General Manager (Catering & Cleaning) - Reading

Compass Group UK; Reading; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK in Reading is seeking a General Manager for Catering & Cleaning. You will lead the on-site catering and cleaning operation serving 280–300 people daily, with a Monday–Friday daytime schedule and occasional evening events. You will manage teams, client relationships, budgets, GP targets and ensure top-tier service and safety standards. This is a hands-on leadership role with a focus on client satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience leading high-quality catering/hospitality operations.
• Strong leadership and client relationship skills.
• Commercial awareness with budget and GP experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop onsite catering and cleaning teams.
• Oversee day-to-day operation and service standards.
• Build strong client relationships and understand their needs.
• Monitor performance and report to client and line manager.
• Manage budgets and GP targets across the site.
• Ensure food safety and company standards are maintained.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

People development

Budget management

Client relationship management

Job description

General Manager (Catering & Cleaning)

Reading | £46,000 per annum | 40 hours per week | Monday - Friday

Are you an experienced catering leader who is passionate about great food, exceptional service and developing people?

We’re looking for aGeneral Manager - Catering & Cleaning to lead the operation at a prestigious, high-end site in Reading. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced hospitality or catering professional who enjoys being hands-on, building strong client relationships and creating an outstanding customer experience.

Serving around280-300 people each day, the operation includesbreakfast, lunch, a sandwich bar, bakery and coffee bar, alongside vending and hospitality services.

This is a Monday to Friday, daytime role, with occasional evening hospitality events.

About the role

As General Manager, you’ll take overall responsibility for the catering and cleaning operation, ensuring consistently high standards across food, service, people and customer experience.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading and developing the onsite catering and cleaning teams.
• Overseeing the day-to-day operation and ensuring excellent service standards.
• Creating a welcoming, high-quality customer experience across all food and hospitality areas.
• Managing breakfast, lunch, sandwich bar, bakery, coffee bar, vending and hospitality services.
• Building and maintaining a strong relationship with the client.
• Working closely with the client to understand their needs and identify opportunities to develop the account.
• Monitoring site performance and providing clear reporting to both the client and your line manager.
• Managing budgets and ensuring financial performance is delivered within agreed parameters.
• Managing product ranges and ensuring they are aligned with agreed GP targets.
• Ensuring food safety, health & safety and company standards are consistently maintained.
• Leading, coaching and developing the onsite team, creating a positive and engaging working environment.
• Responding positively to changing customer requirements and the fast-paced nature of the operation.

About you

We’re looking for someone who has previous experience managing a high-quality catering, hospitality or contract catering operation and is confident leading a team and managing client relationships.

You’ll have:

• Strong customer service skills and a genuine passion for delivering an excellent experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and high personal standards.
• A real enthusiasm for food, hospitality and service delivery.
• Experience developing and motivating teams.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and GP.
• The ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Confidence reporting on performance and discussing operational matters with clients and senior stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to identifying opportunities to improve and develop the service.

Why Compass Group UK?

At Compass Group UK, we believe great people create great experiences. You’ll be joining a business where you can make a real impact, develop your career and be part of a team that puts people, food and customers at the heart of everything we do.

If you’re ready to lead a high-end catering and cleaning operation, build strong client relationships and create an outstanding customer experience, we’d love to hear from you.