General Manager in Woking

General Manager in Woking

Woking Full-Time 55000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Chartwells Independent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead catering and hospitality operations at RHS Garden Wisley, ensuring exceptional visitor experiences.
  • Company: Join Restaurant Associates, a premium hospitality provider with iconic venues across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free meals, on-site parking, and access to exclusive perks.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and sustainability while working in a world-class institution.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and offers growth opportunities in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years as a General Manager or 6+ years in hospitality management with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.

General Manager Location: RHS Garden Wisley Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum Contract: Permanent, Full-Time, 5 out of 7 days per week

What can we offer you

  • A collaborative and inclusive culture, where your ideas are valued, and creativity is encouraged.
  • 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays and national holiday days)
  • Free staff meals whilst at work.
  • Free on site parking.
  • Access to Compass Group company perks & benefits.
  • Perks for Works discounts and promotions
  • Access to training, mentoring and development, with support from our wider Restaurant Associates and Compass Group UK networks.
  • On-site F&B discounts.
  • No shortage of delicious food

About the Role

We’re seeking a proactive and people-focused General Manager to lead the catering, events and hospitality operations at the iconic RHS Garden Wisley, based in Wisley, Surrey.

This is a fantastic opportunity to spearhead visitor experiences within a world-class institution that welcomes guests from across the globe.

As General Manager, you will report into the Venue Director and have a large front of house team, with 4 direct reports in the form of Operations Managers.

You will ensure a smooth running of our busy catering operation as well as the busy conference & events diary.

You will be delivering exceptional service standards daily through the onsite teams and consistently strive to look for ways to improve the operation efficiency of the venue.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading, training and developing a motivated, skilled team of operators and culinary teams.
  • Managing all aspects of labour planning, cost control and forecasting
  • Identifying and driving commercial opportunities to maximise revenue within food & beverage
  • Maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring their expectations are exceeded
  • Overseeing operational delivery across all food and hospitality services
  • Ensuring compliance with company policies, health and safety standards and financial targets
  • Supporting and delivering the venue’s growth strategy in partnership with the client
  • Ensure consistent delivery of high service standards through active floor leadership and team engagement.
  • Build strong working relationships with venue stakeholders, assisting in responding to feedback and ensuring client satisfaction.

About You

  • 3+ years’ experience as a General Manager or 6+ years’ experience as a Deputy General Manager or Operations Manager within hospitality, ideally in visitor attractions or multi-outlet venues.
  • Proven ability to support the running of busy environments with high footfall and varied service styles.
  • Strong financial awareness and understanding of budgets, cost control, and labour management.
  • Excellent leadership skills, with experience motivating teams and supporting training and development.
  • Confident communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
  • A passion for food, service, and delivering memorable visitor experiences.
  • Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment, supporting both daily operations and longer-term development projects.

About Us

Restaurant Associates is a leading premium hospitality provider with an ethos drawn from our history of fine and high-quality dining in London and New York.

Within our venues team, we provide catering and hospitality services to some of the most iconic visitor attractions and destinations in the UK including the Imperial War Museum London, Glyndebourne Opera House, Knebworth House, Design Museum, Whipsnade Zoo and many more.

Within these amazing venues we operate a host of bespoke cafés and restaurants, as well as delivering private events ranging from small meetings to large-scale ground events of up to 1000 people.

You can find a full list of our venues on our website.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, diverse, fun, and dynamic place to work with opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of teams plus a commitment to putting our people first.

Restaurant Associates is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

As a business, we are committed to sustainability led practices and are proud to have achieved 3 stars with the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s Food Made Good Programme.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers.

We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members.

We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!

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General Manager in Woking employer: Chartwells Independent

Join Constellation at Molineux Stadium, where we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and supportive work environment for our Kitchen Porters. With flexible matchday roles, you'll have the chance to be part of thrilling events while enjoying opportunities for personal growth and development within the Levy UK family. Our commitment to high standards and teamwork ensures that every employee feels valued and integral to our success.

Chartwells Independent

Contact Details:

Chartwells Independent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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 Chartwells Independent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Chartwells Independent

Don't be shy about reaching out to Chartwells Independent 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 Woking

Leadership Skills
Team Development
Labour Planning
Cost Control
Financial Awareness
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills

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 Chartwells Independent 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 Chartwells Independent

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!