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- Tasks: Support daily operations and enhance guest experiences at RHS Garden Wisley.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leading premium hospitality provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20 days leave, free meals, wellness classes, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values individuality and growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and a commitment to sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: RHS Garden Wisley
Salary: £32,000 per annum
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent, 5 over 7 days
We are looking for an experienced catering professional, that has worked in hospitality or contract catering previously, to join us as our Assistant Operations Manager at the prestigious RHS Garden Wisley, located in Woking. As the Assistant Operations Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the Operations Manager in managing and optimising the day-to-day operations of the retail hospitality outlets at RHS Garden Wisley, one of Restaurant Associates' flagship venues. This role requires that all activities run efficiently and effectively in line with company objectives and client expectations. This role focuses on operational excellence, process improvement, and team performance to support the delivery of exceptional service and high operational standards.
The Assistant Operations Manager will support the Operations Manager to oversee staffing, training, inventory management, and service delivery to maintain smooth business operations. They will monitor key performance indicators, implement cost control measures, and support financial targets through efficient resource management. Working closely with the Head of Operations, clients, and internal stakeholders, the Assistant Operations Manager will contribute to strategic initiatives and continuous improvement efforts that enhance customer satisfaction and business performance. This position requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The Assistant Operations Manager will support the Operations Manager to ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, uphold brand and service standards, and foster a positive, productive work environment for all team members.
Why Join Us?
At Restaurant Associates, we believe in celebrating individuality and nurturing talent. As Assistant Operations Manager, you'll be supported by an experienced Operations Manager to deliver outstanding customer service and learn a variety of new approaches. We offer a competitive benefits package, including:
- 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Free meals on duty
- Free on-site parking
- Exclusive travel discounts
- Access to wellness, mindfulness, and fitness classes
- Digital GP services for you and your family
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes
Your Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership to ensure all aspects of food quality, service standards, and guest experience consistently align with Restaurant Associates' values, client expectations, and operational performance benchmarks at RHS Garden Wisley.
- Ensure consistent, high-quality execution through structured communication, team alignment, and robust coaching and development programmes.
- Identify opportunities for enhancement, address root causes of underperformance, and implement sustainable improvements.
- Support Operations Manager on robust auditing processes, including guest feedback analysis and mystery diner assessments, to ensure full compliance and ongoing performance improvement.
- Embed a customer-centric culture that exceeds expectations, enhances satisfaction, and strengthens brand loyalty for both Restaurant Associates and RHS.
- Support and oversee the review and refinement of service workflows to improve efficiency, reduce friction, and maximise capacity while maintaining premium quality and service standards.
- Promote accountability, empowerment, and continuous learning through targeted training and development initiatives.
- Collaborate with your team to identify and deliver innovative food concepts, service models, and operational enhancements that elevate the guest experience and drive commercial growth at RHS Wisley.
Who We're Looking For
- Proven experience managing high-performing teams, driving results, engagement, and accountability across multiple sites or operational areas.
- Demonstrated success in operational management roles, overseeing day-to-day delivery, service standards, and process efficiency.
- Strong background in food service or related hospitality operations, applying industry best practices to optimise performance.
- IT and computer literate, utilising digital tools and systems to streamline operations and reporting.
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. 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.
Assistant Operations Manager in Woking employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Operations Manager in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, especially those who have experience with Restaurant Associates. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching RHS Garden Wisley and its operations. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the venue and how you can contribute to its success as an Assistant Operations Manager.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for hospitality and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about working with us at Restaurant Associates.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Operations Manager in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Assistant Operations Manager role. Highlight your previous hospitality experience and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can bring value to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our values at Restaurant Associates. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your operational management skills. Whether it's improving service standards or enhancing team performance, we love to see quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of hospitality and catering operations. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced in retail hospitality, especially in a prestigious venue like RHS Garden Wisley. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Operations Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, driven results, or improved service standards. Highlight how you fostered a positive work environment and empowered your team members.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific situations where you identified issues, implemented solutions, and achieved positive outcomes. This role requires a proactive approach, so be prepared to discuss how you would handle operational challenges at RHS.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research Restaurant Associates and their values. They pride themselves on individuality and nurturing talent, so think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their customer-centric culture and enhance guest satisfaction.