General Manager - Live In in Ambleside

What makes the perfect pub? It’s great ales, delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and the warm welcome from a team that’s at the heart of everything we do. The Inn Collection Group is a multi-award‑winning pubs with rooms company, proudly located in some of the most outstanding destinations across the North of England and Wales. At ICG, we deliver exceptional hospitality by living and breathing our core values of respect, customer focused, warmth, and honesty, all with the goal of Making People Happy.

Benefits:

• Celebrate your birthday with an extra paid holiday.
• Build your future with support from our Lead‑Inn development program.
• Take the time you need to rest and recharge; Paid Breaks are on us.
• Enjoy 50% off food at any of our Inns.
• Relax with a stay at any of our Inns during January, February, and March for just £1.
• Take advantage of the chance to explore our beautiful locations, with 1/3 off room bookings all year round.
• Experience a spontaneous trip away with £50 on same day bookings.
• Your loved ones can enjoy 15% off bed and breakfast too!
• 24/7 confidential support is always there when you need it with our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Tronc (…that’s tips to me and you).
• Contribute to a company that gives back through our Give‑inn back scheme.
• Join an award‑winning team recognised as the Best Pub Employer at the Publican Awards.

With Waterhead Pier directly opposite and just a short stroll from the vibrant centre of Ambleside, The Waterhead Inn offers the perfect starting point for exploring the magnificent Lake District. Its prime location makes it an ideal base for outdoor adventures, scenic walks, and discovering the area’s natural beauty, while also providing easy access to the local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

You’ll Fit Right Inn. As General Manager, you’ll bring your enthusiasm and expertise in food and hospitality to lead the team and ensure every guest feels truly cared for. Working in a fast‑paced environment, you’ll need to stay calm under pressure, juggling multiple priorities while maintaining a clear focus on exceptional guest experiences and the commercial success of the business. You’ll work closely with your Operations Manager, managing the senior team of assistant managers, head chef, and head housekeeper, while embodying our ICG values.

In this role, you will be accountable for the planning, budgeting, and cost control in line with agreed budgets, building and nurturing the team to meet our high standards. You’ll thrive in a dynamic setting, ensuring that guest satisfaction levels are met even during the busiest times. Guests should always receive the best possible experience from both yourself and your team. This includes reviewing and implementing business procedures, overseeing financial budgets, and taking care of company expenditures and bills. Your understanding of P&L accounts and labour planning will be key to driving success.

Leading by example, you’ll inspire and motivate the team, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone thrives. From hiring and training to mentoring employees, you’ll foster a culture of growth and development. The role also includes responding to guest needs during the night and occasionally staying on‑site to ensure a seamless guest experience, all while demonstrating calm professionalism, even in high‑pressure situations.

If you’re passionate about food and hospitality, have a talent for leadership, and love creating unforgettable guest experiences, we think you’ll fit right inn. This role allows you to lead with care, drive results, and inspire the team. This role comes with an added benefit of colleague accommodation.