Regional Support Manager

Medirest; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking a Regional Support Manager to oversee operations across the London and South East region. The role involves providing operational support, mentoring site managers, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Candidates should have experience in contract catering, strong leadership skills, and excellent time management. This position offers numerous benefits, including a contributory pension scheme and exclusive discounts.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

Access to career development platforms

Free digital healthcare support

Travel discounts

Supermarket savings

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards and discounts

Free wellbeing and fitness classes

Qualifications

• Proven operational experience within a contract catering or hospitality environment.
• Confident in leading teams and motivating staff across multiple locations.
• Excellent time management and planning skills to prioritize tasks effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on operational support across the region’s sites.
• Assist in mentoring and coaching site managers and teams.
• Build rapport with clients to address operational queries.
• Champion health, safety, and food quality standards.
• Support site openings and transitions.

Skills

Operational experience in contract catering

Leadership ability

Excellent time management

Client-centric communication

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Role: Regional Support Manager - London & South East (M3 Corridor)
Hours: 40 per week
Pay: £38,000-£42,000 PA (DOE)
Experience in Contract Catering preferred

Role Overview:

We’re looking for an organised, proactive, and people-focused Regional Support Manager to support our catering operations across multiple sites within the London and South East region, specifically along the M3 Corridor.

In this pivotal role, you will work closely with the Regional Manager to maintain operational consistency, uphold quality standards, and ensure team performance aligns with business expectations. You’ll play a vital part in supporting contract mobilisations, providing cover for site managers, and helping drive best practices across the region.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with multi-site experience in contract catering (or similar service environments), who is ready to take the next step into a supportive operational leadership role.
Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Support: Provide hands-on operational support across the region’s sites, ensuring service excellence and continuity during periods of absence, mobilisation, or change.
  
• Team Development: Assist in mentoring, coaching, and supporting site managers and teams to foster a culture of engagement, development, and high performance.
  
• Client Liaison: Build rapport with clients across the patch, supporting the Regional Manager in delivering on service agreements and addressing operational queries.
  
• Quality & Compliance: Champion health, safety, hygiene, and food quality standards, ensuring full compliance across supported sites.
  
• Cover & Mobilisation: Step in as acting manager when required; support site openings and new business transitions.
  
• Reporting & Feedback: Provide regular updates to the Regional Manager on site performance, people issues, and operational challenges.
  
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for service and process improvements and collaborate with the wider team to implement them.
  

Key Requirements:

• Experience: Proven operational experience within a contract catering or hospitality environment; multi-site or relief management experience preferred.
  
• Leadership: Confident in leading teams and influencing without direct line management; able to motivate and support staff across varying sites.
  
• Organisation: Excellent time management and planning skills, with the ability to juggle competing priorities across multiple locations.
  
• Adaptability: A flexible and resilient approach to work; willing to travel frequently and adapt to site-specific needs.
  
• Client Focus: Professional, personable, and client-centric with strong interpersonal communication skills.
  
• Problem Solver: Able to think on your feet, troubleshoot operational challenges, and support in implementing lasting solutions.
  

What We Offer:
We ensure you're rewarded for your hard work and commitment with a wide range of benefits:

• Contributory pension scheme
  
• Access to our Career Pathways and MyLearning development platforms
  
• Free access to Digital GP and wider healthcare support for you and your immediate family
  
• Exclusive travel discounts with top brands
  
• Supermarket savings at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and more
  
• Cinema ticket discounts (up to 44% off)
  
• Cash rewards and discounts at hundreds of popular retailers
  
• Free wellbeing, mindfulness, and fitness classes
  
• Discounts can be shared with your friends and family
  

About Us:
Compass Group UK&I is proud to be an inclusive employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued. Your individuality, experience, and voice matter - and we celebrate the diverse contributions of all our team members.

Join us and be part of a company where you can grow, thrive, and make a real difference.