Retail Operations Manager

Compass Group; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering firm in London seeks a Retail Operations Manager to elevate retail, coffee bar, and vending services. The ideal candidate will manage a team, ensure high service standards, and drive commercial success. A background in contract catering and strong knowledge of food safety is essential for this pivotal role.

Benefits

Subsidised meals

Subsidised gym membership

Contributory pension scheme

Digital GP access

Exclusive travel discounts

Grocery shop discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Cash rewards program

Wellness and mindfulness classes

Qualifications

• At least 2 years' experience managing busy, multi-outlet operations.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety and food hygiene (CIEH L3 or equivalent).
• Background in contract catering with experience managing multiple operational areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Retail and Vending teams for performance.
• Drive commercial success, focusing on cost control and budgeting.
• Maintain standards of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Budgeting

Food safety

Commercial awareness

Communication

Organizational skills

Job description

Retail Operations Manager - Join a Leading Catering and Retail Team

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Retail Operations Manager to lead and elevate the retail, coffee bar, and vending services within a high-profile corporate environment.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional food and service standards while maintaining a strong commercial focus. Reporting to the London Account Manager, you'll lead a dynamic team across multiple outlets, ensuring consistency, innovation, and operational excellence.

What You'll Do:

• Champion a beyond expectations' service culture, driving five-star customer satisfaction.

• Lead and manage the Retail and Vending teams to deliver outstanding performance and engagement.

• Drive commercial success, focusing on cost control, budgeting, and GP maximisation.

• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and health & safety compliance.

• Build strong, credible relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

• Promote collaboration across departments, fostering a one team culture.

• Drive and embed CSR initiatives aligned with company and client values.

• Oversee administrative, recruitment, and financial processes with a high level of accuracy.

Who You Are:

• A confident, hands-on leader with at least 2 years' experience managing busy, multi-outlet operations.

• Passionate about food, service, and people, with a sharp eye for detail and standards.

• Commercially driven with a track record of achieving budgets and improving profitability.

• An excellent communicator who can inspire, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.

• Strong knowledge of health & safety and food hygiene (CIEH L3 or equivalent).

• Highly organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing competing priorities effectively.

Essential Experience:

• Background in contract catering.

• Proven experience managing multiple operational areas.

• Strong IT skills and comfortable using data to inform decisions.

• Vending and large-scale catering experience (preferred).

• A proactive, collaborative attitude with a commitment to excellence.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Subsidised meals
• Subsidised gym membership
• 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 on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• 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
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

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 as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/0808/76424001/52755267/SU #RA Group

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!