At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive financial success.
- Company: The Old Bridge, a charming 18th-century hotel and restaurant on the River Great Ouse.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80,000 OTE, tips, flexible hours, and great team incentives.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in a beautiful hospitality setting.
- Qualifications: Experience as a General Manager in hospitality with strong leadership and commercial skills.
- Other info: Enjoy perks like discounts, daily meals, and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
The Old Bridge is a beautifully ivy-clad, 18th-century townhouse hotel, restaurant, and wine shop, set on the banks of the River Great Ouse in Huntingdon. With 24 individually designed bedrooms, a bustling restaurant, a relaxing bar, and an award-winning wine shop, we combine historic charm with modern hospitality. We are part of Chestnut – a collection of hospitality venues across East Anglia – and we pride ourselves on creating welcoming, memorable experiences for every guest.
We are looking for an inspiring and commercially minded General Manager to lead The Old Bridge. You will be responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving financial performance, and creating a positive culture across both the Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) teams. This is a hands-on role, working closely with the Head Chef, Assistant Manager, and our central support teams to ensure operational excellence in every area.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire the FOH and BOH teams to deliver consistently high standards of service.
- Collaborate with the Head Chef and Assistant Manager to ensure seamless operations and exceptional guest satisfaction.
- Act as a visible host, engaging with guests to create a warm and memorable experience.
- Recruit, train, and develop team members, building a cohesive and motivated workforce.
- Oversee wet stock and cash management, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Drive financial performance by meeting and exceeding sales and profit targets.
- Foster a positive workplace culture, ensuring all team members perform to their best abilities.
- Report regularly to the Operations Manager on performance, challenges, and opportunities.
Why Join Us?
- Incentives – Enjoy team and individual rewards, from staff days out to trips abroad.
- Flexible Hours – Support for a healthy work–life balance.
- Tips – Earn tips in addition to your salary, with the ability to track earnings via Wagestream.
Perks of Working with Chestnut
- Be part of a supportive, friendly team and connect with colleagues across our collection.
- Food and room discounts for you and your friends.
- Access to the Chestnut Hub with 100s of high street discounts.
- Fresh, high-quality staff meals provided daily.
- Opportunities for professional development, including industry-accredited qualifications.
- Employee reward and recognition prizes.
- Staff referral scheme (earn up to £1,500 per referral).
About You
- Previous experience as a General Manager in a hospitality setting, ideally with rooms and dining.
- A natural leader who can inspire, motivate, and develop a team.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen.
- A passion for hospitality, guest experience, and operational excellence.
- Comfortable being a hands-on leader who leads from the front.
This role offers a competitive salary of up to £80,000 OTE, including performance-related bonuses, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, generous tips, and a range of team incentives.
General Manager employer: The Old Bridge Hotel
Contact Detail:
The Old Bridge Hotel 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 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 an interview, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about how you've created memorable experiences for guests in the past. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job you like, don’t just wait for the application process to open. Reach out directly to the hiring manager or team at The Old Bridge. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in hospitality and management. Consider taking a short course or attending workshops. This not only boosts your skills but also shows potential employers that you’re committed to growth.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the General Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in hospitality and any achievements that showcase your ability to drive financial performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about hospitality and how you can create memorable experiences for our guests. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. We want to see how you can foster a positive workplace culture at The Old Bridge.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Old Bridge Hotel
✨Know Your Venue
Before the interview, take some time to research The Old Bridge. Familiarise yourself with its history, the services it offers, and its unique charm. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their values and guest experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a General Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve fostered a positive culture in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since driving financial performance is key for this role, come ready to discuss your experience with budget management, sales targets, and profit maximisation. Use concrete numbers and examples to illustrate your success in these areas.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, operational challenges, and the company culture. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if The Old Bridge is the right fit for you.