At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a vibrant restaurant, driving sales and ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join La Nouvelle Garde, a growing brasserie group with a passion for quality French cuisine.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 50% discount at all restaurants, and a freshly prepared meal on every shift.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a supportive management team focused on development.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey in London, shaping a high-performing team and culture.
- Qualifications: 5+ years as a General Manager in high-volume London restaurants with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Our story
Back in 2019 in Paris, two friends, Charles and Victor, opened a brasserie together - the kind of place Parisians disappear into for a 3-hour lunch.
Our story
Back in 2019 in Paris, two friends, Charles and Victor, opened a brasserie together - the kind of place Parisians disappear into for a 3-hour lunch. They called it La Nouvelle Garde: a promise to eat and drink the French way, done properly, 100% homemade, cooked from scratch from the highest quality seasonal ingredients. They served classic French dishes prepared with care, generosity and excellence in beautiful, relaxed spaces full of energy. Guests loved it! So they opened another one, and then another one. And 9 brasseries later, it was finally time to bring it to London. In July 2026, in Sloane Square, Brasserie Olivia was born. This is just the beginning of our London story, and we'd love you to help write the next chapter.
The role
As we prepare for our second London opening in Spring 2027, we're looking for an experienced General Manager to join the team. As General Manager, you'll take full ownership of the restaurant operation, leading the team while working closely with your Heads of Department. You'll be responsible for the commercial performance of the restaurant, from driving sales and growing the business to managing costs and delivering a healthy P&L. You'll have the autonomy to run the restaurant, build a high-performing team and create the structure needed to deliver exceptional standards as we continue to grow in the UK. You'll also be a key link between our London operation and the wider Nouvelle Garde team in France, representing the business and building strong relationships with our partners and suppliers in the UK.
What Success Looks Like
- You'll build a strong leadership team, setting clear expectations, leading by example, and developing your Heads of Department to take ownership of their areas.
- You'll take full ownership of the restaurant's P&L, understanding what drives performance and making commercially smart decisions that grow sales and protect profitability.
- You'll actively identify opportunities to grow the business and establish the restaurant within the London market.
- You'll deliver an exceptional guest experience, ensuring consistently strong service while using guest feedback and reviews to continuously improve.
- You'll ensure the restaurant operates safely and compliantly, maintaining excellent standards across food safety, health & safety, licensing and all relevant UK requirements.
- You'll create a culture of high standards, accountability and great communication, leading from the front.
- You'll help build the systems, rituals and ways of working we need as a growing business, bringing ideas and turning them into practical solutions.
- You'll build strong relationships with the Nouvelle Garde team in France, as well as our UK suppliers and partners.
What You'll Bring
- You're an experienced General Manager with a minimum of 5 years running high-volume restaurants in London.
- You're an experienced leader who knows how to build strong management teams, set clear expectations, give feedback and develop people.
- You have full P&L experience and a strong commercial mindset, with a clear understanding of how to drive sales, manage costs and build a profitable restaurant.
- You have an excellent understanding of UK restaurant operations, including food safety, health & safety, licensing and compliance. You are a personal alcohol licence holder.
- You understand what exceptional hospitality looks like and know how to translate high standards into a consistently great guest experience.
- You're confident, organised and comfortable working autonomously, making decisions and taking responsibility in a complex, fast-moving operation.
- You have a builder mindset: you're curious, proactive and excited by the challenge of joining a growing business where not everything has been built yet.
- Experience with new restaurant openings or growing hospitality businesses would be a plus.
What We Offer
- Annual salary from £70,000 (including Tronc)
- 48-hour contract, 5 working days and 2 days off.
- 50% discount across all Nouvelle Garde restaurants.
- A freshly prepared staff meal on every shift.
- Employee benefits platform (Hospitality Rewards)
- The opportunity to join a growing company at the beginning of its journey and make a genuine impact from day one.
- The chance to help shape a high-performing team and culture from the early stages.
- Real opportunities for career progression as the business grows, with future restaurant openings already planned.
- A supportive management team that values high standards, teamwork and continuous development.
La Nouvelle Garde is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Please note you must have a right to work in the UK.
General Manager employer: La Nouvelle Garde
At Brasserie Olivia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and excellence in the culinary arts. As a Head Pastry Chef, you'll not only lead a passionate team but also have the unique opportunity to shape our new restaurant's journey in Sloane Square, London. With competitive salaries, generous employee discounts, and a commitment to your professional growth, we ensure that every member of our team feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact from day one.
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 La Nouvelle Garde. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to La Nouvelle Garde
Don't be shy about reaching out to La Nouvelle Garde 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 La Nouvelle Garde 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 La Nouvelle Garde
✨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!
