Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team and oversee daily operations at Wisley Gardens.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in hospitality since 1996, now part of CH&CO.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like personal development, private medical eligibility, and a holiday purchase scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant culture focused on creativity, community, and exceptional service.
- Qualifications: Prior management experience is essential for this role.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful setting with opportunities for social events and volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 £ per year.
Craft, Creativity and Community – we are Company of Cooks! These are our values, and they go far beyond corporate waffle. In fact, they set the tone for everything we do. Company of Cooks have been working with some of the UK’s most cherished venues since 1996, delighting customers and clients alike with great food and drinks, brilliant service and an absolute focus on the details that make good restaurants, cafes and bars, great ones. In October 2019 the company was brought into the CH&CO family. The completion of the deal saw Company of Cooks become the group’s go-to operators in heritage and performance venues, art galleries and destinations. We are excited to be recruiting for a General Manager based at Wisley Gardens.
Location: Wisley Gardens
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum
Shift Pattern: 40 hours per week, 5 over 7 days
Key responsibilities:
- Lead, motivate, and manage a team of 10-20 members, ensuring a positive and productive work environment.
- Drive business growth through strategic decision-making and effective cost management.
- Oversee the daily operations of the Foodhall and its seasonal pop-ups (Kiosk, BBQ, Honest Sausage, Stone Pine), ensuring seamless service delivery, menu quality, and high standards of customer experience.
- Coordinate and manage staffing and resources across the Foodhall and seasonal pop-ups, including recruitment, training, and scheduling, to ensure efficient operations and high team performance.
- Understand and manage the Profit and Loss (P&L) statement, ensuring financial targets are met and exceeded.
- Cultivate a supportive and accountable work environment by providing guidance and encouragement to help the team and individuals achieve their goals.
Our ideal candidate will have prior experience successfully managing the key responsibilities outlined above.
What's in it for you?
- Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we’ve developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Pension scheme.
- Holiday allowance.
- Private medical eligibility.
- Eye care.
- A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance.
- Family friendly support.
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders.
- A holiday purchase scheme.
- Volunteering days.
- Professional subscriptions.
- Recognition schemes and people awards.
- Long service awards.
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers.
General Manager employer: Company of Cooks
Contact Detail:
Company of Cooks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Company of Cooks' values of Craft, Creativity, and Community. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs and share examples of how you've embodied these principles in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Wisley Gardens and the specific operations of the Foodhall and its seasonal pop-ups. Understanding the unique aspects of this venue will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can enhance customer experience and operational efficiency during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing teams effectively. Think of specific instances where you motivated your team or improved performance, as this role requires strong leadership skills to manage a team of 10-20 members.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your financial acumen, particularly in understanding Profit and Loss statements. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully managed budgets or drove business growth through strategic decision-making, as this is crucial for the General Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Values: Before applying, take some time to understand the core values of Company of Cooks. Highlight how your personal values align with their focus on craft, creativity, and community in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in managing teams and driving business growth. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team, as well as your understanding of P&L management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for the hospitality industry. Mention any relevant experience with food service operations and how you can contribute to the success of the Foodhall and its seasonal pop-ups.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your documents are formatted professionally. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Cooks
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a General Manager, you'll be leading a team of 10-20 members. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated and managed teams in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to create a positive work environment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Understanding the Profit and Loss (P&L) statement is crucial for this role. Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and driven business growth through strategic decision-making in previous positions.
✨Emphasise Customer Experience
Company of Cooks places a strong focus on customer experience. Prepare to share examples of how you've ensured high standards of service delivery and menu quality in your past roles. Discuss any initiatives you've implemented to enhance customer satisfaction.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of Company of Cooks: Craft, Creativity, and Community. During the interview, express how these values resonate with you and provide examples of how you've embodied similar principles in your work.
