At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a thriving pub and hotel, driving sales and inspiring a high-performing team.
- Company: Join the Heartwood Collection, a fast-growing premium dining group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, generous holiday, and discounts across all sites.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career development in a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a flagship site with significant growth potential.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in sales growth, team leadership, and revenue management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We have an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and commercially driven General Manager to lead our thriving Ragged Robin in Godalming. Now successfully open and going from strength to strength, The Ragged Robin is nestled in the charming town of Godalming, set against the stunning backdrop of the River Wey and rolling meadows. The business features a 150-cover restaurant and bar serving exceptional food and drink, 150 external covers for al fresco dining in picturesque surroundings, and 19 boutique bedrooms offering a stylish countryside retreat.
As one of our flagship Pubs with Rooms within the award-winning Heartwood Collection — home to Brasserie Blanc and Heartwood Inns — The Ragged Robin combines fresh, seasonal food with warm hospitality and exceptional standards. Our businesses sit at the heart of their communities, and our continued success is driven by passionate, like-minded individuals who create unforgettable guest experiences.
The Role
This is a high-impact leadership role for a commercially astute operator who can drive sales, maximise profitability and continue the impressive growth trajectory of the business. You will take full accountability for performance across all areas of the site including food, beverage service and rooms ensuring operational excellence while building, developing and inspiring a high-performing team. You will be confident analysing KPIs, identifying opportunities, and implementing clear commercial strategies to grow revenue across all streams, including rooms. A strong understanding of cost control, payroll management and revenue optimisation is essential.
The Ideal Candidate will:
- Be highly commercial and financially astute, with a proven track record of driving sales growth and profitability
- Have strong people management skills and experience leading large, diverse teams
- Be confident managing HR matters, including recruitment, performance management, succession planning, engagement and employee relations
- Have experience running a site with accommodation and a solid understanding of rooms revenue management and yield
- Demonstrate the ability to oversee a busy, multi-faceted operation while maintaining exceptional standards
- Be a visible, hands-on leader with energy, warmth and presence
- Thrive on motivating and empowering teams to deliver outstanding guest experiences
- Have proven experience delivering sustained business growth, achieving budgets and maintaining strong staff retention
This is an exciting opportunity to lead an already successful and growing business with significant further potential. If you are a driven and ambitious General Manager looking to take ownership of a flagship site within a respected and expanding collection, we would love to hear from you.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary plus Tronc and quarterly bonus
- Private Healthcare with Bupa
- Employee Assistance Programme with Hospitality Action
- 28 days holiday including Bank Holidays
- Option to buy an additional 5 days holiday per year
- The Pantry – hundreds of retailer and experience discounts through Reward Gateway
- Stepping Stones – our industry-leading training and development platform supporting progression
- Coaching and Mentorship programme to support your career development
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity package
- 50% off food across all Heartwood Collection sites
- 20% Friends & Family food discount
- Discounted rooms at our Inns
- A thoughtful birthday gift
- Long Service Recognition Awards
- Refer a Friend bonus up to £1,500
- Instant access to earned pay through EarlyPay
- Cycle to Work Scheme
About Heartwood Collection
Heartwood Collection is one of the UK’s fastest-growing premium casual dining groups, home to the award-winning Brasserie Blanc and Heartwood Inns brands. Backed by Alchemy Partners since 2022, we operate 50 sites nationwide and are on an ambitious growth journey including a rapidly expanding rooms business set to exceed 300 bedrooms by 2027. We are proud of our family culture, collaborative spirit and appetite for growth. This is an exciting time to join a business where commercial thinking, strong leadership and data-driven decision-making play a critical role in shaping long-term success.
General Manager in Surrey employer: The Ragged Robin, Godalming
At Heartwood Collection, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and growth. As the General Manager of The Ragged Robin in Godalming, you will lead a passionate team in a picturesque setting, benefiting from competitive salaries, comprehensive healthcare, and industry-leading training programmes. Join us to not only drive business success but also to thrive in a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages career progression.
Contact Details:
The Ragged Robin, Godalming Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a General Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its values. Show us that you understand what makes The Ragged Robin special and how you can contribute to its success. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience in driving sales and managing teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up! Be proactive and reach out directly to places you’re interested in, like The Ragged Robin. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Heartwood Collection.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your passion for hospitality and leadership aligns with our values at The Ragged Robin.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure to customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that matches the job description. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this exciting opportunity!
Be Specific with Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales and manage teams effectively. Numbers and examples can really make your application stand out!
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 fantastic opportunity at The Ragged Robin!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Ragged Robin, Godalming
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to be confident with KPIs and financial metrics. Brush up on your understanding of sales growth, profitability, and cost control before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong people management skills, so think about examples that highlight your leadership style. Prepare to share stories about how you've motivated teams, handled HR matters, and created a positive work environment. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with The Ragged Robin and its unique offerings. Research their menu, guest experience, and community involvement. Being able to discuss how you would enhance their current operations will show your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially in managing a busy operation. Prepare clear, concise answers that demonstrate your ability to maintain exceptional standards under pressure.
