At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Restaurant & Bar operation, ensuring exceptional service and team development.
- Company: Join The Venues Collection, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, focused on memorable guest experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare, 23 days leave, and discounts on travel and entertainment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values individuality and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in hospitality while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in food and beverage operations and strong people leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Salary
35000 per annum Shift hours
- Full Time Food Service Manager
- Kents Hill Park, Milton Keynes | Full-Time / Permanent
35k + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
Were looking for...
Were looking for an experienced and passionate
Food Service Manager to lead the Restaurant & Bar operation at Kents Hill Park.
This is a hands-on leadership role where youll be responsible for delivering consistently high standards of food and beverage service, developing a great team and creating memorable guest experiences, while also supporting the wider operation as a Duty Manager.
We are The Venues Collection
The Venues Collection brings together a portfolio of distinctive conference, training, accommodation and event venues across the UK.
We create memorable experiences for our guests, from residential conferences and corporate meetings to large-scale events and special occasions.
Behind every great guest experience is a team of people working together to make sure everything runs smoothly.
As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we have the scale, resources and opportunities of a global hospitality business, while keeping our focus firmly on our people, our customers and the individual character of our venues.
Food Service Manager
The Role
- Reporting to the
- Front of House Manager
, youll take ownership of the Restaurant & Bar operation at Kents Hill Park, leading the team to deliver exceptional service while ensuring the department operates safely, efficiently and commercially.
Youll be responsible for
- Leading the day-to-day Restaurant & Bar operation
- Delivering consistently high standards of food and beverage service throughout the guest journey
- Recruiting, training, coaching and developing a high-performing team
- Creating a positive, guest-focused culture and leading by example
- Managing labour scheduling in line with business demand
- Holding regular one-to-ones and performance reviews
- Driving colleague engagement, retention and development
- Building strong relationships with the kitchen and wider operational teams
- Maximising revenue through effective upselling and promotional activity
- Monitoring service levels, staffing requirements and operational performance
- Managing stock, wastage and beverage gross profit performance
- Ensuring licensing, food safety and hygiene standards are maintained
- Handling guest queries and feedback, taking ownership through to resolution
- Identifying sales opportunities through positive guest interaction
- Ensuring departmental SOPs are up to date and fully adhered to
- Managing Profit Protection requirements within the department
- Ensuring the team understands the venue's facilities, events and services
- Maintaining effective communication across departments
- Managing maintenance issues promptly and ensuring these are recorded appropriately
- Supporting colleague discipline and grievance procedures in line with company policies
- Taking ownership of Health & Safety and ensuring all relevant legislation and risk assessments are followed.
- Duty Management
As part of the role, youll also take responsibility for Duty Management shifts across the property, acting as a key point of contact for guests and operational teams.
This will include
- Leading hotel operations during assigned Duty Manager shifts
- Acting as the primary escalation point for guest and operational issues
- Conducting hotel walkarounds and compliance checks
- Ensuring health, safety, security and brand standards are maintained
- Responding effectively to emergencies, incidents and guest welfare concerns
- Supporting communication between operational departments
- Supporting the Front of House Manager in maintaining exceptional standards across the property.
- What were looking for
Were looking for a confident hospitality leader who enjoys being visible, hands-on and close to both their team and their guests.
Youll ideally have
- Experience leading a food and beverage, restaurant or bar operation
- Strong people leadership and team development skills
- A genuine passion for delivering excellent guest service
- Good commercial awareness, including revenue, stock, wastage and cost control
- The ability to motivate and engage a team in a busy operational environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A proactive approach to problem solving and guest recovery
- Good knowledge of food safety, Health & Safety and licensing requirements
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Confidence making decisions and taking ownership of operational issues
- The ability to work collaboratively across departments
- A flexible approach and willingness to support the wider operation when required
- Good IT skills and confidence using departmental systems, with experience of Opera desirable.
- What youll get in return
- Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
- 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare and Medicash, including dental, optical and therapy treatments
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Additional family-friendly benefits
- Shopping, entertainment and travel discounts through Perks at Work
- Up to 55% off cinema tickets
- 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off Pure Gym memberships
- Travel discounts including TUI and Expedia
- Shopping discounts across high street and online retailers
- Meals on duty
- Vodafone discounts
- Pension scheme and Life Assurance
- Ongoing training and development
- Professional subscriptions paid
- Financial wellbeing support and preferred rates on salary finance products
- Structured career pathways and opportunities across Compass Group
Why Join Us?
- Kents Hill Park is part of
- The Venues Collection
, offering conference, meetings, training and residential accommodation in Milton Keynes.
As Food Service Manager, youll have the opportunity to play a key role in the guest experience, leading the Restaurant & Bar team while also gaining wider operational exposure through Duty Management.
Its a role for someone who enjoys variety, likes being visible on the floor and wants to make a real impact across the venue.
We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences and shape the future of hospitality.
th!
Reference
com/0110/M65201/ /SU Location
Milton Keynes
Food Service Manager- The Venues Collection - Full Time - Milton Keynes employer: Compass Group
At Compass Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a full-time Food & Beverage Supervisor role at RAAF Amberley that combines leadership with a great work-life balance. Our supportive team culture fosters professional growth, with guaranteed pathways to management opportunities and a focus on employee development, all while providing high-quality service to the Defence community. Enjoy weekday-focused shifts, reduced hours during festive seasons, and a range of employee benefits that make working with us both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Service Manager- The Venues Collection - Full Time - Milton Keynes
✨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. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Group 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 Service Manager- The Venues Collection - Full Time - Milton Keynes
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 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
✨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!
