At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences at Regent's University London.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy your birthday off, enhanced leave, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a certified B Corp committed to sustainability and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile role while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in hospitality leadership and managing large teams.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
GENERAL MANAGER
Houston & Hawkes is looking for an experienced and commercially driven General Manager to lead our prestigious catering and hospitality operation at Regent's University London.
This is a high-profile leadership opportunity within one of our most diverse London operations, bringing together retail student dining, coffee bars, à la carte restaurant operations, internal hospitality services and a significant seasonal events portfolio.
Reporting to our Key Account Director, you will take overall responsibility for the performance and continued development of the account, leading a team of over 50 employees, including departmental managers.
You will be responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, building strong client relationships, developing high-performing teams and driving sustainable commercial success.
THE ROLE
- Lead the overall financial, operational and service performance of the Regent's University London account.
- Drive revenue growth and profitability across student dining, coffee bars, à la carte restaurant operations, internal hospitality and the seasonal conference and events business.
- Manage budgets, forecasting, labour controls, cost efficiencies and financial reporting.
- Lead the planning and delivery of the significant three-month summer events programme, including large-scale conferences, corporate workshops, business retreats and away days, gala dinners, summer parties and receptions.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders and external clients to ensure flawless event delivery, build long-term relationships and drive repeat business.
- Inspire, lead and develop a team of 50+ employees across multiple departments, providing strong leadership and coaching to managers and supervisors.
- Champion employee engagement, wellbeing, training, development and succession planning, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusivity and high performance.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with key university stakeholders and act as the senior ambassador for Houston & Hawkes on site.
- Continuously identify opportunities to enhance guest experience, increase sales and improve operational performance.
- Ensure the highest standards of quality, presentation, customer service, food safety, health & safety and compliance.
ABOUT YOU
- A confident and commercially astute hospitality leader with significant leadership experience within hospitality, catering, events, contract catering or a related sector.
- Proven experience leading large teams of 50+ employees, including managers and multi-department teams.
- Strong commercial and financial management capability, with experience delivering high-volume events and hospitality operations.
- Exceptional client relationship and stakeholder management skills, alongside a strong background in people development, engagement and performance management.
- An inspirational, visible and approachable leader who is highly organised, resilient and passionate about hospitality and customer experience.
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
Alongside the opportunity to lead one of our most exciting and diverse London operations, you'll be joining a business that genuinely invests in its people, celebrates success and creates opportunities to develop.
- Your birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality Membership
- Foodie Socials – bringing our teams together to showcase new concepts, seasonal food and drink ideas, coffee innovation and the creativity happening across Houston & Hawkes
- Masterclasses with Sally Abé and opportunities to learn from some of the industry's leading talent
- Ongoing learning, leadership development and genuine opportunities for career progression
- Our Summer Awards Party - celebrating the people, achievements and successes across Houston & Hawkes
- An unforgettable Christmas Party at one of London's outstanding venues
- ABOUT HOUSTON & HAWKES
Houston & Hawkes is an award-winning independent caterer creating vibrant, creative and exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK's most prestigious client sites.
We're a Certified B Corp, recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026 and proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality.
If you are an experienced hospitality leader ready to take ownership of a complex, high-profile operation and lead an exceptional team, we would love to hear from you.
Compensation: To be discussed
General Manager in City of Westminster employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central London where creativity and passion for food thrive. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive team environment that values exceptional customer service and innovation. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that takes pride in delivering premium experiences while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most exciting cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in City of Westminster
✨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 Houston & Hawkes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Houston & Hawkes
Don't be shy about reaching out to Houston & Hawkes 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 City of Westminster
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 Houston & Hawkes 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 Houston & Hawkes
✨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!
