Deputy General Manager

Holroyd Howe; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in Eastleigh is looking for a Deputy General Manager to oversee the catering operations at King Edward VI School. The successful candidate will be involved in day-to-day management, ensuring high standards of food and service. This hands-on role calls for strong leadership and a passion for food. Ideal applicants will have supervisory experience and a solid understanding of kitchen operations and customer service. The position offers a competitive salary and additional benefits.

Benefits

28 days holiday

Volunteering days

Enhanced maternity leave

Training & development opportunities

Pension & life insurance

Discounts via Perkbox

Free meals at work

Qualifications

• Previous supervisory or assistant management experience in a catering or hospitality environment.
• Experience managing a team and supporting staff training.
• Knowledge of health & safety and food safety compliance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director of Catering in overseeing day-to-day operations.
• Deliver excellent food standards and customer experience.
• Manage stock, ordering, and supplier relationships.

Skills

Operational delivery

Team leadership

Food safety knowledge

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Job Details

• Deputy General Manager - Southampton*
• Company Description*
• Job Title : * Deputy General Manager
• Location : * King Edward VI School
• Contract Type : * 52 weeks - Additional hours will be worked during term time and taken as lieu out of term.
• Salary : * 38,000 per annum

Why Join us

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• 3 volunteering days to give back to causes you care about
• 3 days grandparent leave for those special family moments
• 24 weeks enhanced maternity leave
• Bespoke training & development opportunities
• Pension & life insurance
• Discounts on high street brands, cinema & holidays via the Perkbox App
• Wellbeing hub & access to employee assistance programme
• Free meals while at work
• Career development & HIT Apprenticeships for all experience levels

About the role

We are seeking a confident and committed Deputy General Manager to support the effective day-to-day running of the catering service at King Edward VI School.

Working closely with the Director of Catering, you'll play a key role in operational delivery, team leadership, and ensuring high standards in food quality and service.

This is a hands‑on, customer‑focused position ideal for someone passionate about food, hospitality, and team development.

You will be joining Holroyd Howe, one of the UK's leading contract caterers, providing fresh, innovative food services solely to independent schools and colleges.

We are a team of experienced professionals who tailor our catering service provision specifically to suit children of all ages in order to meet the bespoke requirements of each school.

Our mission is simple : To provide our teams with the right skills to succeed in their jobs, we invest in their training and development.

Our exceptional teams of seasoned specialists customise our catering services to fit children of all ages and satisfy the unique needs of our clients.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Director of Catering in overseeing day-to-day catering operations, ensuring a high-quality and consistent service.
• Lead by example in delivering excellent food standards and customer experience.
• Supervise and motivate catering teams to perform efficiently and with pride.
• Help manage stock, ordering, and supplier relationships in line with budgetary targets.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and compliance with all relevant policies.
• Assist in planning and executing hospitality events and term‑time functions.
• Deputise in the absence of the General Manager, taking ownership of operations and client communications.

Qualifications

Candidate Profile

• The role is 80% hands‑on, so applicants must be comfortable and experienced in operational, day‑to‑day delivery.
• Previous supervisory or assistant management experience in a catering or hospitality environment.
• A food‑led individual with a good understanding of kitchen operations and customer service.
• Experience managing a team and supporting staff training and development.
• Knowledge of health & safety, food safety, and compliance procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive, can‑do attitude.
• Experience in an education or contract catering setting is desirable but not essential.

Additional Information

In order to be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK.

Holroyd Howe is an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all employees to share this commitment.

All roles within Holroyd Howe involve regulated activity.

It is a criminal offence for individuals barred from working with children to apply for such roles.

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Barred List check will be required for all successful applicants.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide information about relevant criminal offences and will be subject to an online search of publicly available information.

This search helps identify any issues that may affect suitability to work with children.

This appointment is offered on the return of satisfactory professional references.

IND1

We pride ourselves on :

• People first*
• Great food, always*
• Food education*
• Respect in everything we do*
• Fresh thinking*