZ