At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the front-of-house team while overseeing operations.
- Company: Join Upham Inns, a growing group of premium pubs in beautiful Southern England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, discounts on meals and accommodation, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Opportunities for development and exciting new ventures like Harper’s Steakhouse await!
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to high-quality service and personal growth.
- Qualifications: Solid experience in hospitality with proven leadership and financial skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Deputy Manager
Lead, Inspire & Grow in a Stunning Market Town Setting
Are you a passionate hospitality leader ready to take the next step toward General Manager? This is your chance to join a thriving premium pub in the heart of Leighton Buzzard — a vibrant market town surrounded by beautiful countryside, strong community spirit, and fantastic commuter links.
At The Red Lion, we’re proud to be a true local favourite — serving high-quality, fresh pub food in a warm, welcoming setting. With its charm, character, and loyal guests, this is the perfect place to build your leadership career while making a real impact.
What’s in it for you?
- Up to £36,000 per year + Tronc (earn up to £5,000 extra annually)
- Flexible shift patterns – supporting work/life balance
- Up to 33% off food for you + up to 6 guests
- 33% off stays & 20% Friends & Family discount
- Clear development pathway to General Manager
- Lifestyle Card – 5,000+ discounts across retail, travel & more
- Birthday gift & long service awards
- Refer-a-friend bonuses (up to £1,000 for chefs)
The Role
As Deputy Manager, you’ll be at the heart of the business — driving performance, leading your team, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Responsibilities
- Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing FOH team
- Take ownership of day-to-day operations across people, guest, sales & profit
- Support the General Manager in delivering outstanding standards
- Drive sales through strong commercial thinking and local engagement
- Ensure excellence in compliance, health & safety, and operationsBe a role model for training, development, and team culture
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a hospitality leadership role
- Strong track record of delivering results through people
- Confident managing budgets, labour, and financial performance
- Commercially aware with a passion for driving sales
- Calm under pressure with excellent problem-solving skills
- A natural communicator who can motivate and inspire
- Full Right to Work in the UK
Why Join Upham Inns?
We’re a growing collection of beautiful premium pubs across Southern England — each with its own personality, set in idyllic locations. From cosy village locals to destination dining venues (and even our expanding steakhouse concept), we’re building something special.
Big enough to support you, small enough to care. People-first culture with real career progression. A genuine opportunity to grow with the business.
Why The Red Lion, Leighton Buzzard?
This is more than just a job — it’s a chance to be part of a community pub that guests love. With its character, location, and ambitious team, The Red Lion offers the perfect platform to develop your career and make your mark.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re driven, people-focused, and ready to lead from the front — we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start your journey toward General Manager with Upham Inns.
Deputy General Manager employer: Upham Inns
Upham Inns is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where team members are valued and supported in their professional growth. With competitive salaries, flexible shift patterns, and a comprehensive development programme leading to General Manager roles, employees enjoy numerous benefits including substantial discounts on meals and accommodation, as well as access to a lifestyle card with thousands of discounts. Join us in our beautiful country pubs and be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding service and creating memorable experiences for our guests.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Upham Inns' values and culture. Understanding what makes our pubs unique will help you align your leadership style with our People-first, Guest-obsessed approach, which is crucial for the Deputy General Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the hospitality industry, especially with those who have experience in similar roles. Engaging with current or former employees can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, giving you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed operations in previous roles. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and financial acumen will demonstrate your capability to drive sales and manage budgets effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for the hospitality industry during your interactions with us. Whether it's through your enthusiasm in conversations or your knowledge about current trends, displaying genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in restaurant or hospitality management. Emphasise your leadership skills and any financial management experience, as these are crucial for the Deputy General Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the hospitality industry and your understanding of Upham Inns' values. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams and driven sales in previous roles.
Highlight Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully solved problems in a fast-paced environment. This will demonstrate your quick thinking and ability to manage challenges effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, include instances where you've inspired or motivated a team. Highlight any training or development initiatives you've led to show your commitment to team growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Upham Inns
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed a team, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance.
✨Understand Financial Management
Since strong financial skills are crucial for this role, brush up on your knowledge of budgets, audits, and forecasting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed finances in previous positions and how you can apply that experience to drive sales and profitability.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
The hospitality industry often presents unexpected challenges. Think of specific instances where you quickly solved a problem or made a critical decision under pressure. This will show your quick thinking and adaptability.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with Upham Inn's values and mission. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, particularly their focus on a people-first and guest-obsessed approach. This will demonstrate your commitment to their culture.
