At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional hospitality and unforgettable guest experiences.
- Company: Join Upham Inns, a family of premium pubs across Southern England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts, flexible work across various locations, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the chance to run your own pub and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing brand that values people and creates memorable experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality with strong leadership skills and a passion for service.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 € per year.
Ready for a New Challenge? Love Variety? Let’s Hit the Road Together!
It’s all about the people. Lead. Inspire. Deliver amazing hospitality. At Upham Inns, we believe great pubs are built on great people. Our collection of beautiful country inns and pubs across the South of England are all about warm welcomes, outstanding food, and genuine hospitality — and that starts with our leaders. We’re looking for an inspirational General Manager Designate to join our growing team — someone who lives and breathes hospitality, leads from the front, and creates memorable experiences for both guests and team members.
As a General Manager Designate, you’ll spend time learning what makes Upham Inns special. You’ll work closely with our leadership team across several of our stunning pubs, developing your skills, deepening your understanding of our brand, and preparing to take on your own site as a full General Manager.
About You
- You’re a natural leader who inspires confidence and pride in your team.
- You believe hospitality is about people — guests and team alike.
- You’ve got experience in premium pubs or restaurants with a strong food focus.
- You’re hands-on, energetic, and love being at the heart of service.
- You take pride in exceptional standards, from a perfectly poured pint to a beautifully presented dish.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and motivate your team to deliver outstanding food, drink, and service.
- Create a welcoming, inclusive environment for guests and staff.
- Support and develop team members to reach their full potential.
- Work closely with our Operations team to understand every aspect of running a successful pub.
- Uphold the Upham Inns ethos — genuine hospitality, great food, and community at its heart.
What We Offer
- Full pathway to running your own pub within Upham Inns.
- Full support, training, and development from a passionate leadership team.
- Competitive salary and bonus structure.
- The chance to be part of a values-driven company where people come first.
- Work with a group that celebrates individuality, creativity, and a love of great hospitality.
At Upham Inns, we don’t just serve food and drink — we create places people love to visit, and teams love to work in.
What’s In It For You?
- Up to £40,000 per year + Tronc + Travel Expenses
- Flexibility – Work across different pubs and enjoy variety in your weeks
- 50% off meals for you and up to 6 friends, plus discounts on hotel stays
- 33% off for friends & family at all Upham Inns
- Lifestyle Card – Over 5,000 exclusive discounts from high street to local gems
- Service awards, birthday gifts & referral bonuses (up to £1,000 for chefs!)
- Development pathways – From apprenticeships to senior leadership
- Be part of something growing – We’re expanding and want you to grow with us
What You’ll Need to Shine:
- A passionate hospitality pro - whether you're already a General Manager or a seasoned Deputy ready to step up
- Strong leadership with a hands-on, can-do spirit
- Proven ability to drive sales, manage P&Ls, and balance labour vs performance
- An individual with people — your team trusts you, your guests love you
- Flexibility to travel across our sites and adapt quickly to new environments
- A clean driving license and the right to work in the UK
Your Day-to-Day Will Include:
- Taking the reins at different pubs – Spending extended times in different pubs to shape your knowledge around how we operate, whilst bringing your skill and experience to help shape the future.
- Leading and motivating teams to deliver unforgettable guest experiences
- Building community connections and making every pub feel like home
- Owning everything from guest journey to safety checks, stock control, and team development
- Always leading by example – on the floor, in the kitchen, and behind the scenes
About Upham Inns
We’re a proudly independent family of premium pubs with rooms, dotted across beautiful locations in Southern England. From cosy countryside inns to exciting new brands like Harper’s Steakhouse, we bring warm hospitality, fresh seasonal food, and a welcoming smile to everything we do. Come for the Challenge. Stay for the People. Grow with the Brand. We’re small enough to know your name, big enough to offer real opportunities. So if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, make a difference, and join a business that cares, we’d love to hear from you.
General Manager Designate employer: The Thomas Lord
At Upham Inns, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values its people above all else. With a strong focus on personal development and a supportive leadership team, we offer a clear pathway to running your own pub while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of our beautiful country inns across Southern England. Join us for a rewarding career where you can inspire others, create memorable experiences, and be part of a growing family that celebrates individuality and genuine hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager Designate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join local groups, or even pop into your favourite pubs and chat with the staff. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect General Manager Designate 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 stories about your experiences and how you've made a difference in previous roles. Remember, they want someone who lives and breathes hospitality just like you do!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to Upham Inns directly through our website and express your interest in joining the team. A little initiative can go a long way in showing that you’re serious about becoming part of our family.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching our brand! Understand what makes Upham Inns special and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our ethos of genuine hospitality and community. Tailor your answers to reflect our values, and you'll stand out as a candidate who truly gets us.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager Designate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight how you’ve created memorable moments for guests and inspired your team. We want to see that you live and breathe the values we hold dear at Upham Inns.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the role of General Manager Designate. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant experience in premium pubs or restaurants. We’re looking for someone who understands what makes a great pub tick, so show us you get it!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value individuality and creativity, so share your unique approach to hospitality and how you connect with both guests and team members. Authenticity is key to standing out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Let’s hit the road together!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Thomas Lord
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Upham Inns' ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their pubs, menus, and community initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your leadership style aligns with their mission of delivering outstanding hospitality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in hospitality. Think about times when you've motivated a team or improved service standards. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire confidence and pride in your future team at Upham Inns.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Hospitality
During the interview, let your love for hospitality shine through. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to creating memorable experiences for guests and team members alike. This is a people-focused role, so showing your enthusiasm for service will resonate well.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Inquire about their training programmes, community engagement, or how they maintain high standards across different sites. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the company's growth.
