Catering Operations Manager

Compass Group UK & Ireland; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering firm in London is seeking a Catering Operations Manager to oversee retail and vending services in a corporate environment. The role focuses on delivering exceptional service, leading teams, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Ideal candidates will have multi-outlet management experience and a passion for food and service.

Benefits

Subsidised meals

Subsidised gym membership

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience managing multi-outlet operations.
• Experience in contract catering is preferred.
• Strong IT skills for data-driven decisions.

Responsibilities

• Drive customer satisfaction through a 'beyond expectations' service culture.
• Manage Retail and Vending teams for outstanding performance.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Commercial Awareness

Communication

Organization

Education

CIEH L3 or equivalent

Job description

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Job Introduction

Catering Operations Manager - Join a Leading Catering and Retail Team

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Catering Operations Manager to lead and elevate the retail, coffee bar, and vending services within a high-profile corporate environment.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional food and service standards while maintaining a strong commercial focus. Reporting to the London Account Manager, you'll lead a dynamic team across multiple outlets, ensuring consistency, innovation, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Champion a 'beyond expectations' service culture, driving five-star customer satisfaction.
• Lead and manage the Retail and Vending teams to deliver outstanding performance and engagement.
• Drive commercial success, focusing on cost control, budgeting, and GP maximisation.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety compliance.
• Build strong, credible relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Promote collaboration across departments, fostering a "one team" culture.
• Drive and embed CSR initiatives aligned with company and client values.
• Oversee administrative, recruitment, and financial processes with a high level of accuracy.

Qualifications

• A confident, hands-on leader with at least 2 years' experience managing busy, multi-outlet operations.
• Passionate about food, service, and people, with a sharp eye for detail and standards.
• Commercially driven with a track record of achieving budgets and improving profitability.
• An excellent communicator who can inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety and food hygiene (CIEH L3 or equivalent).
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing competing priorities effectively.

Essential Experience

• Background in contract catering.
• Proven experience managing multiple operational areas.
• Strong IT skills and comfortable using data to inform decisions.
• Vending and large-scale catering experience (preferred).
• A proactive, collaborative attitude with a commitment to excellence.

Benefits

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Subsidised meals
• Subsidised gym membership
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together.Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/0808/76424001/52755267/SU #RA Group

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!