At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead catering, hospitality, and cleaning services in a dynamic education environment.
- Company: Join a market-leading organisation that values innovation and customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, travel discounts, wellness classes, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Excellent opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while progressing your career in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing large-scale operations and leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Free meals
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Are you an experienced General Manager with a passion for delivering exceptional food, hospitality and facilities services? We're looking for an inspirational leader to take overall responsibility for a large, multi-service contract in Plymouth, overseeing catering, hospitality and cleaning operations within a prestigious education environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused setting and enjoys leading high-performing teams while driving commercial success.
As General Manager, you'll have full accountability for the successful delivery of catering, hospitality and cleaning services across multiple outlets. You'll be the senior onsite representative, building strong client relationships while ensuring operational excellence, financial performance and outstanding customer experiences. Leading from the front, you'll inspire your management team, drive innovation, ensure contractual compliance and create a culture focused on quality, safety, continuous improvement and exceptional service.
What You'll Be Doing
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across all catering, hospitality and cleaning services.
- Act as the senior onsite contact, developing strong partnerships with clients and key stakeholders.
- Deliver all contractual KPIs and service level agreements consistently.
- Drive commercial performance by increasing revenue, managing costs and maximising profitability.
- Prepare and present monthly, quarterly and annual business reviews.
- Oversee retail, hospitality and event operations to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
- Develop and implement marketing and promotional plans to increase customer engagement and sales.
- Manage budgets, labour costs, food costs and gross profit to achieve financial targets.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety and allergen management standards.
- Recruit, coach and develop managers and frontline colleagues, creating clear succession plans.
- Identify opportunities for contract growth, innovation and continuous improvement.
About You
You'll be an experienced General Manager with a proven track record of leading large-scale catering and integrated facilities operations. You'll also have:
- Designated Premises Supervisor (License Holder Requirement)
- Extensive experience managing complex multi-outlet, seven-day-a-week operations.
- Experience managing catering, hospitality and cleaning services.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, labour and food costs.
- Excellent stakeholder management and client relationship skills.
- A proven ability to lead, motivate and develop large teams.
- Experience driving sales growth while maintaining exceptional service standards.
- A passion for delivering high-quality food and customer experiences.
- Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Strong IT skills and experience using operational management systems.
- Experience within contract catering, higher education, education, hospitality or facilities management.
What We Offer
We believe in rewarding our people with a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Competitive salary
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes
- Digital GP and healthcare support for you and your immediate family
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Discounts on supermarket shopping
- Cash rewards programme
- Free wellness, mindfulness and fitness classes
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and reward schemes
- Excellent opportunities for career progression within a market-leading organisation
Why Join Us?
Based in Plymouth, this is an exciting opportunity to lead a significant education contract, working with an experienced team to deliver exceptional catering, hospitality and cleaning services. You'll join a business that values innovation, customer service and people development, giving you the opportunity to make a real impact while progressing your career. If you're an ambitious General Manager looking for your next leadership challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
About Us
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
General Manager in Devon employer: Compass Uk & Ireland
As a Housekeeping Supervisor with us, you'll be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages personal growth. Our commitment to investing in our employees means you'll have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, all while working in a dynamic environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. Join us in Defence, where your efforts will directly impact the quality of service we provide, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Devon
✨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 Uk & Ireland. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Compass Uk & Ireland
Don't be shy about reaching out to Compass Uk & Ireland 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 in Devon
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 Uk & Ireland 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 Uk & Ireland
✨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!
