General Manager (catering & Cleaning) - Reading

Compass Group PLC; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Group UK is seeking a General Manager to lead a high-end catering and cleaning operation in Reading. You will oversee breakfast, lunch, a sandwich bar, bakery, coffee bar, vending and hospitality services, ensuring outstanding customer experiences while maintaining strong client relationships.

The role is Monday to Friday, daytime, with occasional evening events. You will lead on-site teams, monitor performance and report to the client and line manager, focusing on service excellence and

Qualifications

• Experience leading high-quality catering, hospitality or contract catering operations.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and deliver standout service.
• Strong commercial awareness with GP/budget management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite catering and cleaning teams to deliver high standards of food, service and experience.
• Oversee day-to-day operation and maintain excellent service levels.
• Build a welcoming, high-quality customer experience across all food and hospitality areas.
• Manage breakfasts, lunches, bakery, coffee bar, vending and hospitality services.
• Maintain strong client relationships and identify opportunities to develop the account.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Customer service

Budget management

Food safety awareness

Team development

Communication

Job description

We're looking for a General 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 around 280-300 people each day, the operation includes breakfast, 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.

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