General Manager

Responsible for all club staff (bar, grounds and admin). Hours are full time, including evenings, weekends and event days as required.

The General Manager holds overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of Shorts Sports and Recreational Club. This is a genuinely hands-on management role: as well as managing staff, finances, events and facilities, the post holder is expected to work behind the bar and be present and visible during events and busy periods. The successful candidate will be the operational driving force of the Club keeping it running smoothly, profitably and in line with its licensing and legal obligations, while delivering a warm, welcoming experience for members and guests.

Key responsibilities

• Operational management
  • Take overall responsibility for the smooth daily operation of the Club across the bar, function areas, grounds and facilities.
  • Open and close the premises as a designated key holder, ensuring the building is secure and that opening/closing procedures are followed.
  • Maintain high standards of service, cleanliness, presentation and hospitality throughout the Club at all times.
  • Respond to and resolve operational issues as they arise, escalating to the Committee where appropriate.
• Bar service and stock management
  • Work behind the bar as a core part of the role, leading service from the front during events and busy periods.
  • Oversee stock management, stock ordering, line cleaning, wastage control and stock rotation.
  • Ensure responsible service of alcohol and full compliance with licensing law at all times.
  • Manage cash handling, tills and end-of-day reconciliation accurately.
• Events and functions
  • Be present for, and lead the operational delivery of, events, functions and busy match/fixture days.
  • Coordinate the planning, set-up, staffing and running of private functions, club events and external bookings.
  • Liaise with members, event organisers and external hirers to ensure events run successfully.
  • Identify and develop opportunities to grow event and function revenue.
• People management
  • Recruit, induct, train, schedule and manage all club staff, including bar, casual, events and grounds team members.
  • Set rotas to match anticipated demand while controlling staffing costs.
  • Lead, motivate and develop the team, setting clear standards and conducting regular supervision.
  • Manage first-line HR matters (performance, conduct, attendance), seeking advice from an HR advisor where needed.
• Financial management
  • Take responsibility for the Club's day-to-day financial performance, including bar takings, event income and cost control.
  • Monitor margins, manage supplier relationships and purchasing, and keep operating costs under control.
  • Produce regular financial and operational reports for the Committee.
  • Ensure accurate records of income, expenditure, stock and banking.
• Compliance, licensing and health & safety
  • Ensure the Club operates within the terms of its premises licence at all times.
  • Ensure full compliance with health & safety, fire safety, and licensing legislation.
  • Maintain risk assessments, accident records, and fire evacuation and first aid arrangements.
  • Keep certifications, premises licence, insurance and statutory documentation up to date.
• Facilities and grounds
  • Oversee the upkeep, maintenance and presentation of the Club building, bar, function spaces and grounds.
  • Coordinate maintenance, repairs and improvement works, and manage relationships with contractors and suppliers.
  • Work with grounds staff to ensure playing surfaces and outdoor areas are well maintained.
• Members and community
  • Be a visible, approachable point of contact for members, guests and the wider community.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with members, sports teams, sponsors and local stakeholders.
  • Handle member feedback and complaints professionally and promptly.

Person specification

• Minimum 8-10 years' experience in a hospitality, bar, club or venue management role.
• Proven experience managing and leading staff teams.
• Strong, hands-on bar and stock experience comfortable working behind the bar during service.
• Sound understanding of licensing law, health & safety and responsible alcohol service.
• Solid commercial and financial awareness, including stock control, margins and cost management.
• Excellent organisational and people skills, with the ability to lead from the front.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event days as the business requires.
• Reliable, trustworthy and suitable to act as a key holder.

Desirable

• Experience managing events and functions.
• Experience within a members' club or sports/recreational setting.
• First aid and/or fire marshal training.
• Experience managing grounds, facilities or building maintenance.

Key terms

• Hours: Full time, with the expectation of evening, weekend and event-day working in line with the needs of the Club.
• Key holder: The post holder will be a designated key holder responsible for the secure opening and closing of the premises.
• Salary - Dependent on experience.

This job description outlines the main duties of the role and is not intended to be exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the Club.