General Manager and Head of Event Catering

We’re recruiting an experienced and passionate General Manager & Head of Event Catering to lead our food service operations across multiple Dublin sites for one of our major tech clients. This is a fantastic opportunity for an inspiring leader who thrives in a dynamic, high-profile environment and is dedicated to delivering world-class food experiences and exceptional hospitality events.

As General Manager & Head of Event Catering, you’ll take full ownership of our catering operations, driving culinary excellence, team engagement, and client satisfaction. You’ll lead a large, talented team to deliver outstanding service and memorable event experiences, while ensuring compliance, operational efficiency, and commercial success.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

- Oversee all day-to-day catering, hospitality, and event operations across 5+ buildings, ensuring consistency and excellence in delivery.
- Manage a large, diverse team of approximately 150 full-time employees, including managers, chefs, baristas, and event staff.
- Set clear service and quality standards that align with the Food+ by Compass vision and our client’s culture.
- Ensure smooth execution of daily operations and large-scale events, with a strong focus on client satisfaction, safety, and quality.
- Build and maintain a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and accountability across all units.

Client Partnership & Relationship Management

- Act as the key point of contact for our client’s Food Program team, maintaining strong relationships through regular communication and strategic alignment.
- Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the food and hospitality experience, tailoring solutions to meet client needs.
- Collaborate on quarterly and annual business reviews, presenting performance updates and innovation initiatives.
- Serve as a trusted ambassador for Compass Ireland, upholding our values and brand at all times.

Commercial & Financial Management

- Own the financial performance of all units within your remit, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Analyse key financial and operational data to identify efficiencies and drive profitability without compromising quality.
- Manage supplier relationships and purchasing in line with Compass sustainability and sourcing standards.
- Deliver on net growth and retention targets by maximising opportunities for innovation and service expansion.

Team Leadership & Development

- Lead, inspire, and empower your management team to achieve excellence in service, culinary delivery, and operational results.
- Drive talent development through training, mentoring, and clear succession planning.
- Ensure consistent performance management practices, including reviews, coaching, and recognition of outstanding performance.
- Promote a positive, inclusive culture that encourages collaboration, creativity, and wellbeing.

Health, Safety & Compliance

- Ensure full compliance with Compass and statutory food safety, health, and hygiene standards.
- Achieve and maintain high audit results (97%+ NSF and CSC).
- Foster a proactive safety culture, ensuring all team members are trained and competent in HSE practices.
- Lead by example in maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organised work environment.

Innovation & Sustainability

- Champion sustainable and responsible food practices — from local sourcing to plant-forward menu design.
- Embrace new technologies, tools, and ideas that enhance service, reduce waste, and support environmental goals.
- Lead creative event and hospitality concepts that reflect our client’s innovative culture and Compass’ culinary excellence.

Our Ideal Candidate:

- Extensive leadership experience in food service, event catering, or hospitality management (multi-site experience preferred).
- Strong commercial awareness with a track record of achieving operational and financial targets.
- Exceptional communication, organisation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams in a high-profile environment.
- Passionate about great-tasting, sustainable food and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; comfortable using digital tools for reporting and collaboration.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience desirable.

At Compass Ireland, our people are our business. When you join the Compass Group you will be joining a supportive network of incredible individuals, each united by their passion for going the extra mile for the organisations we partner with. We are building a team who care about providing a great customer experience and want to grow and develop as we do. We are dedicated to investing in every colleague joining us and pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer; we celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all our colleagues. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

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Job Reference: com/1510/97778001/52768498/ROI #Republic of Ireland

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