At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a thriving historic inn, driving sales and maximising profitability.
- Company: Join the award-winning Heartwood Collection, known for its vibrant hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, generous holiday, and discounts across sites.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape the future of a growing business.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a flagship site with significant growth potential.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leadership, sales growth, and team management.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and commercially driven General Manager to lead our thriving White Hart in Lewes. Now successfully open and going from strength to strength, The White Hart is a stunning historic inn in the heart of Lewes, East Sussex. Beautifully restored and already building an outstanding reputation, the site offers a vibrant bar with 40 covers, 140 dining covers, an enclosed terrace for 60 with breathtaking views of the South Downs, and 23 beautifully appointed guest rooms.
As one of our flagship Pubs with Rooms within the award‑winning Heartwood Collection home to Brasserie Blanc and Heartwood Inns, The White Hart 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 Lewes employer: The White Hart, Lewes
Heartwood Collection in Lewes is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff. With a strong focus on employee growth opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences, you will find a rewarding environment that values your contributions. Join us to be part of a team that not only ensures guest safety but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among its members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Lewes
✨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 White Hart, Lewes. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to The White Hart, Lewes
Don't be shy about reaching out to The White Hart, Lewes 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 in Lewes
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 White Hart, Lewes 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 White Hart, Lewes
✨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!
