At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hospitality operations and create exceptional experiences at RSA House.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks, a leader in cultural hospitality for over 25 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, personal development, and a range of wellbeing perks.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that combines creativity with social purpose.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium hospitality and strong leadership skills required.
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 account, ensuring exceptional service standards across café, bar, hospitality, and events.
- Act as the primary point of contact for the client, building and maintaining a strong and trusted relationship.
- Translate the client's vision into innovative and effective operational delivery.
- Manage multiple hospitality offers, including a premium café, bar, and a varied programme of corporate and private events.
- Develop and oversee the sales and marketing strategy to drive revenue growth and maximise commercial opportunities.
- Take ownership of all menu offers, structure, and pricing to ensure strong customer appeal and profitability.
- Drive commercial performance, profitability, and achievement of financial targets.
- Lead, inspire, and develop a diverse team of approximately 30 employees.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and food safety standards.
- Maintain a strong focus on customer experience, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Our Ideal Candidate:
- Proven experience as a General Manager within premium hospitality.
- Strong commercial and financial management skills, with experience managing budgets and delivering financial targets.
- Exceptional client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing multiple hospitality streams, including café, bar, and events.
- Strong understanding of sales, marketing, and business development.
- Experience in menu planning, offer development, and pricing strategy.
- Ability to lead, inspire, and develop a multi-disciplinary team.
- Strategic mindset with excellent attention to detail.
- Experience within bespoke, corporate, or other high‑profile hospitality environments is highly desirable.
- Strong leadership presence and the ability to build a positive team culture.
What's in it for you? Working with CH&Co has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.
- Personal Development and Training opportunities
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion, Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
General Manager - London, The Royal Society Of Arts employer: ESS
At Company of Cooks, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. As the General Manager at RSA House in London, you will not only lead a diverse team in a prestigious venue but also contribute to meaningful social impact through our unique hospitality offerings. With a strong focus on personal development, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment, we empower our employees to thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - London, The Royal Society Of Arts
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like ESS. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to ESS
Don't be shy about reaching out to ESS directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - London, The Royal Society Of Arts
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about ESS and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at ESS
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
