General Manager

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on General Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of our traditional pub, offering a welcoming atmosphere, quality food, and great drinks.

The General Manager will be responsible for the overall performance of the pub, including team leadership, customer service, food and beverage operations, sales, costs, compliance, and maintaining high standards throughout the business.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys being visible on the floor, leading by example, and creating a pub that customers want to return to.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop the pub team.
• Recruit, train, and manage front-of-house and kitchen staff.
• Create staff rotas that meet business needs while controlling labour costs.
• Set clear expectations and maintain high standards of performance.
• Conduct team briefings, training, and regular performance reviews.
• Build a positive, professional, and supportive working environment.

Customer Experience

• Deliver consistently high standards of customer service.
• Maintain a warm, friendly, and welcoming traditional pub atmosphere.
• Engage with customers and respond professionally to feedback.
• Resolve complaints effectively and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Encourage repeat business and develop strong relationships with regular customers.

Food & Beverage

• Oversee the day-to-day food and drink operation.
• Work closely with the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager to maintain food quality and presentation.
• Ensure menus, specials, and promotions are delivered effectively.
• Monitor stock levels, ordering, wastage, and gross profit.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and service.

Commercial Management

• Take responsibility for the pub's sales, costs, and overall profitability.
• Monitor weekly and monthly financial performance.
• Control labour, food, drink, and operating costs.
• Identify opportunities to increase sales and improve profitability.
• Support local marketing, events, promotions, and community engagement.
• Monitor competitors and local market trends where appropriate.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure the pub complies with all relevant licensing, health and safety, food safety, and employment requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required checks.
• Ensure responsible alcohol service and licensing conditions are followed.
• Maintain excellent standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
• Work with relevant authorities, suppliers, and contractors when required.

Premises & Operations

• Ensure the pub, garden, cellar, kitchen, and customer areas are maintained to a high standard.
• Oversee opening and closing procedures.
• Manage deliveries, suppliers, maintenance, and contractors.
• Ensure equipment and facilities are used and maintained correctly.
• Maintain appropriate security and cash-handling procedures.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has previous management experience within a pub, restaurant, hospitality, or similar environment.
• Is confident leading a team and managing day-to-day operations.
• Has a strong understanding of food and beverage service.
• Understands the importance of sales, margins, labour control, and costs.
• Is highly organised and able to remain calm in a busy environment.
• Leads by example and is willing to be hands-on when required.
• Has excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Takes pride in standards, presentation, cleanliness, and consistency.
• Is commercially minded while maintaining the character and personality of a traditional pub.
• Is flexible and willing to work evenings, weekends, and bank holidays as required.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal General Manager will be a strong people leader, commercially aware, customer-focused, and hands-on. They will have the confidence to run a busy pub, develop a strong team, maintain excellent standards, and create an environment where both customers and employees enjoy being part of the business.

If you are passionate about traditional pubs, great food, quality drinks, and delivering a genuine hospitality experience, we would love to hear from you.

Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person