Catering Retail Manager

Off to Work; England; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent catering organization is seeking a Catering Retail Manager to oversee the Food Hall at a historic garden in the UK. The ideal candidate will lead a team of approximately 15, ensuring high service standards in a busy environment. This role offers a salary of £42,000 with the potential for a bonus up to 10%. You will thrive in a hands-on position focused on customer satisfaction within a unique cultural attraction, ensuring operational excellence and team development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Unique working environment

Qualifications

• Must be a hands-on leader with experience in high-volume catering.
• Strong organizational skills with a passion for customer service.
• Experience in staff dining or business and industry environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Food Hall team to deliver exceptional service.
• Ensure smooth daily operation and high standards.
• Drive sales and manage stock effectively.
• Create a welcoming environment aligned with guest expectations.
• Collaborate with onsite catering and operations teams.
• Recruit, train, and develop team members.

Skills

High-volume retail catering

Customer service

Leadership

Team management

Job description

Catering Retail Manager

Surrey

£42,000 + bonus up to 10%

5 days out of 7 (40 hours per week)

About the Setting

This role is based at one of the UK’s most iconic visitor destinations—an historic garden attracting over a million guests each year and home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse plant collections.

The site offers seven unique catering outlets, ranging from a bustling Food Hall and café to mobile units and relaxed family dining spaces. All outlets operate during the day only, except for occasional private events. A trusted onsite catering partner manages day-to-day delivery and supports the functions operation.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking an energetic, people-focused Catering Retail Manager to take ownership of the main Food Hall. You will lead a team of approximately 15 colleagues with the support of an Assistant Manager, reporting directly to the Head of Operations.

What We’re Looking For in a Catering Retail Manager

We want a hands‑on leader—not someone based in an office. You should be confident, charismatic, and instantly recognisable as the person in charge. Responsive, organised, and passionate about standout customer service, you’ll thrive in a lively, guest‑driven environment.

Background MUST include :

• High‑volume retail catering
• Staff dining / B&I environments

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and inspire the Food Hall team to deliver exceptional service
• Maintain high operational standards and ensure smooth daily running
• Drive sales, manage stock, and support key financial targets
• Create a welcoming environment that reflects the destination’s brand and guest expectations
• Collaborate closely with onsite catering teams and the wider operations and functions teams
• Recruit, train, and develop team members

What We Offer

• £42,000 salary
• Up to 10% bonus (50% company performance, 50% site performance)
• A unique working environment set within extraordinary gardens
• The chance to make a real impact at one of the UK’s most visited cultural attractions