Job Introduction
Retail & Catering Manager – TESC Wathgill
£33,408 per annum | 40 hours per week
We’re looking for an experienced, hands-on Retail & Catering Manager to lead a busy, fast-paced operation at TESC Wathgill. This is a fully accountable, dual-role position, combining retail leadership with active involvement in the kitchen. The successful candidate will be a chef-qualified operator who is confident cooking, leading from the front, and maintaining high standards across both retail and catering.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing the day-to-day retail and catering operation, ensuring smooth and efficient service
- Leading from the front in the kitchen, supporting food preparation, cooking, and service when required
- Delivering high-quality food and an excellent customer experience
- Leading, motivating, and developing your team
- Managing budgets, labour, stock, and financial controls
- Driving Health & Safety and Food Safety compliance
- Building strong client relationships and continuously improving service
- Overseeing menu planning, food production, and waste control
About You
- Experience in a Unit Manager, Retail Manager, or Catering Manager role within a food-led environment
- Chef qualified with the ability and confidence to cook and support kitchen operations as needed
- Strong leadership skills in a fast-paced, high-volume setting
- Confident managing budgets and operational KPIs
- Excellent communication and client-facing skills
- Proactive, organised, and hands-on approach
- Level 3 Food Hygiene and relevant catering qualifications (essential or strongly desirable)
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:
- 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
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.
Job Reference: com/2905/87000001/52692461/R/SU #Defence
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!