Retail Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Full operational responsibility for a high-volume corporate staff restaurant, including breakfast, lunch and dinner service, café, evening bar, kiosks, vending and ad hoc hospitality
• Maintain a visible presence on the floor, engaging with clients and creating a welcoming, professional environment
• Lead, manage and develop a large front-of-house team within a corporate setting
• Drive high service standards and consistency across all service periods
• Identify training needs across the team and ensure appropriate development is delivered
• Continuously improve the client experience and embed a strong service culture
• Work closely with kitchen and support teams to ensure smooth daily operations
• Monitor standards across all areas and proactively escalate issues or opportunities to the line manager
• Manage catering administration, including financial reporting, banking and operational paperwork
• Respond to client feedback professionally, resolving issues where possible and escalating when required
• Carry out regular checks to ensure maintenance, cleanliness and health & safety standards are met
• Take ownership of stock control, including ordering, stock takes and equipment management
• Manage food costs effectively, minimising waste and working within budget
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality and reliability
• Lead daily briefings, ensuring the team is informed of events, expectations and priorities
• Lead, coach and support the team to drive engagement, performance and development
• Support development of the catering offer and ensure a well-organised service across all areas
• Plan staffing levels in line with business needs, maximising efficiency
• Maintain strong control of departmental spend
• Oversee payroll elements, including overtime, agency usage and holiday planning
• Follow all company people processes (one-to-ones, appraisals, recruitment and ER matters) in line with Searcys standards
• Maintain high food safety and hygiene standards in line with HACCP
• Ensure compliance with all legal and client requirements, including food safety, COSHH and health & safety
• Adhere to all site-specific requirements, including security, fire and licensing regulations
• Take ownership of own development and support continuous improvement across the site
• Support senior management with any other duties that reasonably correspond to the general character of the role may be required. This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and flexibility and cooperation are expected to support business needs.

Key Skills

• Strong background in contract catering, ideally within a high-end corporate environment
• Proven experience managing busy, high-volume operations
• Well organised, with strong time management and attention to detail
• Collaborative team player who builds effective working relationships
• Comfortable managing busy services and adapting to changing priorities
• Strong administrative and record-keeping skills
• Flexible and responsive to business needs
• Positive, practical approach with a willingness to support where required

Our Ideal Candidate
• Confident working with clients and teams in a corporate environment
• Takes pride in quality, presentation and attention to detail
• Brings fresh ideas and genuine passion for hospitality
• Hands-on leader who supports and develops their team
• Strong communicator who builds positive working relationships

We are the oldest caterer in the UK, founded in 1847. Working with us means being part of London’s most prestigious events and some of the country's most iconic venues. You’ll gain valuable experience and mentoring from skilled colleagues and have a chance to write your own chapter in our celebrated history.  

A career at Searcys means being part of something special. With our rich heritage, and ever-growing business, we will be delighted if you join us – a company with a strong sense of pride and belonging.

To find out more on the rich history of Searcys, please visit our website at www.searcys.co.uk