At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant pub team, ensuring exceptional food and drink experiences.
- Company: Craft Locals, a people-focused pub group dedicated to great hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit bonus, discounts, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunities for genuine progression within a growing group.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and create memorable experiences in a beautiful canalside pub.
- Qualifications: Experience in running quality pubs and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 £ per year.
£45,000 - £50,000 + up to 7% profit bonus + Loyalty Pot + Ownership Pathway + share of card tips
People-First Leadership | Food-Led Pub
We are looking for an exceptional people-first General Manager to lead one of our food-led country pubs — someone who believes that great hospitality starts with great people, well-cooked food, and beautifully kept cask ale.
Tucked away by the canal at Bulbourne, just outside Tring, the Grand Junction Arms is a destination for those who love proper pubs. Whether you are arriving from the Chiltern Hills, cycling along the towpath, or making the short trip from London by train, you will always find a warm welcome.
With vast gardens, outdoor bars and plenty of space to enjoy long summer days by the water, the Grand Junction is made for big gatherings and lazy afternoons. Inside, you will discover a buzzing pub atmosphere, with a great range of craft beers, cask ales, premium spirits and a carefully chosen wine list.
Our kitchen serves fresh, seasonal menus built around traditional pub favourites, elevated with local produce and contemporary touches. Every dish is cooked to order, with daily specials and sharers designed for lively tables.
This is a role for a calm, confident leader who enjoys running a busy pub without sacrificing standards. You will take pride in thoughtful service, attention to detail, and creating an environment where guests feel genuinely looked after and teams feel supported, developed, and proud of what they do.
You will work closely with your Head Chef to deliver a seasonal, well-executed food offer, alongside a cask ale range that is treated with the care and respect it deserves. Events, menus, and supplier relationships are shaped collaboratively — with strong head office support to help you deliver them properly, not just launch them quickly.
About you
- Leads from the floor with warmth, clarity, and consistency
- Enjoys developing people and building knowledgeable, engaged teams
- Understands the importance of food & drinks quality, and pacing
- Takes ownership of standards while valuing structure and support
- Cares as much about culture as you do about commercial performance
- You build great pubs that people want to return to
What the role involves
- Leading and developing a strong front‐of‐house team
- Working in close partnership with the Head Chef
- Delivering consistently high standards across food, drink and service
- Creating memorable guest experiences and well‐run events
- Developing your team through training, coaching, and clear leadership
- Running the business with commercial confidence, while maintaining full compliance and best practice
What’s in it for you
- A supportive, hands‐on head office team that helps you succeed
- Clear structure, realistic expectations, and room to do things properly
- Company incentives and perks
- 50% off food and 20% off drinks across all venues
- 28 days holiday
- Training and communication via AllGravy
- WSET opportunities
- Genuine progression within a small, growing group (currently three sites)
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience running a busy, quality‐focused pub
- A passion for food and well‐kept beer (especially cask)
- Strong people leadership and recruitment skills
- Confidence in financial management and commercial decision‐making
- High standards and a genuine eye for detail
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
About Us
Craft Locals is a growing group of people‐focused pubs, dedicated to delivering exceptional food, well‐kept cask ale, and memorable guest experiences. We believe great pubs start with great teams, and we invest in our people — giving them the support, training, and tools they need to shine.
We have built systems that make running a pub straightforward and compliant, so our teams can focus on what really matters: welcoming guests and delivering an outstanding experience. From reservations to stock, scheduling to events, we use a suite of best‐in‐class tools to simplify operations and keep everything running smoothly.
At Craft Locals, we are proud to combine a love of people, food, and drink with smart systems and strong support — creating pubs that teams enjoy working in and guests love visiting.
General Manager in Tring employer: Craft Locals - The Grand Junction Arms
Craft Locals is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first culture, offering a supportive environment for General Managers to thrive. With competitive benefits including a profit bonus, loyalty pot, and generous discounts, employees enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance in the picturesque setting of Bulbourne. The company fosters growth through training opportunities and a clear pathway for progression, making it an ideal place for those passionate about hospitality and team development.
Contact Details:
Craft Locals - The Grand Junction Arms Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Tring
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the pub scene in your area! Visit local pubs, chat with staff, and understand what makes them tick. This will not only give you insights but also help you build connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or join local hospitality groups. Meeting people in the field can open doors and give you insider info on job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality during interviews! We want to see your passion for hospitality and how you connect with people. Be yourself, share your experiences, and let your enthusiasm shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Craft Locals.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Tring
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for food, drink, and creating memorable experiences for guests. Share specific examples that highlight your passion.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your experience in running busy pubs, leading teams, and maintaining high standards. We appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your leadership style and how you develop your team. We want to know how you create a positive culture in your workplace, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Craft Locals - The Grand Junction Arms
✨Know Your Pub Culture
Before the interview, dive into the culture of the Grand Junction Arms. Familiarise yourself with their menu, drink offerings, and the overall vibe of the pub. This will help you connect your experience with their values and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams in the past, focusing on your people-first approach. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a positive impact on service quality or team morale.
✨Discuss Food and Drink Passion
Since this role revolves around food and well-kept cask ale, be ready to discuss your passion for these areas. Share your favourite dishes to cook or beers to serve, and how you ensure high standards in both. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and guest satisfaction.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Operations
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their operations, such as how they maintain quality across multiple sites or how they support their managers. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
