Deputy Manager: Lead Teams & Grow to General Manager in Hemel Hempstead

Deputy Manager: Lead Teams & Grow to General Manager in Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead Full-Time 36000 - 41000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
red lion

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic team while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
  • Company: Join The Red Lion, a beloved pub in Leighton Buzzard with a vibrant community spirit.
  • Benefits: Earn up to £36,000 plus bonuses, flexible shifts, and discounts for you and friends.
  • Other info: Enjoy a people-first culture with clear pathways to grow into a General Manager role.
  • Why this job: Take the next step in your hospitality career and make a real impact in a thriving environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in hospitality leadership and a passion for driving results through teamwork.

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 in Hemel Hempstead employer: red lion

At Upham Inns, we pride ourselves on being a people-first employer that fosters a supportive and dynamic work culture. As a Deputy Manager at The Red Lion in Leighton Buzzard, you'll enjoy competitive pay, flexible shifts, and a clear pathway to grow into a General Manager role, all while being part of a vibrant community that values high-quality service and teamwork. With numerous employee benefits, including discounts and recognition awards, this is an exceptional opportunity to build a rewarding career in hospitality.

red lion

Contact Details:

red lion Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager: Lead Teams & Grow to General Manager in Hemel Hempstead

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 to reach out to current employees at The Red Lion. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show your passion during interviews! When you get that chance to chat with the hiring team, let your enthusiasm for hospitality shine through. Share your experiences and how you’ve inspired teams in the past — it’s all about making a memorable impression.

Tip Number 3

Research the pub and its community! Knowing about The Red Lion’s values, menu, and local engagement can really set you apart. Bring up specific examples during your interview to show 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, you’ll find all the latest opportunities right there, so keep an eye out for any roles that match your skills and aspirations.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager: Lead Teams & Grow to General Manager in Hemel Hempstead

Leadership Skills
Team Development
Operational Management
Guest Experience Management
Sales Strategy
Budget Management
Financial Performance Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for hospitality shine through! We want to see how excited you are about leading teams and creating amazing guest experiences. Share a bit about what drives you in this industry.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage teams effectively. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles!

Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so let us see the real you! A touch of authenticity can make your application stand out from the crowd.

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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join 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 align your answers with their ethos.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Deputy Manager, you'll need to lead and inspire a 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 bring that same energy to The Red Lion.

Demonstrate Commercial Awareness

The role requires strong commercial thinking. Brush up on key metrics in hospitality, such as sales growth and budget management. Be prepared to discuss how you can drive sales and improve financial performance at The Red Lion.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team culture, development opportunities, and the pub's future plans. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the pub's success.