At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the opening of a flagship padel venue and create an amazing guest experience.
- Company: Ollo Padel, a premium active leisure brand in Leeds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and real autonomy in shaping the venue.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and grow with us as we expand across the North.
- Why this job: Be the founding GM and make a lasting impact in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in a GM role with strong leadership and hospitality skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Lead the opening of Ollo's flagship padel and leisure venue at the Roundhouse, Leeds — a rare GM opportunity reporting directly to the founder, with the autonomy to shape the team, culture, and experience from the ground up. As General Manager, you'll run a complex, multi-revenue venue across courts, F&B, coaching, and events. You'll report directly to the founder, with the autonomy to make decisions and a hands‑on leadership team behind you. This is not a desk job — you'll be on the floor, building relationships and making the experience brilliant every single day.
About Ollo
Ollo is a premium padel and active leisure brand built for the North of England. Our flagship venue at the Roundhouse will feature world‑class padel courts, a vibrant food and drink offer, and complementary active leisure spaces — set inside a beautifully repurposed heritage building. Our mission: Play. Connect. Joy. Everything we do should deliver on that promise.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Own the day‑to‑day running of the venue across all areas — courts, F&B, coaching, events, and retail
- Lead the pre‑opening phase: hiring, training, systems, and launch readiness
- Maintain the highest standards of health & safety, compliance, and guest experience
- Work closely with our gym operator and F&B partners to deliver a seamless experience
- Guest Experience & Community
- Set and protect the standard of experience — every guest, every visit
- Build genuine relationships with members, players, and the local community
- Create and deliver a programme of events, leagues, and social activities
- Be the visible, warm, approachable face of Ollo in Leeds
- Commercial Performance
- Own revenue, membership, and profitability at site level
- Manage budgets, forecasting, and weekly performance reporting
- Drive secondary revenue through coaching, events, partnerships, and corporate bookings
- Identify opportunities to grow footfall, retention, and spend per head
- Recruit, onboard, and develop a high‑performing team across all departments
- Build a culture that's positive, motivated, and proud of what they deliver
- Coach your team continuously — set expectations, give feedback, celebrate wins
- Lead by example in everything: standards, attitude, and energy
- Brand & Growth
- Be a genuine ambassador for Ollo — living the values, not just reciting them
- Support marketing and membership campaigns to grow awareness and footfall
- Feed insight and ideas back as we plan future venues across the North
About You
We're less focused on the specific sector you've come from and more focused on what kind of operator you are. If you've run a hotel, members' club, restaurant group, leisure venue, or sports facility brilliantly — we want to hear from you.
- 3+ years at GM or deputy GM level in a complex, customer‑facing venue
- A genuine hospitality mindset — you care deeply about how guests feel
- Strong commercial acumen — comfortable with P&Ls, KPIs, and revenue levers
- Outstanding leadership: you hire well, develop your team, and hold high standards with warmth
- Energetic, visible, hands‑on — you lead from the floor
- Excellent communicator who builds trust quickly with guests, teams, and stakeholders
- Experience opening or launching a new venue or concept
- Background in premium hospitality, leisure, or members' club environments
- Affinity with padel, racket sports, or active leisure
- Existing connections in Leeds or Yorkshire hospitality, sport, or business
Why Ollo?
- Be the founding GM of an ambitious active leisure brand
- Real autonomy — shape the culture, team, and experience from day one
- £55,000–£65,000 salary plus performance‑related bonus
- A leadership team that's ambitious, honest, and invested in your success
- Grow with us as we scale to multiple venues across the North
How to Apply
Send your CV and a short covering letter to hello@ollopadel.com — tell us who you are, what you've built, and why Ollo excites you.
Initial discussions: July 2026
Applications close: August 2026
We may begin conversations with strong candidates before the closing date — early applications are encouraged.
General Manager in Leeds employer: Ollo Padel
Ollo Padel Leeds offers an exceptional opportunity for a General Manager to lead the opening of a flagship padel and leisure venue in a beautifully repurposed heritage building. With a focus on creating a vibrant community atmosphere, Ollo fosters a culture of autonomy and hands-on leadership, allowing you to shape the guest experience and team dynamics from the ground up. Enjoy competitive salary packages, performance-related bonuses, and the chance to grow alongside an ambitious brand as it expands across the North of England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Leeds
✨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 Ollo Padel. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ollo Padel
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ollo Padel 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 Leeds
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 Ollo Padel 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 Ollo Padel
✨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!
