General Manager

General Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Blues Kitchen

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant venue, ensuring high standards in service, food, and guest experience.
  • Company: The Blues Kitchen, known for its lively atmosphere and heartfelt hospitality.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 50% off at venues, training opportunities, and global industry trips.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with real autonomy and opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of a beloved venue and build a brilliant team culture.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in high-volume hospitality and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

We’re looking for a General Manager to lead one of our busiest and most loved venues at The Blues Kitchen. The Blues Kitchen brings together proper food, world-class live music and an incredible drinks menu, all under one roof. But what really sets us apart is how it feels. The energy in the room. The standards behind the scenes. The people who make it happen. This is a venue built on heartfelt hospitality, strong culture and attention to detail. Nothing is random. Everything matters. From how a shift is run to how a guest feels walking through the door.

As General Manager, you take full ownership of the venue. You set the tone, build the culture and lead from the front. You’ll be responsible for every part of the operation, making sure the team is motivated, the standards stay high and the business performs. This is a role for someone who knows how to lead properly. Someone commercial, people-focused and switched on. Someone who wants to build something long term and take real pride in what they run.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead the overall direction and performance of the venue
  • Build, develop and inspire a high-performing management team
  • Drive standards across service, food, drinks and guest experience
  • Take ownership of P&L, budgeting, labour and financial performance
  • Oversee recruitment, training and team development across all departments
  • Create a strong team culture built on accountability and care
  • Work closely with senior leadership to grow the business and deliver long-term success
  • Make sure the venue runs smoothly, safely and consistently every day

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience as a General Manager in a high-volume hospitality business
  • Strong commercial awareness and confidence managing budgets and performance
  • A natural leader who knows how to motivate, coach and get the best out of people
  • High standards and a sharp eye for detail
  • Calm under pressure and confident making decisions
  • Someone who genuinely cares about hospitality and wants to build a brilliant team
  • Ambitious, grounded and excited by the chance to lead one of London’s most exciting venues

What to Expect

  • Competitive salary plus tronc with a strong overall package. Paid monthly.
  • A high energy working environment with a strong team around you.
  • Real autonomy and ownership of your restaurant.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

  • 50% off across all Columbo venues, plus free access to our events and festivals.
  • Training and development through the Columbo Academy.
  • Hero of the Month recognition, including a paid weekend off.
  • Employee referral bonuses of £1,000 for Chef or Manager roles and £250 for hourly roles.
  • Opportunities for global industry trips for top performers.
  • Pension scheme via Nest.

General Manager employer: The Blues Kitchen

At The Blues Kitchen, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and dynamic work environment where heartfelt hospitality meets high standards. As a General Manager, you will enjoy real autonomy in leading one of London's most beloved venues, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth through our Columbo Academy. With competitive salaries, generous employee discounts, and recognition programs, we ensure that our team feels valued and motivated to deliver exceptional experiences every day.
The Blues Kitchen

Contact Detail:

The Blues Kitchen Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land General Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue inside out! Visit The Blues Kitchen, soak up the atmosphere, and chat with the staff. This will not only give you insights into the culture but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current and former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the interview process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past where you’ve motivated a team or improved service standards. We want to see how you can bring that energy to our venue.

✨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 our team at The Blues Kitchen.

We think you need these skills to ace General Manager

Leadership
Team Development
Commercial Awareness
Budget Management
Performance Management
High Standards
Attention to Detail
Decision-Making
Motivational Skills
Crisis Management
Hospitality Knowledge
Operational Management
Recruitment
Training

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating amazing experiences for guests and building a strong team culture. Share specific examples that highlight your passion!

Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about your achievements and how they relate to the General Manager position. We’re looking for proven experience in high-volume venues, so make sure to highlight your successes in managing budgets, leading teams, and driving performance.

Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. A personal touch can make you stand out, but ensure it aligns with the high standards we uphold at The Blues Kitchen.

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 any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Blues Kitchen!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Blues Kitchen

✨Know the Venue Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with The Blues Kitchen's vibe, menu, and music offerings. This shows genuine interest and helps you discuss how you can enhance the guest experience.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others, as this is crucial for a General Manager role.

✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Be ready to discuss your experience with P&L management and budgeting. Bring specific examples of how you've improved financial performance in previous roles to show you can handle the business side effectively.

✨Emphasise Culture and Team Development

Talk about your approach to building a strong team culture. Share strategies you've used to recruit, train, and develop staff, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for in a General Manager.

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