Retail Manager

Searcys; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% staff discount

Pension scheme

Up to 38 days leave

Birthday off

Meals allowance

Job summary

Searcys is seeking an ambitious Retail Manager to lead our front-of-house team across a high-volume corporate staff restaurant, café, and events. You will work hands-on on the floor, ensuring consistent service excellence and strong client engagement.

In this role you’ll partner with kitchens and support teams, drive cost control and staff development, and shape a modern retail offer for busy breakfast to dinner services in a landmark venue in London.

Qualifications

• Experience in contract catering within a corporate environment.
• Proven track record of managing busy, high-volume operations.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all front-of-house operations for a high-volume corporate staff restaurant.
• Lead and develop a large FOH team, ensuring high service standards across meals and events.
• Manage dining operations, stock, payroll elements and supplier relationships.

Skills

High-volume catering

Front-of-house leadership

Team management

Time management

Attention to detail

Administrative skills

Client engagement

Tools

POS & reporting systems

Job description

Company Description

We are looking for an ambitious and creative Retail Manager- Catering to lead our front-of-house team. This is a hands-on role, working out on the floor, leading from the front and ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly.
You will take ownership of a fast-paced operation, delivering a high-quality, consistent service with strong attention to detail. Working closely with the Retail Head Chef, you will help shape and deliver a modern, engaging retail offer.
With the move to a brand-new building in 2026, this is a great opportunity to make a positive impact from the outset. From busy breakfast services to larger café events, you will ensure standards remain high and the offer stays fresh and relevant. You will be responsible for the full retail operation, including the staff restaurant, café, evening bar, kiosks, vending, and ad hoc hospitality.

Role involved client facing and Searcys will require you to be an ambassador for this brand and deliver services that creates lasting memories. You will receive the following industry-leading benefits:

• 50% discount across Searcys venues
• Enrolment into the Searcys pension scheme
• Up to 38days annual leave (dependent on job role)
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Access to everyday discounts and communication portal
• Employee assistance program and qualified Mental Health First Aiders
• Monthly Chef wellbeing and supplier trips
• Opportunity to enrol into the WSH Group Chef Academy
• Opportunity to enrol into the Searcys Wine and Champagne Academy
• Opportunity to enrol into the SearcysCoffee Academy
• Opportunity to enrol into the Searcys Management Development Programme
• Uniform provided
• Meals allowance provided on shift when working within one of our venues
• Your birthday off to celebrate in style
• A day off to volunteer/give back to the charity of your choice
• A wide selection of Searcys - ibelong Events

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Full operational responsibility for a high-volume corporate staff restaurant, including breakfast, lunch and dinner service, café, evening bar, kiosks, vending and ad hoc hospitality
• Maintain a visible presence on the floor, engaging with clients and creating a welcoming, professional environment
• Lead, manage and develop a large front-of-house team within a corporate setting
• Drive high service standards and consistency across all service periods
• Identify training needs across the team and ensure appropriate development is delivered
• Continuously improve the client experience and embed a strong service culture
• Work closely with kitchen and support teams to ensure smooth daily operations
• Monitor standards across all areas and proactively elevate issues or opportunities to the line manager
• Manage catering administration, including financial reporting, banking and operational paperwork
• Respond to client feedback professionally, resolving issues where possible and escalating when required
• Carry out regular checks to ensure maintenance, cleanliness and health & safety standards are met
• Take ownership of stock control, including ordering, stock takes and equipment management
• Manage food costs effectively, minimising waste and working within budget
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and reliability
• Lead daily briefings, ensuring the team is informed of events, expectations and priorities
• Lead, coach and support the team to drive engagement, performance and development
• Support development of the catering offer and ensure a well-organised service across all areas
• Plan staffing levels in line with business needs, maximising efficiency
• Maintain strong control of departmental spend
• Oversee payroll elements, including overtime, agency usage and holiday planning
• Follow all company people processes (one-to-ones, appraisals, recruitment and ER matters) in line with Searcys standards
• Maintain high food safety and hygiene standards in line with HACCP
• Ensure compliance with all legal and client requirements, including food safety, COSHH and health & safety
• Adhere to all site-specific requirements, including security, fire and licensing regulations
• Take ownership of own development and support continuous improvement across the site
• Support senior management with any other duties that reasonably correspond to the general character of the role may be required. This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and flexibility and cooperation are expected to support business needs.

Qualifications

Key Skills

• Strong background in contract catering, ideally within a high-end corporate environment
• Proven experience managing busy, high-volume operations
• Well organised, with strong time management and attention to detail
• Collaborative team player who builds effective working relationships
• Comfortable managing busy services and adapting to changing priorities
• Strong administrative and record-keeping skills
• Flexible and responsive to business needs
• Positive, practical approach with a willingness to support where required

Our Ideal Candidate

• Confident working with clients and teams in a corporate environment
• Takes pride in quality, presentation and attention to detail
• Brings fresh ideas and genuine passion for hospitality
• Hands‑on leader who supports and develops their team
• Strong communicator who builds positive working relationships

Additional Information

We are the oldest caterer in the UK, founded in 1847. Working with us means being part of London’s most prestigious events and some of the country's most iconic venues. You’ll gain valuable experience and mentoring from skilled colleagues and have a chance to write your own chapter in our celebrated history.

A career at Searcys means being part of something special. With our rich heritage, and ever-growing business, we will be delighted if you join us – a company with a strong sense of pride and belonging.

To find out more on the rich history of Searcys, please visit our website at www.searcys.co.uk