General Manager

Aramark UK; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark UK seeks a General Manager to lead our catering operation at Maidstone. You will oversee three catering outlets, a Costa Coffee franchise, and cleaning services across the main site and satellites, with responsibility for subcontracted support services including waste management and accommodation cleaning.

You will drive operational excellence with strong financial oversight, staff development, and client relations, ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety standards, and delivering

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing large catering/hospitality operations.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with budget management experience.

Responsibilities

• Overall ownership and accountability of operational management and financial performance of the unit.
• Work closely with the Head Chef to ensure correct stock levels and waste management processes.
• Champion excellent customer service and implement marketing tools to build sales.
• Ensure tariffs and client requirements are met and hygiene/safety standards are adhered to.
• Line management and development of Team Leaders, Chefs and on-site staff; oversee training.
• Conduct regular staff performance evaluations and annual reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality or Management

Job description

Lead with Purpose. Deliver Excellence. Make a Difference.

Aramark UK is seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead our catering operation at our site in Maidstone.

The General Manager will oversee a diverse operation comprising three catering outlets, a retail area including a Costa Coffee franchise, and extensive cleaning services across the main site and five satellite locations in the Maidstone area. The role also has accountability for the delivery of essential support services through specialist subcontractors, including waste management, tailoring, cobbling, laundry, dry cleaning, and accommodation cleaning services.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary of £44,000 DOE
• Generous annual leave allowance increasing with service with the opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Access to our Employee Benefits app: online GP, Employee Assistance Scheme, and hundreds of discounts (including supermarket savings and weekend treats)
• Company benefits: life assurance, pension contributions, generous holiday allowance (with the option to buy more)
• Career development: we love to promote from within and offer apprenticeships and training to help you grow.

Responsibilities:

• Overall ownership and accountability of operational management and financial
• performance of the unit
• Work closely with the Head Chef to ensure correct stock level. Ensure Opx and waste management processes are in place and weekly reviews are completed for production
• Champion excellent customer service and effectively implement all customer
• communication tools provided by Marketing in order to build sales
• Ensure RRP is maintained as per company policy and that the tariff in all areas meets client / company requirements
• Ensure strict compliance with Aramark Hygiene and Safety requirements
• Ensure only nominated suppliers are used in the business
• Line management, scheduling and performance management of Team Leaders / Senior Team Leaders; Senior / Head Chefs on site and, in some cases, direct line
• management of Team Members
• Ensure Team Leaders and Team Members receive appropriate training to company policies; legal and health and safety requirements
• Champion a training culture within the team to ensure succession planning
• Oversee the performance evaluation process for staff on site to ensure this is conducted in a timely manner and based on agreed objectives and targets.
• Annual reviews for all staff are completed.

Experience:

• Significant experience managing large catering, hospitality, facilities management, or service contracts.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with budget management experience.
• Proven leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience working within a highly regulated environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management and client relationship skills.
• Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to analyse performance data and translate insights into action.
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working within a fast-paced operational environment.

Additional Requirements

Due to the nature of this environment, successful applicants must:

• Be eligible to work in the UK.
• Successfully complete enhanced security clearance and Ministry of Defence vetting.
• Comply with all information security, safeguarding, and operational security requirements.
• Always maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity.

Join Aramark UK

At Aramark UK, we believe that everyone deserves a workplace where they feel valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential.

As a Disability Confident and Forces Friendly employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

This is more than just a management role—it's an opportunity to lead a critical public service, influence positive outcomes, develop exceptional teams, and make a genuine difference every day.