At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support prestigious client sites across London with hands-on operational management.
- Company: Award-winning independent caterer known for exceptional food and hospitality experiences.
- Benefits: £46,000 salary, Monday to Friday work, free meals, and enhanced leave options.
- Other info: Join a Certified B Corp with a focus on sustainability and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying variety and growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in hospitality management and excellent leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 46000 £ per year.
- GENERAL MANAGER /SUPPORT MANAGER
- Houston & Hawkes | London | £46,000 per annum | Monday to Friday
Variety, responsibility and the opportunity to make a real impact across some of our most prestigious London client sites.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for an experienced Support Manager / General Manager to work closely with the Operations Manager, providing hands-on support across a portfolio of prestigious London client sites.
This is a varied senior role for someone who can step confidently into different operations, support our teams and help maintain exceptional standards wherever they are needed.
From covering General Managers during holidays to supporting mobilisations, projects and busy periods, no two weeks will look exactly the same.
You'll bring strong leadership, commercial awareness and a practical, solutions-focused approach, becoming a trusted source of support for both the Operations Manager and our site teams.
THE ROLE
- Work closely with the Operations Manager, providing hands-on operational support across London
- Support a portfolio of prestigious client sites, stepping in wherever additional leadership is required
- Cover General Managers during holidays, absence and other periods of operational need
- Support mobilisations, new contract activity and key operational projects
- Step confidently into different sites and quickly understand their teams, service and priorities
- Maintain exceptional food, hospitality and service standards across every operation you support
- Lead, motivate and support site teams, providing stability and direction when required
- Build strong relationships with clients, site teams and key stakeholders
- Support operational planning, staffing, training and continuous service improvement
- Assist with budgets, labour, purchasing, stock and key commercial controls
- Identify opportunities to improve standards, service delivery and operational efficiency
- Support compliance across health and safety, food safety, allergens and company procedures
- WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Strong experience as a General Manager, Support Manager or senior hospitality manager within contract catering
- Experience managing premium food and hospitality operations
- The confidence and flexibility to move between different London sites and adapt quickly
- Strong leadership skills with a supportive, hands-on management style
- Excellent commercial awareness and confidence working with budgets, labour and operational figures
- Experience supporting mobilisations, projects or new contract activity would be highly desirable
- Excellent organisation and the ability to manage changing priorities
- Strong client and stakeholder relationship skills
- A polished, professional approach and exceptional attention to detail
- The ability to coach, motivate and bring out the best in teams
- A positive, solutions-focused approach and the confidence to take ownership
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- Monday to Friday
- A varied senior role supporting prestigious London client sites
- The opportunity to work closely with the Operations Manager across projects and mobilisations
- Birthday off every year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Free meals on duty
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- CODE Hospitality membership
- Ongoing learning, development and genuine career progression
- Summer Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
- 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 Kings 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 who enjoys variety, thrives on supporting people and wants to make a difference across multiple London operations, we would love to hear from you.
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General Manager / Support Manager 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 / Support Manager
✨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 / Support Manager
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!
