At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive financial success.
- Company: The Old Bridge, a charming 18th-century hotel and restaurant in Huntingdon.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tips, flexible hours, and exciting team incentives.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and a passion for guest satisfaction.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and high street discounts.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
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About The Old Bridge
The Old Bridge is a beautifully ivy-clad, 18th-century townhouse hotel, restaurant, and wine shop, set on the banks of the River Great Ouse in Huntingdon. With 24 individually designed bedrooms, a bustling restaurant, a relaxing bar, and an award-winning wine shop, we combine historic charm with modern hospitality. We are part of Chestnut - a collection of hospitality venues across East Anglia - and we pride ourselves on creating welcoming, memorable experiences for every guest.
Role Overview
We are looking for an inspiring and commercially minded General Manager to lead The Old Bridge. You'll be responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving financial performance, and creating a positive culture across both the Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) teams. This is a hands‐on role, working closely with the Head Chef, Assistant Manager, and our central support teams to ensure operational excellence in every area.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire the FOH and BOH teams to deliver consistently high standards of service.
- Collaborate with the Head Chef and Assistant Manager to ensure seamless operations and exceptional guest satisfaction.
- Act as a visible host, engaging with guests to create a warm and memorable experience.
- Recruit, train, and develop team members, building a cohesive and motivated workforce.
- Oversee wet stock and cash management, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Drive financial performance by meeting and exceeding sales and profit targets.
- Foster a positive workplace culture, ensuring all team members perform to their best abilities.
- Report regularly to the Operations Manager on performance, challenges, and opportunities.
Why Join Us?
- Incentives – Enjoy team and individual rewards, from staff days out to trips abroad.
- Flexible Hours – Support for a healthy work‐life balance.
- Tips – Earn tips in addition to your salary, with the ability to track earnings via Wagestream.
Perks of Working with Chestnut
- Be part of a supportive, friendly team and connect with colleagues across our collection.
- Food and room discounts for you and your friends.
- Access to the Chestnut Hub with 100s of high street discounts.
- Fresh, high-quality staff meals provided daily.
- Opportunities for professional development, including industry‐accredited qualifications.
- Employee reward and recognition prizes.
- Staff referral scheme (earn up to £1,500 per referral).
About You
- Previous experience as a General Manager in a hospitality setting, ideally with rooms and dining.
- A natural leader who can inspire, motivate, and develop a team.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
- A passion for hospitality, guest experience, and operational excellence.
- Comfortable being a hands‐on leader who leads from the front.
This role offers a competitive salary of up to £80,000 OTE, including performance‐related bonuses, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, generous tips, and a range of team incentives.
General Manager employer: Chestnut Group
Contact Detail:
Chestnut Group 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 hospitality industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a General Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow The Old Bridge and other hospitality venues on social media. Engage with their posts and share your passion for creating memorable guest experiences. This can help you stand out and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Think about how your leadership style aligns with their mission of delivering exceptional guest experiences. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨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 Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for the hospitality industry shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to creating memorable guest experiences, as this is key for us at The Old Bridge.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills without unnecessary fluff. This helps us see your potential quickly!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the role of General Manager at The Old Bridge. Mention how your previous roles have prepared you for leading both FOH and BOH teams, and how you can drive financial performance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chestnut Group
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, take some time to research The Old Bridge. Familiarise yourself with its history, the services it offers, and its unique charm. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their values and guest experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve fostered a positive workplace culture, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since driving financial performance is key to this role, come ready to discuss your experience with budget management, sales targets, and profit maximisation. Share concrete examples of how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles to demonstrate your commercial awareness.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, guest experience strategies, and operational challenges they face. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role and company culture are the right fit for you.