General Manager

Compass Group UK Careers; Atherstone; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a General Manager to oversee food and beverage operations at Twycross Zoo. You will lead a skilled team, manage cost control and drive revenue growth. Candidates should have over three years of experience in a similar role with a strong contract catering background. The position offers a competitive salary and promotes teamwork in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Free parking

Free staff meals

Access to company perks

On-site discounts

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in a General Manager role.
• Strong contract catering background.
• Proven experience leading a large team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a skilled team.
• Manage labour planning and cost control.
• Drive commercial opportunities to maximize revenue.
• Ensure compliance with policies and standards.
• Maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Commercial awareness

Team management

Job description

Overview

Job title: General Manager

Location: Twycross Zoo

Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the General Manager at Twycross Zoo, you will lead and develop the catering operations with the guest at the heart of every decision. The role oversees the multi-outlet catering operation on site, including grab & go kiosks, three food concession units, a fish & chip outlet, and a restaurant. A commercial and strategic approach to the catering offering is essential. The venue is predominantly retail food led, with approximately 90% of F&B sales from this channel.

Twycross Zoo is undergoing site developments to enhance its conference & events offering and increase footfall. This role suits an experienced contract catering leader who can lead by example with a hands-on approach. Given the location, a UK driving licence is imperative.

What can we offer you

• A collaborative and inclusive culture, where ideas are valued and creativity is encouraged.
• The chance to work in a beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by nature and gardens.
• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
• Free parking on site.
• Free staff meals whilst at work.
• Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
• Perks for Works discounts and promotions.
• Access to training, mentoring and development with support from our wider networks.
• On-site F&B discounts.

Responsibilities

• Leading, training and developing a motivated, skilled team of operators and culinary staff.
• Managing all aspects of labour planning, cost control and forecasting.
• Identifying and driving commercial opportunities to maximise revenue within food & beverage.
• Maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring expectations are exceeded.
• Overseeing operational delivery across all food and hospitality services.
• Ensuring compliance with company policies, health and safety standards and financial targets.
• Supporting and delivering the venue’s growth strategy in partnership with the client.

The Ideal Candidate

• 3+ years’ experience in a similar General Manager role.
• A strong contract catering background (ideally from a visitor attraction site) covering both retail and C&E business.
• Excellent financial and commercial acumen.
• Proven experience leading a large, diverse team of contracted and casual staff.
• Keen eye for detail when managing budgets and identifying areas for improvement and growth.
• Exceptional communication style with clients and on-site teams, and a clear leadership presence.
• A genuine passion for developing the food & beverage offering and collaborating with the client to progress this.

About Us

Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York.

We provide catering and hospitality services to iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK, including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo, and more. We operate bespoke cafés and restaurants and deliver private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale events for up to 1000 people. A full list of venues is available on our website.

We are an inclusive, diverse, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate across teams. We are committed to putting our people first and are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to sustainability-led practices and proudly hold 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.

Job Reference: com / 2111 / 92635002 / 52544769 / R / SU #RA Venues