Staff Restaurant Manager

Compass Group; Forest Row; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider in the UK is seeking a Staff Restaurant Manager to oversee daily operations at Glyndebourne Opera House. You will manage a team, ensure high-quality meals, and maintain service standards in a stunning environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in high-volume catering operations and strong leadership abilities. This role offers a collaborative culture and various company perks.

Benefits

20 days annual leave

Access to company perks & benefits

Training, mentoring, and development opportunities

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing a high-volume staff or contract catering operation.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Passion for great food, service, and hospitality.
• Excellent organisational and financial management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the staff restaurant.
• Lead a dedicated catering team.
• Manage service standards, menus and budgets.
• Work closely with the Chef to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

Skills

Management of high-volume catering

Leadership

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Financial management

Passion for food and service

Job description

Job Title: Staff Restaurant Manager

Location: Glyndebourne Opera House, East Sussex

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

What can we offer you

• A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
• The chance to work in a truly beautiful and inspiring setting, surrounded by nature and stunning gardens.
• 20 days annual leave (Excluding bank holidays and national holiday days)
• Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
• Perks for Works discounts and promotions
• Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
• No shortage of delicious food!

About the Role

Glyndebourne is seeking an experienced Staff Restaurant Manager to oversee the daily operations of our busy on‑site staff restaurant. This key role ensures that our team of performers, technicians, and administrative staff enjoy high‑quality, nutritious meals in a welcoming environment.

You’ll lead a dedicated catering team, manage service standards, menus, and budgets, and work closely with our Chef to deliver exceptional dining experiences that reflect Glyndebourne’s commitment to excellence.

About You

• Proven experience in managing a high‑volume staff or contract catering operation
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Passion for great food, service, and hospitality
• Excellent organisational and financial management abilities

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to work in one of the world's most celebrated opera houses, set in the beautiful Sussex countryside, with a collaborative and creative team.

About Us

Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high‑quality dining in London and New York.

Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more. Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large‑scale ground events of up to 1000 people. You can find a full list of our venues on our website.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first. Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a business, we are committed to sustainability led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association's Food Made Good Programme.