Operations Manager

Compass Group; Woking; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider in the UK seeks an experienced Operations Manager to oversee and optimise the day-to-day operations at RHS Garden Wisley. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food and beverage management, demonstrating excellence in service delivery and operational efficiency. This role involves managing teams, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and fostering a positive work environment. You will be part of a dedicated team focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Benefits

Collaborative culture

Beautiful working environment

25 days annual leave

Free parking

Free staff meals

Access to company perks

Training and development opportunities

On-site F&B discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operations or hospitality management role within the food and beverage industry.
• Strong track record of leading multi-site or high-volume F&B operations.
• Demonstrated success in achieving financial targets through effective cost control.

Responsibilities

• Ensure consistent delivery of food quality and service standards.
• Define and communicate performance expectations for team members.
• Conduct regular reviews of food, service, and guest experience.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Proactive problem-solving

Leadership

Financial management

Customer-centric approach

Education

Experience in senior operations or hospitality management

Job description

Operations Manager
Location: RHS Garden Wisley
Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the Operations Manager at RHS Garden Wisley, you will be responsible for managing and optimising the day-to-day operations of the retail hospitality outlets at one of Restaurant Associates' flagship venues. This role focuses on operational excellence, process improvement, and team performance to support the delivery of exceptional service and high operational standards.

We require strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in this role. You will ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, uphold brand and service standards, and foster a positive, productive work environment for all team members to create memorable guest experiences, act as a key ambassador for RA Venues and the RHS partnership.

Success in this role requires you to oversee staffing, training, inventory management, and service delivery to maintain smooth business operations. You will monitor key performance indicators, implement cost control measures, and support financial targets through efficient resource management. You will work closely with the Head of Operations, clients, and internal stakeholders to contribute to strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts that enhance customer satisfaction and business performance.

What can we offer you:

• A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
• The chance to work in a truly beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by nature and stunning gardens.
• 25 days annual leave (Excluding bank holidays and national holiday days)
• Free parking on site
• Free staff meals whilst at work.
• Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
• Perks for Works discounts and promotions
• Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
• On-site F&B discounts.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure consistent delivery of excellence: Monitor and measure food quality and service standards to ensure alignment with Restaurant Associates values, client expectations, and operational benchmarks.
• Establish clear operational standards: Define and communicate measurable performance expectations for all team members, ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery through structured briefings, coaching, and training.
• Drive continuous improvement: Conduct regular reviews of food, service, and guest experience, providing actionable feedback to culinary and service teams to identify root causes of variance and implement corrective actions.
• Implement robust quality control systems: Lead scheduled audits, guest feedback analysis, and mystery diner assessments to ensure compliance, identify trends, and enhance operational performance.
• Champion a customer-centric culture: Inspire and develop the team to deliver seamless, memorable guest experiences that exceed expectations and strengthen brand loyalty.
• Optimise operational workflows: Evaluate and streamline service processes to reduce inefficiencies, minimise wait times, and enhance throughput while maintaining premium quality standards.
• Ensure full compliance and capability: Oversee comprehensive training and certification in food safety, allergen management, and service excellence, fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
• Promote innovation and excellence: Collaborate with senior leadership to propose and pilot new food concepts, service enhancements, and process improvements that drive operational excellence and business growth at RHS Wisley.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience in a senior operations, restaurant, or hospitality management role within the food and beverage industry.
• Strong track record of leading multi-site or high-volume F&B operations, ensuring consistent service and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated success in achieving financial targets, managing budgets, and improving profitability through effective cost control and revenue growth.
• Solid understanding of food production, service delivery, and quality assurance within a branded or contract catering environment.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, allergen management, and relevant health and safety legislation.
• Awareness of current F&B trends, sustainability practices, and innovation in customer experience.

About Us:

Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York.

Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large‑scale ground events of up to 1000 people. You can find a full list of our venues on our website.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first. Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability‑led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association's Food Made Good Programme.