General Manager

General Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Heaton House Farm and The Knot Inn

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant pub team, ensuring exceptional service and delicious food.
  • Company: The Knot Inn, a family-run pub with a strong community focus.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, staff discounts, health insurance, and 28 days holiday.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team with real opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a beloved pub while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and a passion for guest experiences.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

  • The Knot Inn
  • 5 days per week
  • Variable shifts including days, evenings and weekends
  • Permanent | Full-time
  • No live-in available

The Knot Inn is a thriving and picturesque countryside pub near Rudyard Lake, renowned for its rich heritage, quality seasonal food and warm hospitality.

Popular with tourists, walkers, cyclists and locals alike, we are proud of our strong reputation and community ties as a family-run business.

We are now seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the team, build on our success and take the business to the next level.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced General Manager or a strong Assistant/Deputy Manager ready to step up into a senior leadership role, working closely alongside our Head Chef to drive standards, service and growth across the business.

  • What you’ll be doing
  • Take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of The Knot Inn
  • Lead, motivate and develop front of house and kitchen teams
  • Work closely alongside our Head Chef to deliver exceptional locally produced food and outstanding customer service
  • Build a strong front and back of house partnership to ensure smooth daily operations
  • Create a positive team culture focused on high standards and accountability
  • Drive sales, profitability and business growth through strong commercial management
  • Develop and maintain an exciting drinks offer including products from local suppliers
  • Manage rotas, labour control and staffing levels using company systems
  • Oversee stock control, ordering, margins and waste management
  • Recruit, induct and train new team members, ensuring ongoing development
  • Conduct performance reviews and provide team welfare support
  • Ensure licensing, health and safety, fire procedures and food safety standards are fully maintained
  • Handle guest feedback professionally and resolve issues effectively
  • Maintain high presentation standards throughout the pub and grounds
  • Work closely with senior leadership on business performance, strategy and future plans

About you

  • Previous experience as a General Manager, Deputy Manager or Assistant Manager within hospitality
  • A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiences
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, develop and motivate teams
  • Experience working in a busy pub, bar or restaurant environment
  • Commercial awareness with a strong understanding of profit and margins
  • Excellent customer service focus with high personal standards
  • Confident, organised and calm under pressure
  • Able to build strong working relationships with kitchen and front of house teams
  • Flexible, adaptable and hands-on in your approach
  • Good knowledge of health and safety, fire safety and compliance procedures
  • Reliable, professional and committed to success
  • Full UK driving licence and access to transport due to our rural location
  • Working pattern
  • 5 days per week
  • Shifts will include a mix of days, evenings and weekends
  • Bank holidays required as part of a hospitality business
  • Flexibility essential to meet the demands of a busy operation
  • Christmas Day off

What we offer

  • A rewarding leadership role within a respected and growing business
  • Opportunity to work alongside a talented Head Chef to shape the future of the pub
  • Support from a friendly family-run company that values its people
  • Real opportunities for progression as the business grows
  • Staff discounts
  • Staff referral scheme
  • Life and permanent health insurance after qualifying period
  • 28 days holiday including bank holidays, increasing with service to a maximum of 33 days
  • Free car parking
  • A positive and professional working environment

General Manager employer: Heaton House Farm and The Knot Inn

The Knot Inn is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding leadership role in a picturesque countryside setting near Rudyard Lake. As a family-run business, we pride ourselves on our strong community ties and commitment to staff development, providing real opportunities for progression alongside a talented team. With a positive work culture, competitive benefits including life insurance, generous holiday allowances, and staff discounts, we ensure our employees feel valued and supported in their pursuit of excellence in hospitality.

Heaton House Farm and The Knot Inn

Contact Details:

Heaton House Farm and The Knot Inn Recruitment Team

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 Heaton House Farm and The Knot Inn. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Heaton House Farm and The Knot Inn

Don't be shy about reaching out to Heaton House Farm and The Knot Inn 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

Leadership Skills
Team Development
Customer Service Excellence
Commercial Awareness
Operational Management
Stock Control
Health and Safety Compliance

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 Heaton House Farm and The Knot Inn 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 Heaton House Farm and The Knot Inn

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!