At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team and drive performance in a vibrant hospitality venue.
- Company: Join Arcade, one of the UK's most exciting hospitality projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a creative, collaborative environment with endless growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of London’s food scene and unleash your leadership potential.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in a fast-paced hospitality role and a passion for great service.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
Salary: £56,000 + Variable Tronc + Benefits!
Join our leadership team - Lead the floor. Drive performance. Shape the future of London hospitality.
About Arcade:
Arcade is one of UK’s most ambitious and exciting hospitality projects! A dynamic playground where world-class chefs, bold culinary ideas, and vibrant guest experiences come together under one roof. As a brand incubator, we launch, operate, and scale original concepts that celebrate global cuisines and exceptional drink culture.
Whether you’re dreaming of crafting your own food concept, growing your skills from the ground up to management, or even launching your own business, we’re the place where your ideas can soar. With us, there’s no ceiling to you hitting your career goals and we’re here to help you make it happen!
About the role:
Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for hospitality and the drive to make a real impact? We’re looking for a driven and experienced General Manager to lead one of London’s newest, stunning and most exciting venues — Arcade Covent Garden. With over £150K in weekly revenue and 1200 covers a day, this is an opportunity to step into a leadership role at the forefront of the city’s vibrant food and drink scene. If you thrive in fast-paced, high pressured environments and love leading large teams, we want to hear from you!
As a successful General Manager in this role you will:
- In the absence of the Multisite Operations Manager, assume full responsibility for the restaurant operations.
- Lead and motivate a team of 6-8 managers (wider team circa 100) in a positive and engaged manner.
- Ensure maximum revenue and profit is achieved from all sales opportunities in every area (People, Place and Product).
- Support and contribute in admin duties; Payroll / Financial and Performance analysis.
- Complete and submit a monthly quantitative & qualitative people, performance and appraisal report to Operations and Head of People.
- Ensure weekly rotas are completed and costed in line with company guidelines.
- Monitor and report on all weekly variable costs.
- Oversee the recruitment and onboarding of new employees in the Kitchen and Restaurant.
- Be an expert in our global menus, cooking techniques, drinks processes, supplier information, flavour profiles, partner brands, and ethos.
- Ensure the Company’s Health & Safety policy is adhered to at all times.
We’d love to hear from you if you:
- Have a genuine passion for fresh food, excellent service and great guest experience (essential).
- Bring proven experience in a similar role (GM or AGM) in a fast paced high volume, high pressured environment.
- Possess a strong commercial mindset with a leadership style that motivates, empowers, and creates loyalty.
- Are fully conversant with current legislation and licensing laws.
- Bring a track record in creating a culture of Health & Safety and Food Safety awareness that allows for a safe environment for staff and guests.
- Bring a problem-solving mindset, tackle challenges with creativity to help us grow and improve.
- Have a proven ability to oversee, lead, train and inspire a sizeable restaurant team (circa 100).
- You have strong organisational and multitasking skills.
Working at Arcade:
Our teams are the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry-leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow.
At Arcade, we’re more than just a restaurant group... We’re a collective of bold, diverse food and drink brands driven by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for hospitality. We believe in growing together, empowering our people, and creating opportunities to thrive across all areas of the business. Whether onsite, behind the scenes or head office, working at Arcade means being part of something exciting, fast-moving, and truly unique in the hospitality industry.
Benefits:
- Refer a friend bonus
- Internal wage advance facility to instantly access the wages you’ve earned
- A restaurant recognition budget for Birthday goodies and career milestones
- 50% off food in our restaurants for you and your loved ones
- 50% off food in JKS restaurants within Arcade for you and your loved ones
- Access to counselling, remote GP/physio services, legal advice and more through Hospitality Action 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
- Summer and Christmas team parties where we all down tools and have some fun!
General Manager (New Opening) in London employer: Arcade
Arcade is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and collaboration within the vibrant London hospitality scene. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer unparalleled opportunities for career advancement, including the chance to develop your own food concepts and lead dynamic teams in a fast-paced environment. Our supportive work culture, comprehensive benefits, and focus on well-being ensure that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (New Opening) in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Arcade. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Arcade
Don't be shy about reaching out to Arcade directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager (New Opening) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Arcade and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arcade
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
