SHAUN RUSSELL
UK
Summary
Dynamic and commercially astute Catering & Operations Manager with 25+ years of progressive leadership across contract catering, hospitality, and corporate services. Recognised for delivering multi-site operational excellence, optimising budgets, and driving exceptional customer experience. Adept at leading diverse teams, implementing strategic cost-saving measures, and forging strong client partnerships. Proven ability to adapt services to evolving workplace models, including hybrid and return-to-office environments.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Catering Manager / Group Manager
Compass Group UK & Ireland
01.2012 - 05.2025
- Company Overview: Ageas Insurance
- Senior operational lead overseeing a large corporate contract across multiple UK sites. Accountable for service strategy, team leadership, and financial performance in both pre- and post-pandemic contexts.
- Key Achievements – Post-Pandemic:
- Re-structured food offering and team operations, generating £150K+ in annual savings
- Led menu re-engineering aligned to hybrid working patterns, improving GP by 12%
- Partnered with Ageas to design and execute “Return to Work” strategies, increasing on-site occupancy and satisfaction
- Successfully demobilised 3 sites, delivering seamless transitions with zero service disruption
- Developed new reporting tools to demonstrate KPIs and performance to clients and stakeholders
- Achieved 98% Customer Satisfaction Score through service refinement and quality focus
- Key Achievements – Pre-Pandemic:
- Mobilised Ageas’s flagship corporate restaurant in 2012
- Managed a £500K+ annual budget across 5 sites and 29 staff
- Achieved ISOQAR compliance and re-accreditation
- Delivered end-to-end event planning for executive dining, BBQs, and seasonal hospitality
- Designed and implemented a standardised food brand across all UK Ageas sites
- Mentored 3 chefs through Compass Apprenticeship Programme—100% distinction rate
- Built and led a high-performing team of 12, improving morale, retention, and service delivery
- Ageas Insurance
Duty Catering Manager
Compass Group UK
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Company Overview: Aviva Healthcare
- Operational lead for 5 on-site catering units, overseeing day-to-day management, staff performance, and service innovation.
- Improved customer satisfaction through enhanced food presentation and service delivery
- Spearheaded menu development and internal promotions to drive increased footfall and revenue
- Managed and developed a team of 25, with a strong focus on training and succession
- Acted as site lead during Head Chef absence
- Led marketing initiatives and digital updates via company intranet
- Aviva Healthcare
Catering Manager / Chef Manager
Compass Group UK
01.1996 - 01.2007
- Company Overview: ExxonMobil (Esso Refinery)
- Managed kitchen and café operations, delivering over 200 meals daily to refinery staff
- Maintained stringent HSE compliance across all food production and service areas
- Supported refinery-wide catering operations during major events and inspections
- ExxonMobil (Esso Refinery)
Second Chef
Compass Group UK
01.1993 - 01.1996
- Provided kitchen leadership support including food prep, supplier liaison, and staff supervision
- Organised special themed hospitality days and VIP events
Head Chef
Louisiana Bar & Restaurant
Winchester
01.1992 - 01.1993
- Company Overview: Winchester
- Full P&L and kitchen management for a high-turnover 200-seat restaurant and bar
- Led team recruitment, training, menu development, and inventory control
- Winchester
Sous Chef
St Cross Hotel / Royal Hotel
Winchester
01.1991 - 01.1993
- Company Overview: Winchester
- Supported Head Chef in delivering high-quality dining across a busy hotel kitchen
- Winchester
Skills
- Strategic Operations Management
- Budget Ownership (£500K)
- Team Leadership & Development
- Stakeholder & Client Relations
- Menu Innovation & GP Growth
- Staff Restructuring & Mobilisation
- Cost Control & Profit Maximisation
- Event Planning & VIP Hospitality
- Health, Safety & Compliance (HACCP, ISOQAR)
- Customer Satisfaction (98% CSAT)
Certification
- Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate
- Health & Safety Certified
- First Aid Trained
- Safety Excellence – ExxonMobil Chemicals
Custom
- A passionate team player who enjoys five-a-side football
- Countryside walking
- Formula 1
- Home cooking with family and friends
Timeline
Catering Manager / Group Manager
Compass Group UK & Ireland
01.2012 - 05.2025
Duty Catering Manager
Compass Group UK
01.2007 - 01.2012
Catering Manager / Chef Manager
Compass Group UK
01.1996 - 01.2007
Second Chef
Compass Group UK
01.1993 - 01.1996
Head Chef
Louisiana Bar & Restaurant
01.1992 - 01.1993
Sous Chef
St Cross Hotel / Royal Hotel
01.1991 - 01.1993
Similar Profiles
Sandeepkaur SidhuSandeepkaur Sidhu
Customer Service Assistant / Barista at Compass Group UK & IrelandCustomer Service Assistant / Barista at Compass Group UK & Ireland
JULIE LIE SCHJELDERUPJULIE LIE SCHJELDERUP
Fine Dining Ambassador at KPMG Canary Wharf at Compass Group UK & IrelandFine Dining Ambassador at KPMG Canary Wharf at Compass Group UK & Ireland
Mark HoffmanMark Hoffman
Vending machine Engineer at Compass Group UK & IrelandVending machine Engineer at Compass Group UK & Ireland
Isaac BlackburnIsaac Blackburn
Hospitality Assistant at Compass Group UK & IrelandHospitality Assistant at Compass Group UK & Ireland
Edgardo Torres-CaballeroEdgardo Torres-Caballero
Partner, Head of GaaS & Venture Fund at CubedPartner, Head of GaaS & Venture Fund at Cubed