Nichola Harris
Low Moor,West Yorkshire
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in multi-site operations leadership and event management, specialising in catering and recruitment. Demonstrates proficiency in food safety compliance, including halal integrity and allergen management, while ensuring budget control and cost reduction. Skilled in HR case management, staff training, and performance management, with a strong focus on front-of-house leadership and client relationship management. Committed to maintaining health and safety standards through effective communication and problem-solving skills.
Results-driven Area Operations Manager adept at streamlining processes and enhancing team productivity. Known for implementing strategic initiatives that increase operational efficiency and drive business growth. Proven ability to lead diverse teams towards achieving organisational goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Area Operations Manager
Bradford Council
2022.01 - 2026.01
- Lead and deliver catering and cleaning services across 50+ schools, ensuring compliance, quality, and value for money.
- Manage budgets for food, equipment, cleaning materials, uniforms, and staffing resources.
- Oversee recruitment, staffing levels, and workforce planning.
- Ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Allergens, HACCP, COSHH, Health & Safety, Natasha's Law, Halal Integrity, and medical diet standards.
- Review commercial kitchen designs and support the launch of new service brands.
- Mobilise new contracts and manage operational transitions.
- Lead HR processes including disciplinary, capability, and sickness management.
- Build strong relationships with clients, parent groups, governing bodies, and external partners.
- Ensure use of approved suppliers and adherence to procurement policies.
- Managed all civic catering operations at City Hall, including high-profile events and official functions.
- Coordinated bookings and liaised directly with councillors, senior leaders, and external clients.
- Delivered conferences for 200+ attendees, ensuring seamless service and exceptional presentation.
- Planned and organised 5-course banquets for 100+ guests, overseeing menu planning, staffing, and execution.
- Led front-of-house operations with full responsibility for service standards, guest experience, and event flow.
- Ensured all civic events met strict protocol, dietary, and hospitality requirements.
Service Delivery Manager
Facilities Management
Bradford
2019.01 - 2022.01
- Exceeded performance, budget, and team targets.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, and evaluated kitchen teams.
- Maintained high food quality standards and ensured portion control.
- Delivered excellent customer service and menu guidance.
- Ensured appropriate staffing levels and effective team performance.
Hub Manager
Facilities Management
Bradford
2017.01 - 2019.01
- Managed staffing levels and daily operations across multiple sites.
- Inspected kitchens for food quality, cleanliness, and service standards.
- Supported cost control, sanitation, menu development, training, and recruitment.
- Reduced food waste and improved cost efficiency.
- Delivered excellent customer engagement and service.
Unit Catering Manager
Facilities Management
Bradford
2012.01 - 2017.01
- Ensured high standards of food quality, safety, and presentation.
- Prepared meals in line with recipes, diet plans, and portion guidelines.
- Trained staff in food preparation, storage, equipment use, and safety.
- Maintained smooth kitchen operations and sanitation procedures.
- Ensured proper labelling and storage of all food items.
General Kitchen Assistant
Facilities Management
Bradford
2011.01 - 2012.01
Bar Manager
Robin Hood Public House
Bradford
2003.01 - 2011.01
Sandwich Shop Assistant
Donald Kehoe
Bradford
2000.01 - 2003.01
Bartender
Peter Woolham
Bradford
1998.01 - 2000.01
Education
Level 5 Diploma - Operations Management
HIT Training
England Level 4 Diploma - Hospitality Management
NLTG
IOSH - Managing Safely
NVQ Level 2 - Food Preparation
Hit Training
NVQ - Travel & Tourism
Bradford College
GCSEs - undefined
Tong High School
Skills
- Multi-site operations leadership
- Event management and catering
- Recruitment and workforce planning
- Food safety compliance
- Halal integrity and allergen management
- Budget control and cost reduction
- HR case management
- Staff training and performance management
- Front-of-house leadership
- Client relationship management
- Health and safety awareness
- Communication and problem-solving skills
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
- Recruitment & Selection
- Supervisory Skills
- Computer Literacy Stage 1
- Halal Awareness
- Fire & Safety
- COSHH
- Manual Handling
- Health & Safety
- Customer Care
- Safeguarding
- LTS Training
- Dementia Awareness
- Stress Awareness
- Protecting Information
- Allergy Awareness
- Effective Complaint Handling
- Driver Safety Awareness
- Allergen Information
Affiliations
- Travelling
- reading
Timeline
Area Operations Manager
Bradford Council
2022.01 - 2026.01
Service Delivery Manager
Facilities Management
2019.01 - 2022.01
Hub Manager
Facilities Management
2017.01 - 2019.01
Unit Catering Manager
Facilities Management
2012.01 - 2017.01
General Kitchen Assistant
Facilities Management
2011.01 - 2012.01
Bar Manager
Robin Hood Public House
2003.01 - 2011.01
Sandwich Shop Assistant
Donald Kehoe
2000.01 - 2003.01
Bartender
Peter Woolham
1998.01 - 2000.01
IOSH - Managing Safely
NVQ Level 2 - Food Preparation
Hit Training
NVQ - Travel & Tourism
Bradford College
GCSEs - undefined
Tong High School
Level 5 Diploma - Operations Management
HIT Training
Level 4 Diploma - Hospitality Management
NLTG