General Manager

• General Manager – The Wooden Cross, Crouch End
• We are looking for an experienced, hands‑on

General Manager to lead the team, drive standards, build sales and help shape the next phase of The Wooden Cross.

This is a great opportunity for someone who understands proper pubs, knows how to run a tight operation, and can bring energy, structure and personality to a venue with real potential.

As General Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of The Wooden Cross.

You will lead the team, manage service standards, control costs, grow sales and help create a welcoming pub that becomes a key part of the local community.

The ideal candidate will be confident running a busy wet‑led pub, have strong cellar and stock control experience, and be comfortable managing sport, events, social media, staff development and local marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations
• Oversee the daily operation of the pub.
• Maintain high standards of service, cleanliness and presentation.
• Ensure the pub is opened, closed and run safely and professionally.
• Manage tills, and daily reporting.
• Keep all compliance, licensing, health and safety, fire safety and food safety standards up to date.
• Take ownership of the cellar, beer quality and stock management.
• Team Management
• Recruit, train, manage and motivate the bar team.
• Build a positive and professional working culture.
• Create and manage rotas in line with wage targets.
• Hold staff accountable for standards, service and performance.
• Support supervisors and develop future leaders within the team.
• Sales & Events
• Help grow weekly turnover through local marketing, events and community engagement.
• Promote sports fixtures, pub events, DJ nights, quizzes, live entertainment and seasonal campaigns.
• Work with the business owner to develop the pub’s identity, drinks range and customer offer.
• Build relationships with local residents, clubs, groups and businesses.
• Help manage and grow the pub’s social media presence.
• Financial Control
• Work to agreed sales, wage and GP targets.
• Control stock, wastage and ordering.
• Complete regular stocktakes and investigate variances.
• Manage supplier deliveries and invoices.
• Focus on driving profit while maintaining value and quality for customers.
• Customer Experience
• Create a warm, friendly and consistent customer experience.
• Deal professionally with complaints, feedback and difficult situations.
• Build regular trade and make the pub feel like a proper local.
• Lead by example on the floor during key trading sessions.
• What We’re Looking For
• Previous experience as a General Manager, Assistant Manager or strong Deputy Manager in a pub or bar environment.
• Strong wet‑led pub experience.
• Good knowledge of draught beer, cellar management and stock control.
• Experience managing teams, rotas and wage costs.
• Confidence with licensing, compliance and health and safety.
• A hands‑on leadership style.
• Strong communication skills.
• Good commercial awareness.
• The ability to bring ideas, energy and structure to the business.
• Experience with sports pubs, events, DJs or community pubs would be an advantage.
• The Right Person

You will be organised, reliable and commercially minded, but also personable and present on the floor.

We want someone who can take ownership of the venue, build a strong team and help turn The Wooden Cross into one of Crouch End’s best local pubs.

This role would suit someone who wants more than just a management job — someone who wants to be part of building something properly.

• Salary & Benefits
• Competitive salary, depending on experience.
• Performance‑related bonus structure to be discussed.
• Opportunity to shape the relaunch and future direction of the pub.
• Support from an experienced independent pub operator.
• Scope to grow with the business as the company develops.
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