General Manager

Restaurant Associates; Norton Juxta Twycross; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality provider is seeking a General Manager for Twycross Zoo. This role involves overseeing the catering operation, including multiple food outlets, and requires a candidate with at least 3 years of experience in similar roles. Responsibilities include managing staff, driving revenue, and maintaining client relationships. Competitive salary of up to £55,000 per annum, along with various perks including annual leave and training opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Free parking

Free staff meals

Access to company perks

Training and development

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in a similar General Manager role.
• Strong contract catering background, ideally from a visitor attraction site.
• Excellent financial and commercial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and develop a motivated team of operators and culinary staff.
• Manage all aspects of labour planning, cost control, and forecasting.
• Identify and drive commercial opportunities to maximise revenue.

Skills

Team leadership

Commercial acumen

Client relationship management

Budget management

Communication skills

Job description

General Manager – Twycross Zoo

Location: Twycross Zoo
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

As the General Manager at Twycross Zoo you will lead and develop the multi‑outlet catering operation on site, which includes grab & go kiosks, three food concession units, a fish & chip outlet and a restaurant. Your focus will be on delivering a commercial and strategic catering offering while keeping the guest experience at the heart of every decision. Approximately 90% of the food & beverage sales come from retail food, so a retail‑focused mindset is essential.

The Zoo is undergoing developments to boost its conference & events offering and overall footfall. This role is best suited to an experienced contract catering leader who enjoys hands‑on work and has a UK driving licence.

What Can We Offer You

• A collaborative and inclusive culture where your ideas are valued.
• The chance to work in a beautiful, nature‑rich setting with stunning gardens.
• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holidays).
• Free parking on site.
• Free staff meals while at work.
• Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
• Works discounts and promotions.
• Training, mentoring and development with support from our Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
• On‑site F&B discounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train and develop a motivated, skilled team of operators and culinary staff.
• Manage all aspects of labour planning, cost control and forecasting.
• Identify and drive commercial opportunities to maximise revenue across food & beverage.
• Maintain strong client relationships and exceed their expectations.
• Oversee operational delivery across all food and hospitality services.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety standards and financial targets.
• Support and deliver the venue’s growth strategy in partnership with the client.

The Ideal Candidate

• 3+ years’ experience in a similar General Manager role.
• A strong contract catering background, ideally from a visitor attraction site, covering both retail and C&E business.
• Excellent financial and commercial acumen.
• Proven experience leading a large, diverse team of contracted and casual staff.
• Keener eye for detail when managing budgets and spotting areas for improvement and growth.
• Exceptional communication skills with both client and on‑site team and a clear leadership style.
• A genuine passion for developing food & beverage offerings and working with the client to progress this.

About Us

Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos grounded in fine dining across London and New York. Our venues team delivers catering and hospitality services to iconic UK visitor attractions, including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, and Whipsnade Zoo. We offer bespoke cafés and restaurants and private events ranging from small meetings to large‑scale events of up to 1,000 people. We pride ourselves on inclusion, diversity, fun, and dynamic teamwork, with a strong commitment to sustainability and a 3‑star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.

Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Job Reference: com/2111/92635002/52544769/R/SU #RA Venues