Whipsnade Zoo is a renowned wildlife park set in 600 acres of picturesque Bedfordshire countryside. With an impressive range of animal exhibits, educational programs, and visitor experiences, it is one of the largest and most popular zoos in the UK. It provides a memorable day out for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. General Manager - Whipsnade Zoo At RA Venues, we inspire great experiences at some of the UK’s leading cultural and heritage destinations. We celebrate great food and legendary service across our portfolio of clients. We are looking for a talented and experienced General Manager to join our team at this prestigious contract based at Whipsnade Zoo, one of the country’s most celebrated wildlife attractions. The General Manager will thrive on getting the best out of people and maximising commercial opportunities. You are drawn to satisfaction from managing, training, and supporting your team. You will support your team in providing a professional hospitality experience across both Public Catering and Conference and Events, ensuring that the venue and company standards are maintained and that Client expectations are met. Key Responsibilities: Ensure the venue is managed with a motivated, trained team with the appropriate skills to ensure budget targets are achieved. Be the key liaison for all clients, ensuring we exceed and manage their expectations. Manage the operational team to ensure that every sales opportunity is taken to 'up-sell' to our customers depending on the profile of events. Manage all aspects of labour scheduling, and address forecasting and actual labour spends. Ensure staffing numbers are in place for future events up to three months in advance. Demonstrate excellent control of all operating costs in line with set targets. Bring new and innovative ideas to keep up to date with trends. Overall management and accountability for forecasting, budgeting, and delivery. Deliver the venue growth strategy, working in partnership with our client. Manage the venue in accordance with and to the standards required by Compass Group UK & Ireland, responsible for the overall efficient and effective management of the contract. Maintain and develop client relationships. Be customer-focused and financially astute to achieve company and client commercial objectives in line with net growth and retention targets. Excel and lead by example in the areas of operational excellence, financial performance, health and safety, along with customer and client satisfaction. About You: As the General Manager, you will ideally have a successful background in high-quality conference and event catering, viewing your current location as your own business and using your entrepreneurial skills to create a thriving and successful working environment. We work in total partnership with our clients, and you will be the key person ensuring that the venue’s aspirations and visions are realized. You will be driven to ensure we deliver 5-star service to all of our customers across all revenue streams. You possess excellent management and communication skills, have a good understanding of report writing and financial management, and are able to demonstrate an analytical approach to problem-solving. You will have the ability to display a real passion for food, customer service, and wildlife experiences, while being financially and commercially astute.