At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive financial success.
- Company: Join WatchHouse, a people-first coffee brand in a lively West London neighbourhood.
- Benefits: Enjoy free coffee, lunch, and a supportive work environment with real career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values individuality and fosters inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our new House while developing your leadership skills in hospitality.
- Qualifications: Passion for hospitality, strong leadership skills, and a hands-on approach.
The predicted salary is between 32700 - 40000 £ per year.
House Manager, Watch House
This September, we’re excited to open the doors to our new House in Queensway, bringing Modern Coffee to one of West London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
With its lively atmosphere and close proximity to Hyde Park, our newest location offers an exciting opportunity to join a growing team from the very beginning and play a key role in shaping an exceptional guest experience.
In Short
A House Manager is the embodiment of Watch House – from Core Values to brand standards, the House Manager is a leader with passion and purpose at their core.
Ensuring your House delivers exceptional guest experiences and excellent financial performance along with operational excellence, and owning the success of your team.
You create a vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming environment for both your team and guests.
This role needs a hands‑on approach – you keep your ear to the ground on the needs of your team and guests to ensure we are always at the forefront of hospitality.
At Watch House, we believe in teaching and developing our managers – if you bring the leadership, we’ll equip you with the tools to thrive.
Directly Reports: Area Operations Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Motivate and empower your team to consistently perform at their best, fostering a collaborative and passionate work environment.
- Take ownership of your House’s financials, focusing on KPIs, and continuously seeking ways to increase revenue and drive efficiency.
- Oversee daily operations to ensure the Modern Coffee Experience is delivered to every guest, every day, knowing that hospitality is what sets Watch House apart.
- Ensure smooth opening and closing procedures, proactively manage issues, and maintain a well‑stocked and functional cafe.
- Actively mentor and develop your team, ensuring opportunities for growth and development within Watch House.
- Manage and maintain all compliance in your House, from daily due diligence to EHO inspections.
- Uphold and instill the highest standards of cleanliness, quality, and service across the House.
- Create a vibrant, sociable, and exciting workplace that employees are proud to be a part of.
- Address challenges with a proactive and solutions‑oriented mindset, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
- Work closely with senior management to align your House with Watch House’s vision and goals.
- Key Skills
- Live and breathe the Watch House Core Values of Passion, Empathy, Diligence and Can Do.
- Always maintain a high level of personal hygiene and appearance.
- A hands‑on leader who motivates and supports their team to achieve operational and personal excellence.
- Comprehensive understanding of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety standards.
- Strong understanding of financial metrics and the ability to drive a profitable and high‑performing site.
- Skilled in managing both front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house operations in a high‑volume environment.
- Passionate about creating outstanding customer experiences with attention to detail and quality.
- Thrive in a fast‑paced environment, adjusting as needed to meet evolving business needs.
- Committed to mentoring and developing your team members to help them grow and succeed.
- Unwavering focus on cleanliness, organization, and maintaining impeccable service levels.
- Quick thinker who can address and resolve issues efficiently and effectively.
- Confident in making decisions, taking ownership, and leading your House independently.
- What can you expect at Watch
House
- Free Coffee & Drinks – Always – Sip on your favourite drinks, even on your days off.
- 40‑hour Contract – Benefit from stable, consistent hours with a schedule that supports life outside of work.
- Monthly Coffee Gift – Take home 250g of premium Watch House coffee every month.
- Free Lunch Every Shift – Fuel up with great food on the house.
- Team Social Budget – Celebrate, connect, and unwind with your team outside of work.
- Annual Watch House Party – Our legendary celebration featuring Core Value Awards, and prizes like trips to coffee farms!
- 30% Off All Food – Any House, any time, just for being part of the team.
- 30% Off Retail Coffee – Stock up on your favourite Watch House blends whenever you like.
- Work in Beautifully Designed Houses – Join inspiring spaces equipped with industry‑leading tools, surrounded by passionate hospitality professionals.
- Supportive Managers – We listen, we care, and we adapt to support your needs.
- Best‑in‑Class Training – From your first shift, we set you up for success with on‑and off‑shift development.
- Access to SCA Training – Advance your coffee expertise with recognised industry training (role dependent).
- Off‑Shift Induction Experience – Get to know Watch House culture with a full day induction in your first two weeks.
- Career Progression That’s Real – With new Houses and growth across the business, your next step is never far away.
Working at Watch House.
At Watch House, we were born from a passion to do better—driven by diligence, attention to detail, and a genuine care for our craft and our people.
We are a people‑first business that values individuality, personality, and the unique contributions of every team member.
We champion diversity, insist on equality, and foster inclusion as a non‑negotiable part of our culture.
Our team thrives in a respectful, collaborative environment where feedback is welcomed, support is mutual, and excellence is pursued together.
Guided by our core values—passion, can do, diligence, and empathy—we build meaningful relationships, celebrate contributions, and work with purpose to deliver the Modern Coffee experience.
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General Manager (New Opening) employer: The Watch House & Co
The Watch House & Co is an exceptional employer that prioritises a vibrant work culture and the professional growth of its team members. With a strong commitment to excellence in hospitality, employees benefit from hands-on leadership, opportunities for development, and a supportive environment that values both guest satisfaction and team empowerment. Located in a dynamic setting, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding career in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (New Opening)
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like The Watch House & Co. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The Watch House & Co
Don't be shy about reaching out to The Watch House & Co directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager (New Opening)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about The Watch House & Co and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Watch House & Co
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!