General Services Manager Catering and Hospitality

Sodexo; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the UK is seeking a General Services Manager for Catering & Hospitality. This pivotal leadership role demands operational expertise to manage high-quality dining services for a large community. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in catering management, strong financial skills, and a commitment to service excellence. Offering a salary of £60,000 – £65,000 plus attractive benefits, this position invites those who are passionate about enhancing the dining experience to apply.

Benefits

Unlimited mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working environment

Competitive salary

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing large-scale catering operations.
• Proven ability to engage with all stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage catering services at Eton College.
• Oversee financial performance and budget preparation.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Develop strong relationships with the client and staff.

Skills

Operational excellence

Strong communication skills

Financial acumen

People management

Attention to detail

Job description

Job Introduction

General Services Manager - Catering & Hospitality
Location: Eton College, Berkshire
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 per annum + attractive benefits
Hours: 40 hours per week (as required), working 5 days out of 7 – year-round, boarding school environment

About The Role
Eton College, one of the world’s most prestigious schools, is seeking an accomplished General Services Manager - Catering & Hospitality to lead and oversee our central dining and hospitality operations. In partnership with Sodexo, this is a significant leadership role that requires an exceptional individual with strong operational skills, financial acumen, and the ability to maintain the highest standards of service in a complex, year-round boarding environment.

You will act as the primary Sodexo representative within catering, responsible for leading a team of over 50 staff, ensuring that the daily dining experience for over 750 boarders and staff consistently reflects Eton’s reputation for excellence. Alongside operational leadership, you will play a key role in developing client relationships, driving innovation, and ensuring services remain efficient, sustainable, and “best in class.”

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop catering and hospitality services across Eton College, ensuring impeccable standards of quality, presentation, and compliance at all times.
• Act as the central point of contact for the client, fostering strong, transparent, and collaborative relationships at all levels of the College hierarchy.
• Deliver robust financial performance, including annual budget preparation, monthly reporting, cost control, and identifying efficiencies.
• Oversee the planning and execution of daily catering services, high-profile functions, formal dinners, and external events.
• Ensure effective people management, including recruitment, training, engagement, and succession planning, motivating teams to deliver consistently outstanding service.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and safeguarding, ensuring legal, health & safety, allergen, and food hygiene regulations are met without compromise.
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement in catering services, capturing student feedback and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and hospitality leaders to ensure a relevant and inspiring food offer that balances tradition with modern expectations.

About You

We are looking for a confident and professional leader who can bring:

• Significant experience managing large-scale catering and hospitality operations, ideally within an independent school, boarding school, hotel, or contract catering environment.
• Proven operational excellence, with strong communication, planning, and organisational skills.
• The ability to engage with people of all standings, from pupils and staff to senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Financial acumen: budget management, cost control, forecasting, and commercial awareness.
• A track record in people management: motivating, developing, and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Impeccable attention to detail, with the ability to deliver high-profile events to exacting standards.
• Knowledge of contract or group catering (highly advantageous).
• An understanding of the culture, protocols, and hierarchy of independent schools (advantageous).

What We Offer

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong to a company and team that values you for who you are; you’ll act with purpose and make an impact every day; and you’ll be supported to thrive in your own way.

Benefits Include

• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support.
• Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support.
• Access to a wellbeing app with rewards, 24/7 virtual GP, and lifestyle services.
• Sodexo Discounts Scheme, available for colleagues, friends and family.
• Financial wellbeing support via the Salary Finance Platform.
• Membership of the Sodexo Retirement Plan.
• Death in Service benefit.
• Learning and development opportunities to support your career growth.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities.
• A flexible and dynamic working environment.
• Competitive compensation, full training, and protective uniform supplied.

Package

• A career-defining role at one of the most prestigious schools in the world.
• A salary of £60,000 – £65,000 per annum, plus an attractive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within Sodexo and Eton College.
• The chance to lead a large, diverse team in delivering services that are integral to the daily life of the College.
• A role where your leadership, vision, and expertise will help shape the experience of pupils and staff every day.

Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds. Candidates with experience in independent schools will have an advantage, but above all we are seeking a candidate with the leadership, operational expertise, and attention to detail required to excel in this prestigious setting.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (UK) and/or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland).

Note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference!