General Manager - QEII Taste

Compass Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a prestigious catering company as a General Manager at the iconic QEII Centre, where you'll lead outstanding food and beverage experiences. With a focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and team development, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of event hospitality in London. This dynamic position offers a competitive salary and benefits while working in a high-profile environment that values creativity and quality.

Benefits

Healthcare & Wellbeing benefits

Exclusive Perks & Discounts

Meals on duty

25 days + bank holidays

Ongoing training & development

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in multi-site management.
• Commercially savvy with strong P&L ownership.
• Ability to build relationships with clients and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and operational excellence in food and beverage services.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team to ensure service quality.
• Oversee financial performance and drive profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Team Development

Financial Accountability

Operational Excellence

Commercial Savvy

Education

5+ years' F&B multi-site management experience

Job description

General Manager - QEII Taste

£80,000 per annumplus benefits

We are QEII Taste, by Levy UK + Ireland, the QEII Centre's award-winning caterers. We are renowned for creating and delivering exceptional guest dining experiences. Based on the core principles of quality, innovation and service, QEII Taste aims to exceed client expectation.

From graduation and awards ceremonies to international conventions, our menus are sure to enhance the event experience. From our prime location in the heart of Westminster, we have hosted over 13,000 events since it was opened by Her Majesty the Queen on the 24th June 1986.

Overall Purpose of the Role:

We're on the lookout for a dynamic and experienced General Manager to lead Taste at the QEII, delivering outstanding food and beverage experiences at one of London's most prestigious venues.

This is a high-impact role for a passionate hospitality professional and true foodie', confident in leading large teams and managing multiple outlets. You'll drive innovation, consistency, and guest satisfaction across a diverse event portfolio-from high-profile conferences and exhibitions to VIP receptions.

Working closely with our client, you'll shape strategy, lead change, and bring fresh ideas to the table, all while ensuring operational excellence and commercial success. You'll be at the heart of a business that blends creativity, quality, and flawless service in a truly unique setting.

If you're a natural leader with energy, vision, and a flair for delivering memorable moments-we want to hear from you.

More about the role:

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the client and Business Director to shape strategy, lead tactical planning, and stay ahead of market trends and competitor activity.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day operations to deliver consistent, high-quality food and service standards across all outlets, ensuring readiness and guest satisfaction.
• Project Delivery: Lead the planning and execution of innovation, capex, and service enhancement projects in partnership with key stakeholders and contractors.
• Hospitality & Brand: Champion a guest-focused culture, maintaining brand standards and driving innovation that enhances the customer experience.
• Team Development: Build, lead, and motivate a high-performing team, with a focus on succession planning, performance management, and a strong service culture.
• Workforce Planning: Ensure robust structures and recruitment strategies are in place to flex between fixed and variable staffing needs based on event demand.
• Financial Accountability: Own the P&L, driving profitability through cost control, accurate forecasting, and commercial insight to grow spend per head.
• Compliance & Safety: Uphold strong health & safety practices, HR compliance, and effective communication throughout the team and venue.

Who you are:

• Proven Leadership: A confident, charismatic senior operator with 5+ years' F&B multi-site management experience-ideally in stadium, arena, or large-scale venue settings.
• Commercially Savvy: Strong P&L ownership, with a track record of delivering results through smart, agile decision-making.
• Client-Facing Credibility: Able to build trusted relationships with clients, peers, and functional experts, with a polished and persuasive communication style.
• Operational Versatility: Comfortable managing a diverse mix of outlets and business functions, while flexing between hands-on leadership and team support.
• Hospitality Passion: Brings energy, creativity, and a genuine love of food and service-delivering consistently high standards within brand guidelines.
• People Developer: Natural people-person who inspires and grows high-performing teams, with a structured yet flexible approach to leadership.
• Change Champion: Experienced in leading projects, driving innovation, and navigating complex change with resilience and calm.
• Adaptable & Committed: Problem-solver who thrives under pressure and is happy to work evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the operation.

Benefits:

• Healthcare & Wellbeing - Medicash health benefits (including dental, mental health & optical for you and up to 4 children), free annual health check with Aviva Digicare, discounts at Nuffield Health & Pure Gym, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts- Save on entertainment (up to 55% off cinema tickets), shopping (up to 15% off), Vodafone plans, and travel with top providers such as TUI & Expedia.
• Workplace Benefits - Meals on duty, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional subscriptions paid.
• Leave & Family Support - 25 days + bank holidays, your birthday off, extra leave after maternity return, a day off for your baby's 1st birthday, and a holiday purchase scheme.
• Career & Financial Support- Ongoing training & development, career pathways, financial wellbeing programme, and preferred rates on salary finance products.

Who are Levy?

Levy, part of Compass Group, known for delivering exceptional food, drink, and hospitality experiences at world-renowned venues such as Wimbledon, Twickenham, and Tottenham Hotspur. Focused on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion, Levy prides itself on using sustainably sourced ingredients and providing outstanding service. The company is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2027, partnering with the British Paralympic Association, and ensuring all team members earn at least the Real Living Wage or London Living Wage.

Why Join Us?

At Levy UK & Ireland, we celebrate diversity and foster inclusion, valuing every individual's unique strengths. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and success. We promote fairness, ensure all voices are heard, and provide equal opportunities for all.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, equitable workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute. Together, we achieve greatness