At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic team while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Join a thriving premium pub in the heart of Leighton Buzzard.
- Benefits: Earn up to £36,000 plus bonuses, flexible shifts, and discounts for you and friends.
- Other info: Enjoy a people-first culture with genuine opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a community pub while advancing your career towards General Manager.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Deputy Manager: Lead Teams & Grow to 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. As a Deputy Manager at The Red Lion in Leighton Buzzard, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and a clear pathway to becoming a General Manager, all while working in a charming community pub that values its staff and guests alike. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment where your leadership skills can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager: Lead Teams & Grow to General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend local events, join online forums, or even pop into pubs like The Red Lion to chat with staff. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get that interview, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about how you've inspired teams or created memorable guest experiences. We want to see the real you — someone who can lead and motivate others!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture! Before your interview, dive into what makes The Red Lion special. Understand their values and how they engage with the community. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at The Red Lion. Don’t forget to follow up after applying — a little persistence goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager: Lead Teams & Grow to 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 teams and creating exceptional guest experiences. Share specific examples of your past experiences that highlight your enthusiasm.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any achievements in driving sales or improving team performance. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for The Red Lion. Use it to connect your skills and experiences to what we’re looking for. Be genuine and let your personality come through — we want to get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Red Lion!
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 Style
As a Deputy Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve driven performance or resolved conflicts effectively.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Since the role involves driving sales and managing budgets, come equipped with insights on current trends in the hospitality industry. Share your thoughts on how you would engage the local community and boost sales at The Red Lion, showcasing your commercial thinking.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the pub's culture, growth opportunities, and expectations for the Deputy Manager role. This shows that you're serious about the position and eager to contribute to the team’s success.
