Retail Manager

Compass Group; Watford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking an experienced Retail Manager to oversee retail operations across five locations in Watford. This full-time role involves leading teams, ensuring brand compliance, and driving sales and efficiency. The ideal candidate has multi-site management experience and a strong background in food safety and operations. The position includes a 5/7 working rota, with responsibilities on weekends, to uphold high customer service standards while collaborating with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience managing multi-site retail operations, branded outlets, or franchises.
• Track record of driving sales, gross profit, and operational improvements.
• Strong commercial awareness, contract knowledge, and KPI management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site retail operations ensuring compliance with brand and health standards.
• Deliver high-quality services while driving sales and operational efficiency.
• Manage budgets, labour, stock, and resources for operational continuity.

Skills

Multi-site retail management

Sales driving

Operational efficiency

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Retail Manager - Multi-Site

Location: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals | Multi-site
Contract: Full Time | 5/7 rota (weekend senior lead)

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Retail Manager to lead and develop our retail operations across five sites, including restaurants, coffee shops, vending, smart markets, and hospitality/events. You'll be responsible for operational performance, commercial delivery, and brand standards, ensuring a high-quality, customer-focused experience while driving sales, gross profit, and efficiency.

Working on a 5/7 rota, you will also act as the senior operational lead on weekends, supporting seamless collaboration and resilience across the wider operational team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site retail operations, ensuring compliance with brand, health & safety, allergen, and food hygiene standards.
• Deliver high-quality, customer-focused services while driving sales, gross profit, and operational efficiency.
• Manage budgets, labour, stock, and resources to ensure value for money and operational continuity.
• Lead, develop, and motivate retail teams, ensuring effective training, HR compliance, and high performance.
• Implement service improvements, monitor KPIs, and participate in audits to drive continuous improvement.
• Act as the main point of contact for stakeholders and support performance reporting and governance.
• Contribute to new projects, innovation, and sustainability initiatives, including Net Zero commitments.

About You

• Experience managing multi-site retail operations, branded outlets, or franchises.
• Track record of driving sales, gross profit, and operational improvements.
• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) and experience in a similar management role.
• Strong commercial awareness, contract knowledge, and KPI management experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Food Safety Level 4 and enhanced DBS clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Results-oriented, adaptable, and committed to delivering high standards in a complex environment.