At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a high-performing team in a vibrant pub setting.
- Company: Join Upham Inns, a growing collection of premium pubs across Southern England.
- Benefits: Earn up to £36,000 plus bonuses, flexible shifts, and discounts for you and friends.
- Other info: Opportunity for genuine career progression in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a community pub while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality leadership and a passion for driving results.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 41000 £ per year.
Are you a passionate hospitality leader ready to take the next step toward General Manager? This is your chance to join a thriving premium pub in the heart of Leighton Buzzard — a vibrant market town surrounded by beautiful countryside, strong community spirit, and fantastic commuter links.
At The Red Lion, we’re proud to be a true local favourite — serving high-quality, fresh pub food in a warm, welcoming setting. With its charm, character, and loyal guests, this is the perfect place to build your leadership career while making a real impact.
What’s in it for you?
- Up to £36,000 per year + Tronc (earn up to £5,000 extra annually)
- Flexible shift patterns – supporting work/life balance
- Up to 33% off food for you + up to 6 guests
- 33% off stays & 20% Friends & Family discount
- Clear development pathway to General Manager
- Lifestyle Card – 5,000+ discounts across retail, travel & more
- Birthday gift & long service awards
- Refer-a-friend bonuses (up to £1,000 for chefs)
The Role
As Deputy Manager, you’ll be at the heart of the business — driving performance, leading your team, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
You’ll:
- Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing FOH team
- Take ownership of day-to-day operations across people, guest, sales & profit
- Support the General Manager in delivering outstanding standards
- Drive sales through strong commercial thinking and local engagement
- Ensure excellence in compliance, health & safety, and operations
- Be a role model for training, development, and team culture
What We’re Looking For
We’re searching for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment and is ready to step up:
- Proven experience in a hospitality leadership role
- Strong track record of delivering results through people
- Confident managing budgets, labour, and financial performance
- Commercially aware with a passion for driving sales
- Calm under pressure with excellent problem-solving skills
- A natural communicator who can motivate and inspire
- Full Right to Work in the UK
Why Join Upham Inns?
We’re a growing collection of beautiful premium pubs across Southern England — each with its own personality, set in idyllic locations. From cosy village locals to destination dining venues (and even our expanding steakhouse concept), we’re building something special.
Big enough to support you, small enough to care
People-first culture with real career progression
A genuine opportunity to grow with the business
Why The Red Lion, Leighton Buzzard?
This is more than just a job — it’s a chance to be part of a community pub that guests love. With its character, location, and ambitious team, The Red Lion offers the perfect platform to develop your career and make your mark.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re driven, people-focused, and ready to lead from the front — we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start your journey toward General Manager with Upham Inns.
Deputy General Manager employer: red lion
At Upham Inns, we pride ourselves on being a people-first employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters growth and development in the heart of Leighton Buzzard. As a Deputy General Manager at The Red Lion, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and a clear pathway to advance your career while being part of a community-focused pub that values its team and guests alike. With numerous employee benefits, including discounts and recognition awards, this is an exceptional opportunity to lead in a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry, attend local events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Deputy General Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Familiarise yourself with The Red Lion’s values and what makes it a local favourite. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you’ve inspired and developed teams in the past. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can lead from the front, so let your passion for hospitality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on the path to becoming a General Manager!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for hospitality shine through! We want to see how excited you are about leading a team and creating amazing guest experiences. Share your story and what drives you in this industry.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy General Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage a team effectively. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to be yourself in your application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your work experience. Share your personality and what makes you a great fit for our team at The Red Lion.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at red lion
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, take some time to research The Red Lion and its unique offerings. Familiarise yourself with their menu, values, and community involvement. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their ethos.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy General Manager, you'll need to lead and inspire your team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team, resolved conflicts, or driven performance. Be ready to discuss how you can motivate others and create a positive work culture.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Since the role involves driving sales and managing budgets, brush up on your commercial knowledge. Think of ways you've previously increased sales or improved financial performance in your past roles. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies that could benefit The Red Lion.
✨Practice Problem-Solving Scenarios
In hospitality, things can get hectic. Prepare for situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to stay calm under pressure and find effective solutions.
