At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the exciting new Freight Newcastle venue, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join a game-changing food market that blends dining with entertainment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to launch a new venue and build a high-performing team.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a unique culinary experience and shape the future of the venue.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior venue management and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: £60,000 - £65,000
Location: Freight Newcastle, Eldon Square, NE1
Working week: 45 hours per week over 5 days, by way of rota - weekends and evenings required
Start date: February / Early March 2026
Freight Island is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and disruptive food markets in the world - it’s a game changer and most importantly, it has a soul. Blurring the lines between a food hall and a festival, Freight’s unique set up reflects the times. An urban oasis where guests can enjoy delicious food, great drinks and live entertainment. We specialise in curating an evolving calendar of residencies and menus that span emerging local talent and nationally recognised names, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
The Role
Freight Newcastle (expected to open late Spring 2026) is seeking a commercially astute, senior General Manager to take full ownership of the venue’s performance. As the most senior leader on site, you will have end-to-end accountability for the venue’s P&L, including revenue growth, margin delivery, cost control and overall commercial performance. This is a true leadership role: setting strategy, making decisions, and leading the venue to deliver both exceptional guest experience and sustainable profitability. Reporting into the Managing Director, you will define and execute the site strategy, translating business objectives into clear commercial and operational direction for your leadership team. You are not here to manage day-to-day tasks — you are here to own outcomes.
Key Responsibilities (but are not limited to)
- Full P&L ownership for Freight Newcastle, with accountability for revenue, margins, labour, stock and operating costs.
- Set, own and deliver against revenue targets and margin expectations.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning, ensuring strong commercial visibility and control.
- Identify and deliver new revenue opportunities across events, programming, partnerships and commercial initiatives.
- Act with authority and confidence in commercial decision-making as the senior leader on site.
Strategy & Senior Leadership
- Own and deliver the site strategy, aligned to Freight’s wider vision and tailored to the Newcastle market.
- Provide clear leadership, direction and pace to the senior management and leadership team.
- Act as the final decision-maker for operational, commercial and people matters at site level.
- Build a culture of accountability, high standards and commercial ownership across the venue.
Operations & Guest Experience
- Ensure Freight Newcastle consistently delivers a high-quality guest experience.
- Oversee complex, multi-department operations through strong leadership rather than micromanagement.
- Maintain full compliance with licensing objectives, food safety, health & safety and legal requirements.
- Ensure operational excellence supports, rather than constrains, commercial performance.
People, Culture & Performance
- Build, lead and retain a high-performing senior management and leadership team.
- Set clear expectations and hold leaders accountable for delivery, standards and engagement.
- Own workforce planning, labour strategy and rota efficiency to ensure performance within budget.
- Champion Freight’s culture, creating a positive, inclusive and high-energy working environment.
- Develop internal talent while addressing performance issues decisively and fairly.
What Success Looks Like (First 12 Months)
- Full ownership of the site P&L, delivering against agreed revenue, margin and cost targets.
- A confident, capable leadership team operating with clarity, autonomy and accountability.
- A clear, embedded site strategy balancing guest experience, commercial growth and operational control.
- Improved forecasting accuracy and commercial insight across labour, stock and revenue.
- Freight Newcastle recognised as a market-leading food, drink and events venue in the region.
Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ senior venue management experience within hospitality, food & beverage or event-led environments.
- At least 3 years’ bar operations experience.
- Proven experience managing full site budgets and P&L responsibility.
- Strong commercial acumen with confidence in senior decision-making.
- Natural leader with presence, credibility and the ability to influence at all levels.
- Personal Licence holder with strong knowledge of licensing and compliance.
- Comfortable operating autonomously as the senior leader on site.
- Experience launching a new venue.
Interview Process
- Video call with our Head of People
- Video call with our Associate Director of Marketing and General Manager of Freight Island Manchester
- In-person interview with our Directors
General Manager employer: Freight Island
Freight Newcastle is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment that champions creativity and innovation in the hospitality sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to take ownership of their roles while contributing to a culture of accountability and high standards. Located in the heart of Newcastle, this venue not only promises competitive salaries and benefits but also provides a unique opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking food market that prioritises both guest experience and sustainable profitability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨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 Freight Island. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Freight Island
Don't be shy about reaching out to Freight Island 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
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 Freight Island 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 Freight Island
✨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!
