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- Tasks: Lead daily operations and ensure smooth project delivery in a high-end landscape design practice.
- Company: CGLA, a prestigious landscape design firm in Buckinghamshire with a focus on creativity and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £80-90k plus bonus, with autonomy and influence in a respected business.
- Why this job: Shape operational strategy and make a meaningful impact in a growing design-led company.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles, strong commercial awareness, and ability to manage complexity.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and enjoy long-term stability in a premium client-facing environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
CGLA is a high-end landscape design practice based in Penn, Buckinghamshire. We design and deliver exceptional gardens for private clients, architects and professional teams, combining creativity with commercial discipline. We are entering an ambitious new phase of growth. Our aim is to increase design value, expand our landscaping pipeline (including through partnerships with external designers), and deliver more projects through a carefully managed mix of in-house teams and trusted subcontractors — all without materially increasing fixed overheads.
The Opportunity
This is a genuine leadership role. You will take ownership of the operational engine of a £3m design-led business, ensuring projects run smoothly, margins are protected, risks are managed early, and the team operates with clarity and confidence. The Directors will continue to lead creative direction and key relationships. You will lead day-to-day operations and build the structure that allows the business to grow sustainably.
Your key responsibilities:
- Lead the daily running of the practice
- Manage team performance and accountability
- Own workflow planning and capacity management
- Provide clear financial and operational reporting
- Protect landscaping margin through disciplined oversight
- Build robust systems for managing subcontracted projects
- Ensure the client experience remains seamless and premium
This role is central to ensuring that growth translates into profit, not stress.
This role will suit you if you are:
- A confident and experienced operator
- Commercially aware and financially disciplined
- Calm, organised and reliable under pressure
- Comfortable managing complexity across design and delivery
- Experienced in working in a founder-led or owner-managed business
- Capable of balancing detail with strategic oversight
You do not need to be a landscape designer. You do need to be comfortable operating in a high-end, client-facing environment where standards and reputation matter deeply.
What this role offers you:
- Senior leadership role with real autonomy
- Opportunity to shape systems and operational strategy
- Direct influence on a growing, respected design-led business
- Long-term stability with meaningful impact
General Manager employer: CGLA
Contact Detail:
CGLA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a General Manager role. Personal recommendations can make all the difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Highlight your ability to balance detail with strategic oversight, as this is key for a General Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully managed teams and operations in the past, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
Be Commercially Savvy: Since this role is all about balancing creativity with commercial discipline, don’t forget to showcase your financial awareness. Talk about how you've protected margins or improved profitability in previous roles – we love a candidate who knows their numbers!
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity in applications. Make sure your writing is straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to break down your achievements and responsibilities, making it easy for us to see your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at CGLA.
How to prepare for a job interview at CGLA
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research CGLA thoroughly. Understand their design philosophy, recent projects, and their approach to client relationships. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams, improved performance, and handled complex projects. Highlight your ability to maintain calm under pressure and how you foster a positive team environment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role requires financial discipline, come ready to discuss your experience with budget management, margin protection, and operational reporting. Use concrete examples to illustrate how you've contributed to a business's financial health in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the company's future. Ask about their growth plans, how they measure success in this role, and what challenges they foresee. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.