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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic coffee and brunch concept, managing teams and enhancing guest experiences.
- Company: Join a globally recognised brand focused on quality coffee and exceptional service.
- Benefits: Earn up to £40,000 plus bonuses, with full training and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a fast-scaling café environment that values kindness and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management is essential; coffee knowledge is a bonus.
- Other info: Refer a friend for a chance to earn up to £500 if they get hired!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
Familiarise yourself with the brand's values and mission. Understanding their focus on kindness, good manners, and curiosity will help you align your leadership style with what they are looking for in a General Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the specialty coffee and brunch community in London. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to connect with professionals who might have insights or connections that could help you land this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with KPIs and team leadership in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven guest experience and improved service culture in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for coffee and brunch service during any conversations or interviews. Even if you don't have extensive experience, demonstrating enthusiasm and a willingness to learn can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the General Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and what the company values in a candidate.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in hospitality management, particularly in coffee shops or brunch cafés. Emphasise your leadership skills and any KPIs you've successfully managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the hospitality industry and your understanding of the brand's values. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and enhance customer experiences.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that align with the role, such as team leadership, customer service excellence, and your ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Use examples to illustrate these skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at CORElevate
✨Show Your Passion for Coffee and Brunch
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for specialty coffee and brunch concepts during the interview. Share any personal experiences or knowledge you have about coffee, artisan pastries, or brunch trends to demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
As a General Manager, you'll need to inspire and lead your team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to foster a positive culture and drive performance.
✨Discuss Your Approach to Customer Experience
Be ready to talk about your strategies for enhancing guest experience. Think of specific instances where you've improved service culture or addressed customer feedback, as this will show your commitment to delivering exceptional service.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability and Problem-Solving
This role requires someone who can thrive in evolving environments. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated changes in previous roles, showcasing your ability to make decisions and adapt processes when necessary.
