General Manager - The Royal Society of Arts NEW Company of Cooks £78,000 per year London, The R[...]

General Manager - The Royal Society of Arts NEW Company of Cooks £78,000 per year London, The R[...]

London Full-Time 78000 - 78000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Chartwells Independent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead hospitality operations and drive commercial performance at a prestigious venue.
  • Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in vibrant food and drink experiences.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and the chance to make a social impact.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for innovation and growth in a historic setting.
  • Why this job: Be part of a unique venue where your work supports creativity and community.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a knack for turning visions into reality.

The predicted salary is between 78000 - 78000 £ per year.

We are Company of Cooks, and we believe brilliant food and drink starts with brilliant people. For over 25 years, we’ve been part of some of the UK’s most loved cultural destinations, from historic palaces and botanical gardens to buzzing galleries and performance spaces, running the cafés, restaurants, bars and events that bring these incredible places to life.

About RSA House: RSA House is the historic home of The RSA, a global charity and community dedicated to creativity for the good of all. The House itself is a unique mix of both world famous historic rooms and modern event spaces. It is a living art gallery, constantly evolving through exhibitions, installations, talks and performances. Alongside our 13 event spaces, RSA House is also home to public facing hospitality and cultural spaces including The Coffee House, Muse our cocktail bar and the RSA Library.

We host a wide range of events, from high profile corporate conferences, brand launches and screenings, to awards dinners, receptions, weddings and private celebrations. Every event delivered at RSA House directly supports the work of The RSA. Our internal client is The RSA itself, meaning that commercial success and purpose are closely connected. This is a rare opportunity to work in a venue where revenue directly contributes to positive social impact.

Rate of pay: Up to £78,000 per annum + bonus (OTE £91,500)

Working pattern: 40 hours per week, (5 out of 7 days)

Location: London, WC2N 6EZ

About the Role: This is not a typical General Manager role. It is a highly strategic, client-facing position with full responsibility for hospitality and commercial operations within a prestigious cost-plus contract. We are looking for a confident and commercially astute leader who can turn a client’s vision into operational reality. You will inherit a strong and well-established client relationship and play a key role in driving commercial performance, operational excellence, and exceptional service standards.

The successful candidate will oversee a diverse hospitality operation, including a premium café, bar, and extensive events programme. You will have full responsibility for the sales and marketing strategy, ensuring all offers are innovative, commercially successful, and aligned with both client expectations and business objectives. This role also has overall accountability for menu development, offer structure, and pricing strategy, ensuring all food and beverage concepts are attractive, competitive, and profitable.

Success in this role will require outstanding stakeholder management, strong financial awareness, and the ability to lead and inspire a diverse team in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.

Key Responsibilities: Lead all operational aspects of the...

General Manager - The Royal Society of Arts NEW Company of Cooks £78,000 per year London, The R[...] employer: Chartwells Independent

At Company of Cooks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on creativity and collaboration. Located in the heart of London at RSA House, our team enjoys unique opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful events that support a global charity. With competitive pay, a focus on employee development, and the chance to work in a historic venue that blends tradition with modernity, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where brilliant people can flourish.

Chartwells Independent

Contact Details:

Chartwells Independent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land General Manager - The Royal Society of Arts NEW Company of Cooks £78,000 per year London, The R[...]

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn in the hot seat.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - The Royal Society of Arts NEW Company of Cooks £78,000 per year London, The R[...]

Strategic Leadership
Client Relationship Management
Commercial Acumen
Operational Excellence
Exceptional Service Standards
Sales and Marketing Strategy
Menu Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food and Culture:When writing your application, let your love for food and cultural experiences shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at Company of Cooks, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your enthusiasm!

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the General Manager role. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in hospitality, as well as any strategic roles you've held. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background to what we do.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We love a well-structured application that clearly outlines your achievements and how they relate to the role. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for us!

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Company of Cooks!

How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent

Know Your Venue

Familiarise yourself with RSA House and its unique blend of historic and modern spaces. Understand the types of events they host and how your experience aligns with their mission. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their needs.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially in managing diverse teams. Think of examples where you've inspired your team or improved service standards. Highlighting your ability to lead in a fast-paced environment will resonate well with them.

Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Since the role requires strong financial awareness, be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting, pricing strategies, and revenue generation. Bring specific examples of how you've driven commercial success in previous roles.

Engage with Their Vision

Understand Company of Cooks' commitment to social impact through hospitality. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to this vision and bring innovative ideas for menu development and event offerings that align with their goals.