At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering and hospitality operations at the iconic Imperial War Museum North.
- Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a leading premium hospitality provider with a fun and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free meals, and access to training and development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to sustainability and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on visitor experiences in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a General Manager or 4+ years as Deputy GM in hospitality.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
General Manager - Maternity Cover
What can we offer you
- A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
- 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
- Free staff meals whilst at work.
- Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
- Perks for Work 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 General Manager to lead the catering, events and hospitality operations at Imperial War Museum North in Manchester.
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead visitor experiences within one of the UK’s most iconic cultural institutions, welcoming guests from across the country and around the world.
As General Manager, you will lead the onsite catering, events and hospitality operation, working closely with the Operations Manager to oversee both the retail and events food and beverage services.
You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the busy café operation alongside a varied conference and events diary.
You will deliver exceptional service standards through strong onsite leadership and team engagement, while continually identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, commercial performance and the overall visitor experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading, training and developing a motivated, skilled team of operational and culinary colleagues.
- Managing all aspects of labour planning, cost control and forecasting.
- Identifying and driving commercial opportunities to maximise food and beverage revenue.
- Maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships and ensuring expectations are consistently exceeded.
- Overseeing operational delivery across all food, beverage, events and hospitality services.
- Ensuring compliance with company policies, health and safety standards and financial targets.
- Supporting and delivering the venue’s growth and development strategy in partnership with the client.
- Ensuring consistent delivery of high service standards through active floor leadership and team engagement.
- Building strong working relationships with museum and venue stakeholders, responding positively to feedback and ensuring client and visitor satisfaction.
- Supporting the team through the maternity cover period, maintaining continuity and delivering a consistently high-performing operation.
About You
- 2+ years’ experience as a General Manager, or 4+ years’ experience as a Deputy General Manager or Operations Manager within hospitality, ideally in visitor attractions, cultural venues or multi-outlet operations.
- Proven experience supporting 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, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
- A passion for food, service and delivering memorable visitor experiences.
- Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment, balancing day-to-day operational delivery with longer-term projects and commercial objectives.
- A hands-on, visible leadership style and the ability to inspire teams to deliver consistently high standards.
- Experience within a museum, visitor attraction, events or cultural venue environment would be advantageous.
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.
You can find a full list of our venues on our website.
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.
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 Manager - 11-Month FTC in Manchester employer: Compass Group UK
Compass Group UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values teamwork and innovation within the dynamic setting of the Imperial War Museum London. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding service in hospitality. With a focus on employee well-being and development, Compass Group UK stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - 11-Month FTC in Manchester
✨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 General Manager - 11-Month FTC in Manchester
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!
