At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic team while creating an unforgettable guest experience.
- Company: Join Stonegate Group, the UK's largest operator of pubs and late-night venues.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, discounts, private medical insurance, and early wage access.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant venue with a buzzing atmosphere and strong student ties.
- Qualifications: Must hold a valid Personal Licence and have a passion for late-night operations.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to innovate and elevate a popular venue in Chester.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Chester, Cheshire, United Kingdom, CH1 1DA
Key Responsibilities:
- Support, coach, mentor and develop your team
- Create and deliver a vision for your business
- Ensure standards and compliance are continuous
- Create a welcoming atmosphere for our guests
A little bit about the opportunity…
Nestled right on Chester’s iconic Roman walls, this venue enjoys a prime location that blends history, culture, and vibrant city life. With the University of Chester nearby, we have strong ties to the student community, and we’re ideally positioned to harness the foot traffic from tourists — a market brimming with untapped potential. Chester Racecourse, just a short stroll away, delivers a surge of revellers during major racing events, while a thriving late-night scene cements our place as a go-to destination.
Our expansive two-floor, two-bar operation is built for versatility. Thoughtfully zoned spaces cater to every mood—from exhilarating sports viewing to buzzing late-night celebrations. A 3 a.m. license fuels the energy well into the early hours. A significant investment in September 2024 transformed us from a Proper Pub to an SPK, creating a dynamic space with a devoted sports fanbase that pulls huge crowds for events like the Euros. Midweek and weekend nights are electric, with standout sessions on Wednesdays (Student Night), Fridays, and Saturdays.
We’ve established a solid food trade — including Dark Kitchen concepts — but there’s room to elevate this further. Weekly Rhythm of the Week highlights include Monday quizzes, Wednesday student nights, Thursday karaoke, Friday and Saturday DJs, and live music on Sundays.
We’re seeking a General Manager who is commercially savvy, a late-night expert with a flair for innovation, and someone who thrives on driving sales and elevating experiences. You’ll need to lead a large, motivated team, collaborate effectively with promoters, security teams, and licensing authorities, and maintain impeccable standards.
This is your chance to create a true chameleon venue, seamlessly balancing vibrant daytime trade with legendary party sessions.
Please Note: To be eligible to apply, you MUST hold a valid Personal Licence.
What’s in it for you?
- Bonus opportunities
- Award winning training and development programmes
- Reward Card via the MiXR App – 25% off food and drink for you and ALL your friends across our Managed Estate
- Referral scheme of up to £1,000 per person
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance – Licence Trade Charity
- VIP entry to our Pubs and Bars
- David Lloyd Corporate Discount Rates
- Vitality Healthcare
- Wagestream – Early access to your earned wages
- Stonegate Xtra Rewards – Online benefits portal offering discounts across the High Street and other retailers
At Stonegate Group, we’re proud to be the biggest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues in the United Kingdom. Our leading brands are diverse and well-known, including names like Slug & Lettuce, Be At One and Popworld.
If you have a disability as outlined by the Equality Act 2010 and require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids or adaptations can be put in place to assist you. Please contact
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General Manager employer: Stonegate Pub Company
Contact Detail:
Stonegate Pub Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the local market in Chester, especially the student community and tourist foot traffic. Understanding the demographics and preferences of these groups will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commercial savvy during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in managing large teams and driving sales in a late-night venue. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past that have successfully elevated guest experiences and increased revenue.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and maintain high standards. Think of examples where you've successfully transformed a venue's environment or improved compliance, as this aligns perfectly with the role's key responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your vision for the venue and how you would balance vibrant daytime trade with exciting nightlife. This will show your innovative flair and understanding of the dynamic nature of the business, which is crucial for the General Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the General Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, such as team leadership, commercial awareness, and innovation in a late-night venue.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Emphasize your leadership skills, experience in hospitality, and any previous roles that involved driving sales and managing teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the hospitality industry and your vision for the venue. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and elevate guest experiences.
Highlight Your Personal Licence: Since holding a valid Personal Licence is a requirement, make sure to mention this prominently in your application. Include any relevant certifications or training that support your candidacy for the General Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stonegate Pub Company
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a General Manager, you'll be expected to support and develop your team. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on coaching and mentoring.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Savvy
Highlight your understanding of the hospitality industry and your ability to drive sales. Discuss any innovative strategies you've implemented that have positively impacted revenue or guest experience.
✨Understand the Venue's Unique Position
Familiarize yourself with Chester's vibrant culture and the specific dynamics of the venue. Show enthusiasm for creating a welcoming atmosphere that caters to both locals and tourists, especially during peak events.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling late-night operations and maintaining compliance. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them effectively.