At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a boutique hotel and Michelin Guide restaurant, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Independent, owner-led hospitality business with a strong community connection.
- Benefits: £40,000 salary, gratuities, meals on duty, paid holiday, and uniform provided.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with ownership and an established Head Chef.
- Why this job: Join a successful operation and influence its future in a vibrant, independent setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management with a passion for quality service and food.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced General Manager to take responsibility for a highly regarded independent boutique hotel and Michelin Guide-recognised restaurant in the beautiful estuary town of Topsham, near Exeter. This historic property has been under its current ownership for more than a decade, developing an excellent reputation for outstanding seafood, quality hospitality and a warm, personal approach to its guests.
With an established Head Chef now leading the kitchen and performing exceptionally well, the owners are looking for a strong front-of-house and hotel operator to take overall responsibility for the property, build upon its existing success and help drive the business forward. This isn't simply a Restaurant Manager position. It's an opportunity to become a key figure within an independent hospitality business and genuinely influence its next chapter.
The property combines an acclaimed Michelin Guide-listed restaurant with boutique accommodation and a strong connection to the local community. Food is central to the business, with a particular focus on exceptional seafood and produce from Devon and the surrounding coastline. The restaurant has established a loyal following among both local guests and destination diners, while the rooms create a broader boutique hospitality operation requiring an experienced manager who understands the complete guest journey.
This is an independent business rather than a corporate hotel environment, offering the successful person the opportunity to work directly alongside ownership and play a meaningful role in its continued development.
As General Manager, you'll take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the property. Working closely with the owners and Head Chef, you'll lead the front-of-house and hotel operation while ensuring consistently excellent standards across service, people, guest experience and commercial performance. Your responsibilities will include:
- Taking overall day-to-day operational responsibility for the property
- Leading the front-of-house and guest experience
- Working closely with the Head Chef to ensure a strong relationship between kitchen and service
- Recruiting, training, mentoring and developing the team
- Maintaining consistently high standards of hospitality and presentation
- Managing rotas, staffing levels and labour costs
- Monitoring operational costs, stock and overall commercial performance
- Building relationships with regular guests and the local community
- Handling guest feedback professionally and personally
- Maintaining excellent health, safety and operational standards
- Supporting events, promotions and special dining experiences
- Identifying opportunities to improve the operation and guest experience
- Working directly with ownership on the continued growth and development of the business
We're looking for an experienced hospitality professional who combines strong operational ability with personality and genuine warmth. You could currently be a:
- General Manager
- Hotel Manager
- Restaurant General Manager
- Operations Manager
- Strong Deputy General Manager ready for greater responsibility
You’ll ideally have:
- Previous management experience within a quality independent hotel, restaurant with rooms or boutique hospitality business
- Strong front-of-house and restaurant experience
- A genuine passion for food and quality hospitality
- Experience leading, recruiting and developing teams
- Good commercial awareness and understanding of labour and operating costs
- Excellent guest engagement and problem-solving skills
- The confidence to take genuine ownership of an operation
- A hands-on leadership style and willingness to be present within the business
- Strong organisation and communication skills
- A positive, approachable and collaborative personality
Experience within Michelin Guide, AA Rosette or comparable quality-led hospitality would be highly advantageous.
The package includes:
- £40,000 annual salary
- Gratuities
- Meals whilst on duty
- Paid holiday
- Uniform provided
- On-site parking
- Independent, owner-led working environment
- Genuine responsibility and autonomy within the property
- Opportunity to work alongside an established Head Chef and ownership team
- Scope to influence the continued development and growth of the business
The property is located in Topsham, Devon, close to Exeter. Topsham offers an excellent quality of life, combining a thriving independent food and hospitality scene with its beautiful estuary setting and easy access to Exeter and the wider Devon countryside.
This is a particularly attractive opportunity for someone who wants to move away from highly corporate hospitality and become genuinely involved in the running of an established independent business. You'll inherit a successful operation rather than being asked to completely rebuild one, while still having the freedom to identify improvements and help shape its future.
Restaurant General Manager in Topsham employer: Knekt Hub
Join our dynamic team as a Pastry Chef in Hook, Hampshire, where you'll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills in a 2AA Rosette standard kitchen. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that encourages creativity and professional growth, offering benefits such as gym access, swimming pool facilities, and generous discounts. With a focus on teamwork and excellence, we provide a rewarding environment for passionate chefs looking to make their mark.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant General Manager in Topsham
✨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 Knekt Hub. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Knekt Hub
Don't be shy about reaching out to Knekt Hub 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 Restaurant General Manager in Topsham
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 Knekt Hub 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 Knekt Hub
✨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!
