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: Enjoy a people-first culture with genuine career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a community pub while developing your leadership career.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality leadership and a passion for driving sales.
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 General Manager in England 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 the Deputy General Manager at The Red Lion in Leighton Buzzard, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and a clear pathway to advance your career while being part of a beloved community pub that values its staff and guests alike. With numerous employee benefits, including discounts and bonuses, this is an exceptional opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy General Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at places you admire. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance for an interview or even an informal chat, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how you've inspired teams in the past. Remember, they want to see the real you!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture! Before you step into any interview, make sure you know what The Red Lion stands for. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be an awesome addition to their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy General Manager in England
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 at The Red Lion.
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 inspire a team. We love seeing relevant examples!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We’re looking for someone who can fit into our friendly culture at The Red Lion, so let us know what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our team.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
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, community involvement, and any recent events. This will show your genuine interest in the pub and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Deputy General Manager, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've motivated teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive performance and create a positive work culture.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
The role requires strong commercial thinking, so come ready to discuss how you've driven sales in previous positions. Think about strategies you've implemented or ideas you have for engaging the local community to boost business at The Red Lion.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure. Prepare for scenarios related to guest complaints or operational challenges. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.
