At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team and oversee all operations at Mad Swans, from dining to sports activities.
- Company: Join Mad Swans, a unique hospitality venue focused on fun and connection through play.
- Benefits: Earn up to £65,000/year with tips, enjoy free meals, parking, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and team bonding activities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new concept and create unforgettable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in hospitality, passion for sports, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Mad Swans is looking for a General Manager to lead the team here in the Mendips. The General Manager role will be responsible for the whole site which includes the Restaurants, Bars, Cabin Accommodation, The Retail Shop and Sports Activities. In terms of the Sports Activities, we have an incredible new Golf Course, The Swing Barn (Golf Driving Range), The Putt Patch (Mini Golf), Padel Tennis, Pickleball and a Gym.
We are experts in our field, committed to creating boundary-pushing social spaces that spark meaningful connections through play in nature. This summer, we’re opening our first countryside hangout for mavericks. The unruly. The friendship groups you wish you were in. The families you want to hang out with. For evenings that go on forever. And weekends that become folklore. Come for a good time. Come for a long time. Come for a breath of fresh air. Whoever you are. Come as you are.
Social play spanning Padel Tennis, Pickleball, Darts, Shuffleboard and Golf gives guests the chance to explore one game or sample them all, across a few hours, a day, or a long weekend. We’re all about great food, which is why we’ve teamed up with experts in their field to create two distinct dining experiences and endless ways to enjoy them. The Potting Shed proudly boasts a menu of refreshing takes on Brasserie classics while, in The Hangout, the focus is on shareable plates with no compromise on flavour. But wherever guests find themselves, from course to court, the meadow to the orchard, they’re never far from a plate of something delicious to satisfy any craving. And, for evenings that go on forever, an Eco Cabin for the night is only a starlit walk through the wilderness away.
You’ll play a central part in leading our front-of-house operations – overseeing the Restaurants, Bars, Cabin Accommodation, The Retail Shop and Sports Activities, guiding your team to ensure smooth, high-quality service across every shift from day one. You will take full ownership of the whole site and will be instrumental in driving the guest experience, revenue opportunities, operational efficiencies, employee engagement and health and safety.
The key duties and responsibilities of this role will include:
- Overseeing the daily operation and taking responsibility of the whole site
- Compliance and health and safety for the whole site
- Delivering an amazing guest experience
- Proactively upsell within the Restaurants, Bars, The Retail Shop, Eco-Cabins and Sports Activities, and maximise sales revenue
- Promoting our Mad Swans Loyalty Programme (Topflight)
- Assisting with guest enquiries and act as a key point of contact for guests interested in booking any overnight accommodation, tables in the restaurant or any sports activities
- Ensuring the whole site is clean, tidy and well-presented at all times
- Executing promotions, offers, special events and seasonal offerings to drive revenue
- Managing and overseeing the Assistant General Manager, The Hangout & Hospitality Manager, Housekeeping Manager, Maintenance Team Leader and Sports Management Team
- Ensuring all areas of the site are well presented, following all standard operating procedures and delivering excellent guest service
- Ensure team scheduling is in line with bookings, forecasted volume and payroll budgets
- Recruiting and training new team members to a high standard
- Conducting regular team meetings, performance reviews and ongoing team development to create a high performing team
- Working closely with the team and being very hands on during busy periods to ensure a smooth service
- Achieving revenue and profitability targets by managing budgets, controlling costs, and maximizing sales
- Handling guest complaints and feedback, ensuring any issues are resolved promptly to ensure guests have a positive experience
This is a full-time (48 hours a week) permanent position and will work any five days out of seven. Earnings for this role is £55,000-£65,000/annum, including TRONC (Tips & Service Charge). Location – this is an onsite role and will be located at Mad Swans in the Mendips, Marsh Lane, Farrington Gurney, Bristol, BS39 6TS. Working Hours – shift times will vary throughout the week; however, the regular operational times will be from 6.00 am to pm. Working Days – this role will work any five days out of seven and will involve working on weekends on a regular basis. Working hours will vary in line with the operating calendar and needs of the business.
We are looking for a General Manager who is:
- A proven and inspirational leader who leads from the front
- Experienced in running a hotel or some form of accommodation or rooms as well as a Restaurant & Bar
- Excited about and interested in playing sports – ideally golf, padel tennis and/or pickleball
- Able to take full ownership of the whole site and proactively drive continuous improvement
- Passionate about delivering a high level of guest service
- Able to lead, motivate and inspire a team
- Focussed on health and safety, employee engagement, the guest experience and cleanliness of the whole site
- Experienced in managing their own P&L
- Excited about being part of a new concept, new brand and new opening
- Happy to be hands-on and assist with the day-to-day duties and operation
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office and operating systems such as ResDiary
- An excellent communicator
- Highly organised and able to multi-task
- Confident, outgoing and well-presented
- Self-driven and highly motivated
- Proactive, positive and resilient by nature
- Solutions driven
- Comfortable working in a very fast paced environment
Please note, you must be eligible to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor any work permits or visas.
What is in it for you:
- Tips & Service Charge
- Free Parking
- Free Employee Meal whilst on shift
- Wage Stream – access your pay for hours worked before pay day
- Employee Discounts on Food, Sports, Activities, Cabins and in the Retail Shop
- Reward & Recognition Initiatives
- Team Social & Well-being Activities & Events
- Employee Referral Scheme Bonus
- Mad Swans Water Bottle
- Mad Swans Hoodie
- Plant your own tree at Mad Swans
If you believe you have what it takes to come on-board and would like to be part of something new and exciting, we would love to hear from you. Please simply apply by hitting the apply button.
Recruitment Agencies: We are not working with any recruitment agencies at this time. As such, we do not accept any speculative CV's and/or candidate profiles and are, therefore, unable to consider these.
General Manager employer: Mad Swans
Mad Swans in the South Downs is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, encouraging creativity and personal growth. With competitive earnings, comprehensive training opportunities, and unique perks like access to recreational activities and employee discounts, we ensure our team members thrive both professionally and personally. Join us in a picturesque location where your passion for food and hospitality can flourish amidst a community of like-minded individuals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, spend some time researching Mad Swans. Check out their social media and website to understand their vibe. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You want to make a great first impression, so prepare a short introduction about yourself that highlights your experience and passion for hospitality and sports. Keep it engaging and authentic – let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! As a General Manager, you'll need to inspire your team. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully led a team or improved guest experiences. Be ready to share these stories during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared about the role or the company. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to Mad Swans' exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for hospitality and sports shine through in your application. We want to see how your interests align with our vibe at Mad Swans, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the General Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any previous roles in hospitality to catch our eye.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Mad Swans. Share your vision for the role and how you plan to enhance the guest experience – we love a good story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Mad Swans!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mad Swans
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Mad Swans' offerings. Familiarise yourself with the restaurants, bars, and sports activities. Being able to discuss specific aspects of the site will show your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, you'll need to inspire your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in hospitality settings. Highlight your approach to motivating staff and ensuring high-quality service.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling guest complaints or managing busy shifts. Think of real-life scenarios where you turned challenges into opportunities. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain a positive guest experience.
✨Express Your Passion for Sports
Since the role involves overseeing sports activities like padel tennis and golf, share your enthusiasm for these sports. Discuss any relevant experiences or how you plan to engage guests in these activities, showing that you're not just a manager but also a passionate participant.
