Operations Manager

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

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider in the UK is seeking an Operations Manager for their team at RHS Garden Wisley. You will be responsible for overseeing and optimising operations in a prominent venue, driving team performance and ensuring high service standards. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in hospitality management and a strong focus on customer satisfaction. This role offers competitive salary and great benefits.

Benefits

Free meals

Onsite free car parking

Contributory pension scheme

Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes

Digital GP access

Travel discounts

Food shop discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards for spending

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operations, restaurant, or hospitality management role.
• Strong track record in leading high-volume F&B operations.
• Demonstrated success in achieving financial targets and improving profitability.
• Solid understanding of food production and service delivery.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and health legislation.
• Awareness of F&B trends and customer experience innovation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure consistent delivery of excellence in food quality and service.
• Establish and communicate operational standards.
• Drive continuous improvement by reviewing service and guest experience.
• Implement robust quality control systems to ensure compliance.
• Champion a customer-centric culture among the team.
• Optimise operational workflows to reduce inefficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with training and certification in food safety.
• Promote innovation and excellence in food concepts and service.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Proactive problem-solving

Customer-centric culture

Financial management

Job description

Job Title: Operations Manager - F&B

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. 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, and 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.

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.

Benefits:

• Free meals
• Onsite free car parking
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and more with food shop discounts
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Unwind with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• Share all discounts and offers with friends and families

About Us:

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK's leading workplace and inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive—because diversity is our strength!