General Manager in Chelmsford

General Manager in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead daily operations and ensure a top-notch visitor experience at Marsh Farm.
  • Company: Join a vibrant team at Marsh Farm, a leading leisure attraction.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a fun work environment.
  • Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities to shape a positive team culture.
  • Why this job: Be the face of Marsh Farm and make a real impact on guest experiences.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or leisure management and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Organisation: Marsh Farm

Reports to: Parks Director

Direct Reports: Duty Managers, Department Heads (Retail, Food & Beverage, Operations, Events & Entertainment, all team)

Purpose of the Role

The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, operational delivery, and site performance of Marsh Farm. Reporting to the Parks Director, the GM ensures that agreed commercial strategies (The Budget), standards, and plans are executed consistently on site, delivering a safe, welcoming, and high-quality visitor experience. This is a highly visible, hands-on role. The General Manager leads from the front, sets standards through action, and takes ownership of operational performance, people leadership, and guest experience. The role is not desk-based; it requires regular presence on the floor, walking the customer journey, supporting teams, and intervening immediately when standards slip.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operational Leadership & Site Standards
    • Take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of Marsh Farm, ensuring all areas are safe, clean, compliant, and guest-ready.
    • Maintain a strong on-site presence, particularly during peak trading periods, events, and weekends.
    • Lead by example by walking the customer journey, identifying issues, and ensuring immediate corrective action is taken.
    • Ensure all departments consistently deliver agreed brand standards, service levels, and presentation expectations.
    • Act decisively when standards, behaviours, or performance fall below expectation.
  • Commercial Delivery & Performance
    • Deliver the commercial plans and targets (The Budget) including revenue, Spend Per Head (SPH), and cost control.
    • Actively drive ticket sales, retail, food & beverage performance, events income, and membership conversions on site.
    • Ensure shop areas are fully stocked, priced correctly, and presented to maximise sales.
    • Work with teams to improve upselling, suggestive selling, and guest engagement in a natural, customer-first way.
    • Monitor daily performance and respond quickly to underperformance.
    • Lead, motivate, and develop Duty Managers and department leaders, setting clear expectations and standards.
    • Ensure teams are well-trained, well-deployed, and fully understand their roles and responsibilities.
    • Address poor attitudes, behaviours, or performance promptly and fairly, escalating issues where necessary.
    • Build a positive, accountable culture where standards matter and everyone takes pride in the site.
    • Support recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of the team.
  • Customer Experience
    • Champion a consistent, welcoming, and engaging customer experience across the site.
    • Ensure staff follow agreed service standards, including greetings, engagement, and problem resolution.
    • Review guest feedback and complaints, taking ownership of improvements and preventing repeat issues.
    • Ensure first impressions (car park, entrance, toilets) and last impressions are consistently positive.
  • Health, Safety & Compliance
    • Ensure full compliance with health & safety legislation, food safety standards, animal welfare requirements, and licensing conditions.
    • Ensure risk assessments, checks, logs, and SOPs are completed accurately and on time.
    • Act immediately on any safety or compliance concerns.
  • Communication, Reporting & Accountability
    • Report regularly to the Parks Director on site performance, challenges, and opportunities and solutions.
    • Participate fully in weekly performance reviews, operational meetings, and planning sessions.
    • Provide honest, timely updates and take ownership of actions agreed.
    • Support the site by implementing changes quickly and consistently.

Skills & Experience

  • Proven experience managing operations in a leisure, attraction, hospitality, retail, or visitor-focused environment.
  • Strong people leadership skills with experience managing managers and frontline teams.
  • Commercial awareness with an understanding of revenue drivers, cost control, and SPH.
  • Confident decision-maker with the ability to act quickly under pressure.
  • Strong organisational and communication skills.

Personal Attributes

  • Highly visible, hands-on leader who sets standards by example.
  • Customer-focused with strong attention to detail.
  • Accountable, resilient, and solutions focused.
  • Comfortable being challenged and holding others to account.
  • Proud ambassador for Marsh Farm and its values.

Due to the nature of this role being in hospitality you will be required to work some weekends.

General Manager in Chelmsford employer: Camp Beaumont

Camp Beaumont is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises team development and guest satisfaction. Located in the picturesque Lee Valley, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and professional advancement, all while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for guests.

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Contact Details:

Camp Beaumont Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land General Manager in Chelmsford

✨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 Camp Beaumont. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

✨Reach Out Directly to Camp Beaumont

Don't be shy about reaching out to Camp Beaumont 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 in Chelmsford

Operational Leadership
Site Standards Management
Commercial Awareness
Revenue Management
Cost Control
Customer Experience Management
Health and Safety Compliance

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 Camp Beaumont 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 Camp Beaumont

✨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!