Assistant General Manager

Assistant General Manager

Full-Time 42000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Compass Group UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support catering and hospitality operations at the Imperial War Museum London.
  • Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leading premium hospitality provider.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, and access to training and development.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Shape visitor experiences in a historic venue while leading a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 £ per year.

Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum

Location: IWM London

Contract Type: Full-time, permanent, 5 out of 7 days

What can we offer you:

  • A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
  • 20 days annual leave (Excluding bank holidays and national holiday days)
  • Free staff meals whilst at work.
  • 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.
  • On-site F&B discounts.
  • No shortage of delicious food.

About the Role:

We’re seeking a proactive and people-focused Assistant General Manager to support the catering and hospitality operations at Imperial War Museum London, based in Lambeth North (a short walk also from Elephant & Castle). This is an outstanding opportunity to help shape visitor experiences within a historic institution that welcomes guests from across the globe. As Assistant General Manager, you will work closely with the General Manager to ensure the smooth running of our busy cafe, as well as delivering exceptional service standards on the conference & events that take place across the venue. You will also be supporting continual improvement across the operation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support the General Manager in leading all catering and hospitality operations across café, restaurant, conference, and event spaces.
  • Ensure consistent delivery of high service standards through active floor leadership and team engagement.
  • Build strong working relationships with venue stakeholders, assisting in responding to feedback and ensuring client satisfaction.
  • Help oversee budgets, stock controls, and staffing levels to meet commercial targets and drive operational efficiency.
  • Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety and Food Safety regulations, supporting training and policy implementation.
  • Lead, motivate, and support teams across multiple outlets, assisting with training, scheduling, and performance management.
  • Contribute to strategic initiatives and operational improvements, aligning day-to-day delivery with organisational goals.

About You:

  • Experience as an Assistant Manager, Operations Manager, or Deputy General Manager within hospitality, ideally in visitor attractions or multi-outlet venues.
  • Proven ability to support the running of busy environments with high footfall and varied service styles.
  • Strong financial awareness and understanding of budgets, cost control, and labour management.
  • Excellent leadership skills, with experience motivating teams and supporting training and development.
  • Confident communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
  • A passion for food, service, and delivering memorable visitor experiences.
  • Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment, supporting both daily operations and longer-term development projects.

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 General Manager employer: Compass Group UK

At Restaurant Associates, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture where your creativity is not just welcomed but celebrated. Located at the iconic Imperial War Museum London, our team enjoys a range of benefits including 20 days of annual leave, free staff meals, and access to extensive training and development opportunities, all while contributing to memorable visitor experiences in a dynamic environment. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values your ideas and supports your growth in the vibrant hospitality sector.

Compass Group UK

Contact Details:

Compass Group UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant General Manager

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 Compass Group UK. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Compass Group UK

Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group UK 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 Assistant General Manager

Leadership Skills
Financial Awareness
Budget Management
Cost Control
Labour Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Motivation

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 Compass Group UK 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 Compass Group UK

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!