At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hospitality operations and drive commercial performance at a prestigious venue.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in cultural dining experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and the chance to make a social impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique venue where your work supports creativity for the good of all.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in hospitality management.
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. We're looking for a General Manager to work with us at RSA House in London.
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 hospitality and commercial operations.
General Manager - London, The Royal Society of Arts employer: Company of Cooks
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 well-being, and the chance to lead a diverse hospitality operation, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where brilliant people can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - London, The Royal Society of Arts
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨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. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! 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.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - London, The Royal Society of Arts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how much you care about food, drink, and creating memorable experiences at RSA House. Share your story and why this opportunity excites you!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the General Manager position. Highlight relevant experience in hospitality and event management, and don’t forget to mention any strategic roles you've held. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon – we want to understand your skills and experiences without any confusion!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Company of Cooks. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Company of Cooks
✨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 to the table.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you've managed client relationships in the past. Think of instances where you've turned a client's vision into reality. Showing that you can effectively engage with stakeholders will be crucial for this position.
