Jennifer Lehane

Senior Catering and Operations Manager with more than 20 years' experience leading large-scale healthcare, business and industry, education and hospitality catering operations. Proven track record of delivering high-quality food services across multi-site contracts, managing significant budgets, leading large teams and maintaining exceptional standards of compliance, food safety and customer service. Extensive experience within NHS healthcare environments, contract catering and facilities management, with responsibility for operational performance, financial management, workforce development and stakeholder engagement.

Recognised for strong leadership, service transformation and the ability to successfully manage complex operations in demanding environments.

Operations Manager - Elior UK

(2026-05)

Responsible for the operational leadership of catering services across multiple NHS healthcare sites, reporting directly to the Operations Director and Managing Director.

• Lead operational performance across six healthcare catering sites within Barts Health Trust and The Royal Marsden Hospital.
• Accountable for food production, service delivery, financial performance and compliance standards.
• Provide strategic leadership to site management teams, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality catering services.
• Manage cost control, workforce planning, menu development and service improvement initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health and safety and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with NHS stakeholders, client representatives and senior leadership teams.

Group Manager - Elior UK

(2024-12 - 2026-05)

• Supported the Operations Manager across multiple NHS contracts.
• Provided operational leadership during periods of management absence.
• Supported catering operations at Barts Health sites, Broomfield Hospital and The Royal Marsden Hospital.
• Assisted with performance management, compliance monitoring and operational improvement projects.

General Manager - Elior UK

(2019-11 - 2024-12)

Managed catering operations across major NHS hospitals including St Bartholomew's Hospital, Royal London Hospital and Mile End Hospital.

• Oversaw five catering outlets and hospitality services at St Bartholomew's Hospital.
• Successfully led catering teams through the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning services to a 24/7 operational model across the Trust.
• Implemented enhanced hygiene, infection control and safety measures in collaboration with client teams and regulatory bodies.
• Managed operations across Royal London Hospital and Mile End Hospital, delivering approximately £250,000 monthly turnover.
• Hosted senior client and executive leadership visits across one of the division's largest contracts.
• Organised large-scale hospital events, staff appreciation programmes and supplier showcase events.
• Developed strong partnerships with Project SEARCH, supporting internship opportunities, training initiatives and employment placements for programme participants.

Regional Catering Manager - Apleona UK

(2017-02 - 2019-11)

Responsible for the operational management of twelve business and industry catering sites across the UK, reporting directly to Regional Directors and Board-level stakeholders.

• Managed site performance, financial control and budget management across multiple contracts.
• Led recruitment, workforce planning and HR activities across the region.
• Delivered training and development programmes to improve team capability and performance.
• Maintained consistently high standards of food quality, service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Conducted comprehensive audits covering food safety, health and safety and financial compliance.
• Supported Account Managers and Directors within a Facilities Management environment.

Area Support Manager - Caterlink

(2011-07 - 2017-02)

Managed operational performance across up to eighteen school catering locations.

• Maintained financial performance and budgetary control across multiple sites.
• Developed strong client relationships with schools and local stakeholders.
• Delivered Level 2 Health & Safety and Food Safety training programmes.
• Managed employee relations, recruitment and workforce development.
• Ensured compliance with all food safety, health and safety and company standards.
• Supported operational managers in achieving business objectives and service improvements.

Chef Manager - BaxterStorey

(2001-10 - 2011-07)

Held management positions across several high-profile contracts including the Royal Courts of Justice, Crown Court Group and National Physical Laboratory.

• Managed day-to-day catering operations within prestigious and high-volume environments.
• Organised and delivered hospitality services for senior judiciary members, dignitaries and corporate clients.
• Successfully managed annual catering operations for the Lord Mayor's Show at the Royal Courts of Justice over a nine-year period.
• Supported site mobilisation projects including Ashford International and Crystal Palace Park.
• Delivered hospitality and event catering services for major public and sporting events.
• Contributed to menu development, food innovation projects and operational best practice initiatives across multiple sites.
• Managed Costa Coffee operations and fresh food retail offers at the National Physical Laboratory.

Diploma - Hotel Management - CERT College, Dublin

Leaving Certificate - Scoil Mhuire, Cork