Retail Operations Manager

Compass Group UK & Ireland; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering and retail company in London is seeking an experienced Retail Operations Manager to oversee various services within a corporate environment. The role involves ensuring high standards of service, developing team performance, and enhancing commercial success. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in contract catering and excellent leadership skills, with a commitment to food safety and customer satisfaction.

Benefits

Subsidised meals

Subsidised gym membership

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programmes

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Grocery discounts

Cinema ticket discounts

Wellness classes

Qualifications

• At least 2 years' experience managing busy, multi-outlet operations.
• Passionate about food, service, and people.
• Strong communication skills for team motivation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Retail and Vending teams to deliver outstanding performance.
• Drive commercial success focusing on cost control and budgeting.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene compliance standards.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service excellence

Commercial acumen

Food safety compliance

Team collaboration

Education

CIEH Level 3 or equivalent

Tools

Data analysis tools

IT software

Job description

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Job Introduction

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!