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: Enjoy autonomy, recognition, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a beloved venue and build a brilliant team in a dynamic environment.
- 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
Contact Detail:
The Blues Kitchen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join local groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a General Manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share your experiences and how you’ve built strong teams in the past. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can lead with heart!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research The Blues Kitchen and understand their vibe. Think about how you can contribute to their culture and standards. Be ready to discuss how you’ll drive performance and create an amazing guest experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Don’t miss out on the chance to lead one of London’s most exciting venues!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
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 you connect with guests and create memorable experiences. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a General Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you've motivated teams, built strong cultures, and driven performance in high-pressure environments.
Be Detail-Oriented: We value attention to detail, so ensure your application is polished and free from errors. This reflects your standards and how you approach your work. A well-structured application can set you apart from the rest!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team at The Blues Kitchen!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blues Kitchen
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the 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 develop talent and maintain high standards, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.