At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team in delivering exceptional dining experiences at a fast-paced QSR.
- Company: Join a bold, international food brand known for its flavour-packed menu and community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, free meals, and life insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting growth journey and inspire excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven restaurant management experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career advancement and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Job Description
General Manager (UK Launch | Dark Kitchen → First Store)
Location: Kentish Town (Camden, London)
Brand Origin: USA
Sector: Fast Casual / QSR
About the brand
CORElevate are working with a well-established US fast-casual brand founded in 2006, known for its bold, Eastern Mediterranean-inspired menu and health-forward approach to flavour. Built around fresh, house-made proteins, rice, crisp vegetables and flavour-led sauces, the concept allows guests to customise bowls, salads and pitas that are both satisfying and nutritious.
Now entering the UK market, launching initially through a dark kitchen model, with a clear and exciting roadmap to opening 2 more dark kitchens also its first central / flagship store this year. This role is a rare opportunity to be part of a brand’s UK journey from day one.
The Role
As General Manager, you will play a pivotal role in launching and shaping the brand in the UK. You’ll take full ownership of the operation in its early dark kitchen phase, setting standards, building the team and embedding the culture before transitioning into leading the first physical restaurant opening.
This is a true build-and-lead role, ideal for a hands-on QSR General Manager who thrives in fast-paced, growth-focused environments and wants to leave a lasting footprint on a new brand.
Key Responsibilities
People & Culture
- Recruit, train and develop a high-performing team from the ground up
- Create a positive, inclusive, and accountable culture
- Develop future leaders as the brand scales in the UK
Operations & Delivery
- Lead day-to-day dark kitchen operations with a strong floor presence
- Ensure speed, accuracy, food quality and consistency across delivery platforms
- Prepare the operation for transition into a customer-facing store environment
Guest Experience
- Deliver outstanding guest experiences across digital, delivery and future dine-in channels
- Set the tone for hospitality, brand standards and service excellence
Food Safety & Compliance
- Maintain full compliance with UK food safety, hygiene and H&S standards
- Ensure all processes meet local authority and regulatory requirements
Commercial Performance
- Full ownership of site P&L, labour control and food costs
- Drive sales, efficiency and profitability while maintaining quality
- Support local marketing and brand launch initiatives
Growth & Expansion
- Play a key role in opening the first UK store
- Support future site launches as the brand expands
About You
- 3–5+ years’ experience in restaurant management, with at least 2 years as a General Manager
- Strong QSR or fast-casual background (delivery-led experience a big plus)
- Comfortable operating in a dark kitchen / high-volume environment
- A hands-on leader who leads from the front
- Commercially aware, organised and detail-driven
- Passionate about food, hospitality and building something from scratch
- Calm under pressure and excited by change, growth and challenge
Why Join?
- Be part of an established US brand entering the UK market
- Rare opportunity to launch a concept, not just run one
- Clear progression from dark kitchen to flagship store leadership
- High visibility role with long-term growth potential
General Manager employer: CORElevate
Contact Detail:
CORElevate 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 QSR industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a General Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s values and culture, especially their approach to customer service and community spirit. Tailor your answers to show how your leadership style aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, highlight specific examples of how you've improved service quality or boosted team performance in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing your P&L successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that General Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the QSR industry shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about delivering great experiences and leading a team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in restaurant management and any specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership skills. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CORElevate
✨Know Your QSR Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and what makes a brand stand out. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely passionate about the sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, your leadership skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you inspired excellence or resolved conflicts. This will help demonstrate your hands-on, heart-led approach to management.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face hypothetical scenarios during the interview that test your problem-solving abilities. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Highlight your decision-making skills and how you prioritise customer satisfaction while managing operational challenges.
✨Understand Financial Metrics
Since the role requires strong financial acumen, brush up on key financial metrics related to P&L accountability. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and driven profitability in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the financial responsibilities of a General Manager.