General Manager

Compass Group PLC; Staines-upon-Thames; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I is seeking a hands-on General Manager to lead a team of around 8 in a high-end corporate hospitality setting. You will oversee the restaurant and pantry operations, supporting service and ensuring a consistently positive guest experience.

The role blends people leadership, operations management, commercial responsibility and client engagement, with a focus on high standards, safety and a positive team culture.

Qualifications

• Experienced hands-on General Manager with leadership of a team in hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop your team.
• Oversee the daily restaurant, pantry and hospitality operations.
• Work alongside the team during service, setting the standard through a hands-on approach.
• Deliver consistently high standards of food, service, cleanliness and presentation.
• Manage rotas, staffing levels, labour costs and operational budgets.
• Monitor stock, ordering, deliveries, waste and supplier performance.
• Build strong relationships with clients, customers and key stakeholders.
• Handle feedback and resolve operational issues quickly and professionally.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health and safety, allergen and company procedures.
• Support training, performance management and ongoing team development.
• Identify opportunities to improve service, efficiency and the overall customer experience.

Job description

General Manager - Restaurant & Pantry Operation

We're looking for an experienced, hands‑on General Manager to lead a team of circa 8 within a high‑end corporate hospitality environment.

Leading from the front, you'll take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the restaurant and pantry operation. You'll be a visible presence across the site, supporting the team during service and ensuring that every guest receives a consistently positive and professional experience.

This is a varied role combining people leadership, operational management, commercial responsibility and client engagement. You'll create a positive team culture, maintain excellent standards and ensure the operation runs smoothly, efficiently and safely.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop your team
• Oversee the daily restaurant, pantry and hospitality operations
• Work alongside the team during service, setting the standard through a hands‑on approach
• Deliver consistently high standards of food, service, cleanliness and presentation
• Manage rotas, staffing levels, labour costs and operational budgets
• Monitor stock, ordering, deliveries, waste and supplier performance
• Build strong relationships with clients, customers and key stakeholders
• Handle feedback and resolve operational issues quickly and professionally
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, health and safety, allergen and company procedures
• Support training, performance management and ongoing team development
• Identify opportunities to improve service, efficiency and the overall customer experience

Commercially aware with a strong understanding of business operations.

Highly organised and confident taking ownership of a busy operation.

Confident communicator who can build trusted relationships with clients and colleagues.

Hands‑on and visible within the operation, leading by example.

Supportive team leader who helps colleagues perform at their best.

Proactive, passionate, and committed to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.

Takes pride in maintaining high standards and creating a positive customer experience.

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.

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!

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