At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to deliver unforgettable guest experiences in food, beverage, and retail.
- Company: Join Center Parcs, a leader in hospitality with a focus on community and environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement in a beautiful forest setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while inspiring a diverse team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in hospitality or retail with strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Elveden Forest | £55,000 - £75,000 per annum dependent on experience plus 18% bonus scheme
Lead one of the village’s largest commercial operations, inspiring teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences all in a natural forest environment. We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring leader to oversee our Food, Beverage and Retail Operation, ensuring every outlet delivers exceptional guest experiences, commercial performance and operational excellence. You’ll lead a diverse team of managers, championing inclusive leadership while creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement across one of the villages largest operational areas.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead one of the village's largest commercial operations, ensuring every Food, Beverage and Retail outlet delivers exceptional guest experiences, brand standards and operational excellence.
- Inspire and develop Heads of Department, creating inclusive, high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring and leadership.
- Drive commercial performance by planning resources effectively and supporting the delivery of budgets, revenue and operational targets.
- Champion high standards of safety, compliance and presentation, ensuring every outlet is guest-ready and operates with confidence.
- Collaborate with the wider village leadership team to continually improve performance, share best practice and enhance the overall guest experience.
About you:
- Proven operational leadership experience within hospitality or retail, ideally across multiple outlets.
- An inclusive leader with experience coaching, developing and inspiring high-performing teams while championing Center Parcs’ values.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, labour and operational performance.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences while maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.
- Highly organised, agile and solutions-focused, with the confidence to make decisions in a complex, fast-paced operational environment.
What's in it for you:
- Management bonus scheme (up to 18%).
- Pension Scheme with Life Assurance.
- Colleague Recognition and Reward Scheme – offering a choice of Center Parcs and High Street vouchers.
- Free use of our leisure facilities.
- Discounted Center Parcs breaks.
- 20% discount in our restaurant and retail outlets.
- Access to Perks at Work Portal - offering a wide range of retail and leisure discounts.
- An Employee Assistance Program - providing support on financial, health and legal matters.
- Excellent opportunities for career development and progression with the opportunity to gain externally recognised qualifications.
Our values: Each colleague at Center Parcs is involved in building better worlds for our guests, colleagues, communities and our environment. Contributing to our purpose means living out our values: We care, we're brave, we're determined and we're naturally us.
Sound like your kind of job? Apply online today. Closing date: 19th July 2026.
Food, Beverage & Retail Manager in Thetford employer: CenterParcs
At Center Parcs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and collaboration. As the Food, Beverage & Retail Manager at our stunning Elveden Forest location, you'll not only lead a diverse team to deliver outstanding guest experiences but also benefit from a competitive salary, generous bonus scheme, and extensive career development opportunities. Join us in creating memorable moments for our guests while enjoying perks like discounted breaks and access to leisure facilities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food, Beverage & Retail Manager in Thetford
✨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 CenterParcs. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to CenterParcs
Don't be shy about reaching out to CenterParcs 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 Food, Beverage & Retail Manager in Thetford
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 CenterParcs 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 CenterParcs
✨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!
