At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team, create unforgettable guest experiences, and drive business success.
- Company: Join the award-winning Heartwood Collection, known for exceptional hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team recognised as one of the best places to work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing hospitality group that values people-first leadership.
- Qualifications: 2-3+ years as a General Manager in premium hospitality with strong commercial skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
General Manager
CAPTION
- Company: Heartwood Collection
- Salary: Not specified
- Hours: Full-time
- Location: Lewes, BN7 1XE
- Job type: Permanent
- Posting date: 9 Sept 2026
- Closing date: 9 Oct 2026
- Summary
Exceptional General Managers. Exceptional Hospitality.
At Heartwood Collection, we're not just looking for General Managers - we're looking for exceptional hospitality leaders who know how to build brilliant teams, deliver outstanding guest experiences and run successful, high-performing businesses.
Across Heartwood Inns and Brasserie Blanc, our General Managers are at the heart of their businesses.
They lead from the floor, know their guests, develop their people and take real ownership of everything from standards and culture to sales, labour and profitability.
As an award-winning and rapidly growing hospitality group, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced General Manager who wants to make an impact and grow with us.
You will need to be an accomplished General Manager with a strong track record in premium pubs, restaurants or fresh-food hospitality.
We're particularly interested in leaders who can demonstrate
- 2-3+ years' experience as a General Manager, ideally within a quality branded or multi-site hospitality environment
- A proven track record of running a successful, high-volume fresh-food operation
- Strong commercial understanding, including P&L, labour, sales, KPIs and profitability
- The ability to lead from the front and be highly visible with both guests and your team
- A passion for developing people and building strong management teams
- High standards and an eye for the details that create an exceptional guest experience
- Confidence managing all aspects of a hospitality business, including rooms and reception where applicable
- A genuine desire to take ownership, drive performance and make your site the very best it can be
Above all, we're looking for people-first leaders with personality, energy and ambition - General Managers who inspire their teams and genuinely love hospitality.
- General Manager - The Benefits
- Competitive salary package including TRONC and KPI-based bonus
- 48-hour contract
- Private healthcare with Bupa
- Bespoke training and career development through our Stepping Stones programme
- Employee Assistance Programme with Hospitality Action
- Hundreds of discounts through Reward Gateway
- Instant access to pay through Early Pay
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Up to £1,500 referral bonus
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days' holiday
- 50% off food at Heartwood Inns and Brasserie Blanc, plus 20% for family and friends
- Discounts across our beautiful Inn bedrooms
- Birthday gift and Long Service Recognition
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Join an award-winning collection
Heartwood Collection is proud to have been recognised as
- Sunday Times Best Places to Work - 2024
- Double winner - Publican Awards 2024
- Best Pub Brand/Concept - Publican Awards 2025
With an expanding collection of pubs, brasseries and beautiful bedrooms, we're building something special - and we're looking for outstanding General Managers who want to be part of it.
If you're an experienced General Manager who knows how to lead people, drive a business and create hospitality that guests want to return to, we'd love to hear from you.
Bring your personality. Bring your standards. Bring your ambition. We'll give you the opportunity to make your mark.
General Manager in Lewes employer: Heartwood Collection
At Heartwood Collection, we pride ourselves on being an award-winning hospitality group that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture. As a Chef de Partie, you'll benefit from bespoke training through our Stepping Stones programme, competitive pay with TRONC, and a range of employee perks including discounts and referral bonuses. With exciting growth plans and a commitment to employee development, joining our team means becoming part of a community that values passion, quality, and genuine connections.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Lewes
✨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 Heartwood Collection. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Heartwood Collection
Don't be shy about reaching out to Heartwood Collection 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 in Lewes
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 Heartwood Collection 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 Heartwood Collection
✨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!
