At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch and daily operations of a thrilling new multi-activity venue.
- Company: Join Prison Island, one of Europe's fastest-growing indoor entertainment concepts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, team-building autonomy, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to make a real impact from day one.
- Why this job: Shape an exciting venue and create unforgettable experiences for guests.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in management, strong leadership, and a passion for customer service.
An exciting opportunity has become available to lead the opening of a brand-new Prison Island multi-activity venue in Leeds. We’re looking for an experienced, commercially minded General Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is ready to take ownership of an exciting new business from day one. This isn’t simply about running a venue; it’s about building one! You’ll recruit and develop the team, establish the culture, set the operational standards and create an exceptional customer experience that keeps guests coming back.
About Us: Prison Island is one of Europe’s fastest-growing indoor entertainment concepts. Inspired by adventure games such as The Crystal Maze, teams move freely between a series of interactive challenge cells, testing their skill, teamwork, logic and physical ability as they compete for the highest score. The Leeds venue will combine Prison Island with a range of interactive experiences, creating one of the city’s most exciting leisure destinations. Our planned activities include:
- Prison Island Challenges
- Interactive Darts
- Interactive Mini Golf
- More activities to be confirmed
Welcoming families, friends, corporate groups, celebrations, schools, tourists and competitive social gamers alike.
The Role: Reporting to the Director, you will have overall responsibility for the successful operation and commercial performance of Prison Island Leeds. As General Manager, you will lead the venue from the front, building and developing a high-performing team while delivering exceptional customer experiences and achieving ambitious business goals. This is a hands-on leadership role. You’ll be equally comfortable greeting guests, coaching your team, reviewing business performance, managing operational challenges and ensuring the venue consistently operates to the highest possible standards. You’ll be responsible for driving sales and profitability, controlling costs, maintaining compliance, developing your people and creating a culture where both guests and team members enjoy being part of the experience. Success in this role isn’t simply measured by keeping the venue running. It’s about building a business that people recommend, a team that’s proud to work here and a venue that continues to grow long after opening day.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the successful launch and day-to-day operation of the venue.
- Recruit, train, coach and develop a high-performing team.
- Deliver exceptional customer experiences that generate five-star reviews and repeat business.
- Take ownership of revenue, profitability, labour, stock control and business KPIs.
- Produce and manage rotas to balance outstanding customer service with commercial performance.
- Maximise sales opportunities through add-on sales, upselling and repeat visits.
- Build relationships with local businesses, schools, universities, hotels and community organisations to grow awareness and generate bookings.
- Support local marketing initiatives and identify opportunities to grow the business within the Leeds market.
- Maintain the highest standards of presentation, cleanliness and operational excellence throughout the venue.
- Ensure all health & safety procedures, company policies and operational standards are consistently followed.
- Ensure the venue operates in full compliance with alcohol licensing legislation and licensing conditions where applicable.
- Manage the upkeep of the building, facilities and equipment, ensuring maintenance issues are resolved promptly.
- Lead by example, creating an energetic, professional and accountable team culture.
About You: You’ll be an experienced leader who enjoys developing people, improving businesses and creating memorable customer experiences. You’ll understand how to balance commercial performance with outstanding hospitality and know how to motivate a team to consistently deliver both. You’ll naturally take ownership, solve problems proactively and be willing to roll your sleeves up whenever required.
Essential Experience:
- A minimum of two years’ management experience within leisure, hospitality, retail or another fast-paced customer-focused business.
- Proven experience recruiting, leading and developing successful teams.
- Strong commercial awareness with responsibility for budgets, KPIs and business performance.
- Experience managing labour, rotas and operational costs.
- Excellent leadership, organisation and communication skills.
- Experience managing customer service, operational standards and team performance.
- A positive, hands-on approach with the ability to lead from the front.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience opening a new venue or business.
- Experience within the leisure, hospitality or competitive socialising sector.
- Experience managing a licensed venue with responsibility for alcohol sales and licensing compliance.
- Personal Licence Holder (or willing to obtain one).
- First Aid qualification.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
What We Offer: The opportunity to lead the opening of an exciting new multi-activity venue. A competitive salary with performance-related bonus of 12.5%. The autonomy to build your own team and establish the culture from day one. Comprehensive training across all activities and operational systems. Ongoing support from the Director. Company pension. Option to join Health Plan. Staff discounts across our activities.
If you’re looking for the opportunity to build something special and leave your mark on a brand-new venue, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of Prison Island Leeds.
General Manager - Leeds employer: Prison Island Leeds
Prison Island Leeds offers an exceptional opportunity for a General Manager to lead the launch of a dynamic multi-activity venue in one of the UK's most vibrant cities. With a focus on building a high-performing team and creating memorable customer experiences, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, comprehensive training, and the autonomy to shape the venue's success from day one. The competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and staff discounts further enhance the appeal of joining this exciting new venture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - 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 Prison Island Leeds. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Prison Island Leeds
Don't be shy about reaching out to Prison Island Leeds 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 - 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 Prison Island Leeds 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 Prison Island Leeds
✨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!
