At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant food and beverage operation, ensuring exceptional customer service and team performance.
- Company: Join Houston & Hawkes, an award-winning independent caterer in Central London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, free meals, and enhanced leave policies.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a fun workplace culture await you!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team creating memorable experiences in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Management experience in premium food retail and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 £ per year.
- RETAIL MANAGER
- Houston & Hawkes | Central London | £42,000 – £44,000 per annum | Monday to Friday
Bring energy, commercial thinking and exceptional hospitality to a premium workplace food operation.
Houston & Hawkes is looking for an outstanding Retail Manager to lead a busy, high-quality food and beverage operation within one of our prestigious Central London locations.
This is a role for someone who loves the pace of retail hospitality and understands how to combine brilliant customer service with strong commercial performance.
You'll be highly visible on the floor, leading from the front, developing your team and making sure every counter, coffee and customer interaction reflects the standards we are known for.
We're looking for someone with personality - warm, confident, energetic and naturally engaging - but equally comfortable behind the scenes working with figures, spreadsheets, labour, sales and performance.
You'll understand that a successful retail operation is about both the experience customers see and the detail that makes it commercially successful.
THE ROLE
- Lead the day-to-day retail food and beverage operation
- Create an energetic, welcoming environment and deliver exceptional customer service
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing front-of-house team
- Take ownership of the coffee offer and ensure consistently high barista and beverage standards
- Ensure counters, displays and service areas are beautifully presented, fully stocked and ready for every service
- Monitor sales, labour, wastage, stock and operational performance
- Use Excel confidently to manage figures, reporting, forecasting and performance data
- Manage rotas and deploy the team effectively around business needs
- Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure food quality, availability and presentation remain exceptional
- Build strong relationships with clients, customers and the wider site team
- Identify opportunities to grow sales, improve the customer journey and develop the retail offer
- Maintain the highest standards of food safety, health and safety and operational compliance
- WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Previous management experience within premium contract catering, workplace dining, high-volume cafés or quality food retail
- A bubbly, confident and engaging personality with a genuine passion for people
- Strong commercial awareness and confidence working with sales, labour, budgets and performance figures
- Excellent Excel skills and the ability to understand and present operational data
- Strong knowledge of coffee and barista standards
- Proven experience leading, coaching and developing a customer-facing team
- Excellent organisation with the ability to manage a fast-paced operation and multiple priorities
- A sharp eye for presentation, standards and the small details that shape the customer experience
- A proactive approach with the confidence to bring forward new ideas and continuously improve the operation
WHY JOIN HOUSTON & HAWKES?
- £42,000 - £44,000 per annum depending on experience
- Monday to Friday working pattern
- 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
- Foodie Socials bringing our teams together to discover new food, drink and coffee ideas
- 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 exceptional food and hospitality experiences across some of the UK's most prestigious workplaces.
We're proud to be ranked No. 14 in The Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality, recognition that reflects the culture we've built around our people.
As a Certified B Corp and recipient of the King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2026, we're ambitious about doing things differently – from the food and experiences we create to the way we support, develop and celebrate our teams.
If you're a commercially minded retail leader with great energy, exceptional people skills and a passion for creating brilliant customer experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
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Retail Manager employer: Houston & Hawkes
Houston & Hawkes is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee satisfaction and growth, offering a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment across various sites in Cambridge. With a strong focus on seasonal food and high culinary standards, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages creativity and collaboration, making it a rewarding place for passionate chefs to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail 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 Retail 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!
