We're looking for an accomplished General Manager with high-end hospitality experience to lead the catering and hospitality operation at Lodestone House, supporting King Edward's School in Witley.This is a significant leadership opportunity, overseeing a 30-strong team delivering services across both the prep and senior schools, including provision for 70 boarders.Food, hospitality and exceptional service sit at the heart of this operation. We're looking for a confident, visible leader who understands what outstanding hospitality looks like and can inspire a team to deliver it consistently.
As General Manager, you'll have overall responsibility for the efficient and effective management of the operation, combining exceptional customer experiences with strong commercial performance and an outstanding client relationship. You'll lead and develop your team, ensure contractual commitments are delivered, manage budgets and costs, identify opportunities for growth and maintain the highest standards of foodservice, compliance and operational delivery. These responsibilities reflect the core requirements of the underlying Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading, motivating and developing a team of 30
- Creating a culture centred around high-end hospitality, exceptional food and outstanding service
- Overseeing the catering and hospitality operation across the prep and senior schools, including provision for 70 boarders
- Building a trusted, collaborative and proactive relationship with the client
- Ensuring client hospitality is delivered to an exceptional standard while identifying opportunities to increase revenue
- Taking ownership of commercial performance, including budgets, labour, gross profit, purchasing and operational costs
- Identifying opportunities to grow sales and further develop the operation
- Ensuring contractual requirements are delivered while maintaining high standards of compliance, food safety, health and safety and operational performance
- Developing, coaching and training your team, setting clear objectives and creating a culture of accountability
- Driving continuous improvement across the operation and ensuring an outstanding experience for the client, pupils, boarders and wider school community
What we're looking for
High-end hospitality experience is essential. We’re looking for a commercially astute hospitality leader who understands premium service environments and knows how to bring great food, exceptional people and outstanding hospitality together.
You'll ideally bring:
- Proven experience of managing and developing successful teams
- Single-site operational management experience in a similar role
- A strong track record of leading teams to deliver results
- A foodservice, hospitality or similar operational background
- Experience of growing sales and retaining business
- Strong budget management and/or P&L responsibility
- Excellent communication skills and the confidence to build relationships with senior stakeholders
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance service excellence with financial performance
- Good IT and computer skills
Part of Compass Group UK&I, Lodestone House is the leading provider of catering and support services to the education sector. For over a quarter of a century, Lodestone House has been focusing on helping those in education to build strong bodies, sharp minds and lead long healthy lives. Every week, Lodestone House serves millions of nutritious and delicious meals to pupils and students in primary and secondary schools, academies, independent schools, colleges, and universities across the UK.
A chef background, facilities management or retail experience, knowledge of food production, and project or change-management experience would also be advantageous.
What's in it for you?
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Career development through our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, plus wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Food shopping discounts at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and other retailers
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets
- Cash rewards to spend across a wide range of brands
- Free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- Discounts and offers that you can share with friends and family
General Manager - Godalming employer: Equipment Sales & Service Limited.
Restaurant Associates is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your culinary skills while working alongside experienced chefs in a dynamic environment. Enjoy benefits such as competitive pay, a commitment to sustainability, and the chance to create dishes that not only look sensational but also contribute to a meaningful dining experience.
Contact Details:
Equipment Sales & Service Limited. Recruitment Team
