Operational Excellence Manager

Drive innovation. Shape strategy. Lead excellence across a national portfolio.

• Strategic leadership role – influence operational excellence across multiple sectors and brands nationwide.
• Drive innovation and transformation – shape customer experiences, service standards, and future operating models.
• High‑impact, high‑visibility – partner with senior leaders to deliver meaningful business improvements.

He angitūtanga | The opportunity

As Operational Excellence Manager, you will drive the development and embedding of best‑in‑class operational standards across our Business, Industry, Education, and Sports & Leisure portfolio. Acting as a strategic partner to leadership teams, you’ll lead innovation, define service frameworks, and ensure Compass remains competitive, customer‑focused, and operationally excellent.

Ko o kawenga | Your responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of operational excellence frameworks, SOPs, and brand standards.
• Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and innovation to inform strategy and operational improvements.
• Drive major strategic initiatives including mobilisations, RFPs, service redesigns, and transformation programmes.
• Design and enhance end‑to‑end customer journeys to improve client and consumer experience.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, influencing alignment across operations, finance, safety, and people teams.

He kōrero mōu | About you

• Proven experience in senior operational leadership, ideally within food service or a related service industry.
• A strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and a track record of driving performance and growth.
• Experienced in leading change, innovation, and large‑scale transformation initiatives.
• A collaborative influencer with the ability to engage and inspire stakeholders at all levels.
• Highly analytical, organised, and results‑driven, with strong communication and leadership capability.

Ngā painga | Benefits & Perks

• Enjoy competitive pay plus bonuses and comprehensive benefits.
• A key leadership role within a dynamic, growth‑focused sector.
• The opportunity to lead and shape a high‑performing team.
• Career development and growth within the global Compass Group framework.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• The chance to be part of a leading organisation in the industry.
• Exclusive discounts on medical insurance, banking services, hotels, and more.
• Experience our supportive culture with flexible working options and Employee Assistance Programmes.

Please visit our Benefits page for a comprehensive list of our benefits.

Mō mātou | About us

• We are New Zealand's leading and largest food and support services provider across multiple industries.
• Our sub-brands, Eurest, Chartwells, Restaurant Associates, Medirest, ESS and Rapport manage these industry sectors.
• We specialise in turning ordinary acts of service into extraordinary experiential moments for our clients. With innovative and talented teams across New Zealand, we transform experiences from being GOOD to GREAT.
• Our people are awesome, they breathe life into our brands and make great things happen!
• Our strength comes from the combination of the things we have in common - our shared values, vision, and purpose and to make our commitment unique for you - RESPECT, GROWTH, and TEAMWORK are the founding pillars of these commitments.
• We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our customers, suppliers, and colleagues. We also prioritise sustainability in everything we do, ensuring an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Successful candidates will be able to pass pre‑employment checks satisfactorily.

Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Ready to shape the future of operational excellence at Compass Group NZ? Click ‘Apply’ now!

For recruitment queries please contact the Compass Group Recruitment team at

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