At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering and cleaning operations, ensuring top-notch service delivery.
- Company: Join 14forty, a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique talents.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £40,000, career growth, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing service quality and customer experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering and cleaning management with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
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Job Introduction
General Services Manager
Location: Stowmarket
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum, depending on experience
Are you an experienced soft services leader with a passion for delivering exceptional customer experience? We're looking for a proactive and engaging General Services Manager to oversee the day-to-day delivery of catering that is 24/5 and cleaning operation over 7 days a week at our Stowmarket site. This is a hands-on leadership role with full responsibility for operational performance, client relationships, financial results, and team development across both service streams. You will play a pivotal role in shaping service quality, elevating standards, and creating a welcoming environment for colleagues and visitors.
About the role
As General Services Manager, you will be the primary point of contact for both the client and our onsite teams, ensuring that all services are delivered seamlessly, safely, and professionally. You will lead service enhancement initiatives, drive customer service excellence, and ensure operational delivery is consistently outstanding across all functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Overall leadership and accountability for catering and cleaning operations on site
- Act as the point of contact for the client, building strong, trusted relationships
- Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality food service and cleaning standards
- Full P&L responsibility, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
- Lead, motivate, and develop multi-disciplinary management and frontline teams
- Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Food Safety, and employment legislation
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and service development
- Manage staffing levels, recruitment, training, and succession planning
- Deliver agreed KPIs, SLAs, and contractual obligations
About You
- Proven experience as a General Services Manager with experience in Catering and Cleaning
- Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable P&L responsibility
- Confident client-facing leader with excellent communication skills
- Experience managing large, diverse teams in a fast-paced environment
- Passionate about food, service excellence, and people development
- Highly organised, resilient, and able to manage multiple priorities
- IOSH / NEBOSH, Food Safety qualifications (desirable but not essential)
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!
General Services Manager - Stowmarket employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Services Manager - Stowmarket
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a General Services Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they align with your experience in catering and cleaning operations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your achievements in managing teams and delivering exceptional service. Highlight specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and how you’ve driven improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that General Services Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace General Services Manager - Stowmarket
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the General Services Manager role. Highlight your leadership in catering and cleaning operations, and don’t forget to showcase your P&L responsibility!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and improve service quality. Numbers speak volumes, so include any KPIs or SLAs you've successfully met!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of catering and cleaning operations. Brush up on your knowledge of P&L responsibilities, health and safety regulations, and customer service excellence. This will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a potential leader who understands the ins and outs of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you motivated staff or improved service delivery. Being able to articulate your leadership style and how it aligns with the company’s values will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Remember, this is a client-facing role, so demonstrating your communication skills is key. Engage with your interviewers, ask them questions about their experiences, and show genuine interest in their insights. This will help you build a connection and leave a lasting impression.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to service delivery or team management. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and prepare your responses. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and readiness for the job.