General Manager

General Manager

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Columbo Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to create unforgettable guest experiences in a bustling late-night venue.
  • Company: The Blues Kitchen, a cornerstone of London’s nightlife with a passion for music and hospitality.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, career progression, and discounts across venues.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team and develop future leaders in a dynamic nightlife setting.
  • Why this job: Take charge of an iconic venue and shape its success while enjoying a creative work culture.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in senior management within a high-energy bar or restaurant environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring General Manager to lead our flagship East London site. The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch is a cornerstone of London’s nightlife – a late-night bar, restaurant, and live music venue serving Southern-inspired food, world-class cocktails, and hosting incredible live performances.

The Role

As General Manager, you’ll be responsible for driving the success of one of London’s busiest and most iconic venues. You’ll lead from the front, creating a culture of high performance, unforgettable guest experiences, and genuine hospitality. This is a hands-on role where you’ll balance operational excellence with strategic leadership.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, motivate, and inspire a large and diverse team across bar, floor, kitchen, and events.
  • Drive exceptional guest experiences in a high-volume, late-night environment.
  • Deliver strong financial performance through effective P&L management, cost control, and sales growth.
  • Maintain the highest standards of food, drink, service, and compliance.
  • Oversee live music and events programming, ensuring seamless operations and an unforgettable atmosphere.
  • Recruit, train, and develop future leaders within your team.
  • Build strong relationships with local communities, partners, and suppliers.

About You

  • Proven experience as a General Manager (or senior management) in a large, late-night venue, bar, or restaurant.
  • Commercially astute with a strong track record of hitting financial and operational targets.
  • A natural leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
  • Passionate about hospitality, people development, and creating memorable guest experiences.
  • Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, and food-led operations.
  • Comfortable working with live music and events.

Why Join Us?

At The Blues Kitchen, we’re passionate about music, food, and great hospitality. As General Manager, you’ll be given the autonomy to run your venue as if it were your own, with the support of a forward-thinking independent hospitality group behind you.

  • Competitive salary & bonus structure
  • Performance-based super bonus scheme, meaning that if the venue performs to its expected targets, our General Managers can earn up to 100% of their salary as a bonus at the end of the year.
  • Career progression across a growing group of iconic venues
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities
  • Discounts across all our venues
  • A vibrant, creative, and supportive working culture

General Manager employer: The Columbo Group

The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch is not just a venue; it's a vibrant hub of nightlife in East London, offering an inspiring work environment for those passionate about hospitality and music. As a General Manager, you'll enjoy the autonomy to lead a dynamic team while benefiting from competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and ample opportunities for career progression within a supportive and creative culture. Join us to create unforgettable experiences in one of London's most iconic locations.

The Columbo Group

Contact Details:

The Columbo Group Recruitment 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 mingle with industry folks. Attend events, join hospitality groups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream General Manager role!

Tip Number 2

Show off your personality! When you get that interview, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about your experiences in high-energy environments and how you've created unforgettable guest experiences.

Tip Number 3

Research the venue! Before any interview, dive deep into The Blues Kitchen's vibe, menu, and events. Knowing the ins and outs will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their iconic site.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our team at The Blues Kitchen. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace General Manager

Leadership
Team Motivation
Guest Experience Management
P&L Management
Cost Control
Sales Growth
Food and Beverage Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for hospitality and live music shine through. We want to see how excited you are about creating unforgettable guest experiences and leading a diverse team.

Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your proven experience in managing large venues. Share specific examples of how you've driven financial performance and created a high-energy atmosphere in previous roles.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and qualities we’re looking for in a General Manager. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for 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 out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Columbo Group

Know Your Venue Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch. Understand its vibe, menu, and what makes it a cornerstone of London’s nightlife. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the venue and show that you’re ready to lead it.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a General Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you motivate and inspire teams in high-pressure environments. Share specific examples of how you've developed future leaders and created a culture of high performance in your previous roles.

Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Since financial performance is key, come armed with examples of how you’ve successfully managed P&L, controlled costs, and driven sales growth. Highlight any strategies you’ve implemented that led to improved financial outcomes in past positions.

Engage with the Community

Building relationships with local communities and suppliers is essential. Be ready to discuss how you’ve previously engaged with local partners or enhanced community ties. This shows you understand the importance of local connections in driving a venue's success.