At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead vibrant venues, build amazing teams, and create unforgettable guest experiences.
- Company: Dynamic hospitality group with diverse brands across London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, discounts, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture with team trips, socials, and a focus on personal growth.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a fun, fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a General Manager in hospitality, strong food and drink knowledge.
We're growing, and we're looking for brilliant General Managers to join us across our family of venues. From modern British pubs and destination neighbourhood locals, to the food-led world of Salt Yard and the high-energy competitive socialising experience of Bat & Ball, there are plenty of different businesses to get stuck into. Each brand has its own personality, but the ambition is the same: great people, great food and drink, brilliant guest experiences and businesses that perform.
We're after General Managers who want to take ownership, build teams and make a venue their own. You'll be the sort of person who:
- Genuinely loves hospitality, you're as interested in the guest experience as you are in the numbers behind it.
- Lives and breathes your venue. You know your regulars, your team, your local market and what makes your business tick.
- Can lead a busy operation with confidence, whether that's a packed Saturday pub, a buzzing restaurant service or a high-energy night of competitive socialising.
- Has strong food and drink knowledge and takes pride in the details, from seasonal small plates and great wine to craft beer, cocktails and a properly executed pub classic.
- Leads from the floor, not the office. Your team see you, trust you and want to follow you.
- Is commercial and entrepreneurial, spotting opportunities, controlling costs and always looking for ways to grow the business.
What you'll actually do:
- Run your venue like it's yours.
- Build, coach and look after a brilliant team.
- Keep standards high, the guest experience exceptional and the operation running smoothly.
- Own your P&L, understand your numbers and turn good ideas into great results.
- Whether you're leading a Pub, a Restaurant or a Bat & Ball venue, you'll be the person making the business happen day to day.
Where could you fit in?
- Urban Pubs, Bars – modern British pubs, bars and neighbourhood venues built around quality food, drink and genuine hospitality.
- Salt Yard – distinctive Spanish and Italian-inspired restaurants, known for seasonal small plates, charcuterie, wine and a lively London dining experience.
- Bat & Ball – high-energy competitive socialising, combining games and entertainment with food, drinks and big nights out.
What we're Looking For:
- Put your heart on your sleeve: take ownership, be bold and run the business as if it's your own.
- Stay cool under pressure — calm, composed and unflappable.
- Minimum 2 years' experience as a General Manager, ideally in a quality hospitality environment.
- Strong knowledge of food, drink and service, with the ability to adapt to different hospitality concepts.
- Strong communication and organisational skills, with an approachable leadership style.
- Superb customer and floor service skills.
- Solid financial, operational and commercial know-how.
- Entrepreneurial flair and a genuine passion for people development.
- Love to train, mentor and grow a high-performing team.
- Personal Licence holder is a plus.
What's In It For You:
- Competitive salary plus bonus.
- Opportunities across a growing portfolio of pubs, restaurants and competitive socialising venues.
- Comprehensive training and ongoing development to accelerate your career.
- Clear paths for progression, with regular openings and opportunities to step up.
- Employee discounts across our pubs, bars and restaurants.
- Strategic autonomy: make meaningful decisions, own your results and be fearless.
- Continuous team trips, management incentives and socials in a warm, family-like culture.
- 28 days' holiday.
- Employee Assistance Programme via Licence Trade Charity.
- Lucrative referral scheme: earn up to £1,000 per successful referral.
- Access to Stream to draw wages as needed.
- Birthday day off on us.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay.
- Workplace nursery benefit.
- Length-of-service recognition rewards.
Ready to lead something brilliant? If you're bold, people-centric and commercial, with a genuine passion for exceptional hospitality, we'd love to meet you. Tell us what kind of business gets you excited — whether that's a brilliant pub, a standout restaurant or a venue where the competition is part of the experience — and let's find the right opportunity for you.
General Manager in London employer: UPB Head Office
Urban Pubs and Bars is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and benefits, ensuring our Maintenance Technicians are well-equipped to excel in their roles while enjoying the vibrant culture of our venues. Join us for a rewarding career where your skills will be valued and your contributions recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in London
✨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 UPB Head Office. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to UPB Head Office
Don't be shy about reaching out to UPB Head Office 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 London
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 UPB Head Office 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 UPB Head Office
✨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!
