General Manager (Food) in Derby

General Manager (Food) in Derby

Derby Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Surfacing Solutions business, driving performance and delivering results across England & Wales.
  • Company: Join Breedon Group, a leader in high-quality asphalt surfacing services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a company car, bonus scheme, private health insurance, and 25 days holiday.
  • Other info: Be part of a zero-harm culture focused on health, safety, and environmental excellence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Proven management experience in aggregates or contracting, with strong leadership and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Breedon Group excels in delivering high-quality asphalt surfacing services across the UK, engaging in projects ranging from public highway constructions to residential and industrial developments. Our commitment to excellence ensures reliable and outstanding results for a diverse clientele, including both large-scale governmental contracts and private domestic projects.

We are currently seeking an experienced and commercially driven General Manager to lead our Surfacing Solutions business across England & Wales. This is a key senior leadership role with full accountability for strategic direction, operational delivery, and financial performance.

We are looking for a strong and commercially astute leader with a proven track record in contracting or materials-based industries. You will bring strategic insight alongside hands-on operational expertise, enabling you to drive performance and deliver results. Confident in stakeholder engagement, you will have the ability to build strong relationships, negotiate effectively, and influence at all levels. With a solid understanding of contracting methods and industry standards, you will combine strong financial awareness with excellent communication skills to lead teams, manage performance, and deliver continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
  • Take a proactive leadership role in promoting and delivering key business initiatives.
  • Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety legislation, the Environmental Protection Act, and all relevant statutory requirements.
  • Lead continuous performance improvement, supporting the Group's commitment to a zero-harm culture.
  • Effectively plan and manage resources (people, plant, and subcontractors) to maximise operational efficiency and financial performance.
  • Coach, manage, and develop a high-performing management team to achieve business objectives.
  • Build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
  • Oversee and maintain the quality of all works to ensure consistent delivery standards.
  • Resolve commercial and operational disputes to optimise profitability and cash flow.
  • Communicate effectively across the wider business to maximise collaborative performance and alignment.
  • Develop and deliver the commercial strategy, ensuring it is regularly reviewed and enhanced.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process and maintain financial control across the division.
  • Ensure compliance with all duties under CDM regulations.
  • Lead the negotiation of major contracts at a senior level.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

We are seeking a candidate who brings a strong blend of leadership capability, technical expertise, and commercial awareness, ideally gained within the aggregates, asphalt, or wider contracting industry.

Qualifications & Experience:
  • Proven management experience within the aggregates, asphalt, or contracting sector
  • Management qualification (e.g. CMI, ILM, NEBS, NVQ Level 4 or above) – desirable
  • NEBOSH or IOSH qualification – desirable
  • CSCS qualification
  • Degree or equivalent (BSc/HND/HNC) or significant relevant industry experience
Technical Knowledge:
  • Strong understanding of contracting methods, specifications, and commercial contracts
  • High level of technical expertise, with the ability to apply this knowledge and develop others
  • Sound understanding of industry standards, products, and specifications
Skills & Capabilities:
  • Excellent people management skills, with the ability to lead, coach, and develop teams
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
  • Effective business and report writing capability
  • Strong systems and IT literacy
  • Commercially and financially astute, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance management
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to plan, prioritise, and deliver long-term business objectives

The Group places the highest importance on sustained standards of excellence in all aspects of Health, Safety and Environmental management and you will be expected to contribute to the Company's zero harm culture.

Job Benefits
  • Company Car or Car Allowance
  • Bonus Scheme
  • Private Health Insurance
  • Digital GP
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Contributory Pension Scheme
  • Free on-site Parking
  • Holiday Buy Scheme
  • Volunteer Scheme
  • Share Save Scheme
  • Life Assurance
  • Enhanced Maternity, Adoption & Paternity Scheme
  • Health & Wellbeing Initiatives
  • Discount Scheme

General Manager (Food) in Derby employer: Breedon Group plc

At Breedon Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development. As a General Manager in our Surfacing Solutions business, you will benefit from a comprehensive package including a company car, private health insurance, and a bonus scheme, all while leading a high-performing team dedicated to excellence in the aggregates and asphalt industry. Our commitment to a zero-harm culture and continuous improvement ensures that you will thrive in a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions and encourages innovation.

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Contact Details:

Breedon Group plc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land General Manager (Food) in Derby

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Breedon Group plc. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Breedon Group plc

Don't be shy about reaching out to Breedon Group plc directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace General Manager (Food) in Derby

Leadership Capability
Commercial Awareness
Technical Expertise
Stakeholder Engagement
Negotiation Skills
Financial Performance Management
Health & Safety Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Breedon Group plc and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Breedon Group plc

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!