Deputy General Manager - Southampton

Deputy General Manager - Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 29250 - 35750 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Urban Ascent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant team and create unforgettable climbing experiences for everyone.
  • Company: Join The Climbing Hangar, a community-focused climbing centre in Southampton.
  • Benefits: Enjoy unlimited climbs, discounts, 28 days leave, and personal development opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible hours, supportive culture, and a commitment to inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission to inspire bold living through the joy of climbing.
  • Qualifications: Experience in management or supervisory roles, ideally in customer-focused environments.

The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.

Where: The Climbing Hangar Southampton - Third Ave, Southampton SO15 0LD

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week

Pay: £31,500 p.a

Working hours: Weekdays, evenings and weekends

Positions available: 1

Apply by: Monday 7th September 2026

What You’ll Do

  • Championing a welcoming, inclusive, and customer-focused environment
  • Supporting staff in achieving membership sales, retention and customer loyalty
  • Creating an exceptional customer experience for climbers of all ages and abilities
  • Building relationships within the local climbing and wider community
  • Overseeing day to day operations across reception, retail, coaching and café
  • Ensuring the highest standards of health, safety and safeguarding
  • Supporting events, competitions and community initiatives
  • Working closely with teams across Operations, Marketing, Finance and People

What’s in it for you?

  • Friendly hours with your rota set 4 weeks in advance
  • Unlimited free climbs for you and a buddy (plus your kids, if you have them)
  • Discount on food and drinks in our cafe
  • 28 days annual leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays)
  • Employee referral scheme to bag an extra £200*
  • Exclusive deals on climbing gear
  • Long service recognition
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (free 24/7 wellbeing support for work-related and personal issues), plus on-site Mental Health First Aiders and counselling
  • Training and development, including coaching, first aid and safeguarding

Who We’re Looking For

All of our Deputy General Managers bring something different, and that’s what makes our teams special. We’re Looking For Someone Who:

  • Can balance commercial performance with great customer experiences
  • Enjoys building strong local communities and partnerships
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same
  • Has supervisory or managerial experience leading successful teams, ideally in hospitality, leisure, retail, fitness or a similar customer-focused environment
  • Is committed to safeguarding and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome
  • Has the right to work in the UK

It’s Not Essential, But It’s Also Nice If You:

  • Have a passion for climbing or an interest in the industry
  • Have experience growing memberships, sales or customer engagement
  • Have experience delivering, teaching, instructing or coaching in any setting
  • Hold qualifications in first aid, safeguarding or coaching

Who Are We?

Our Story Started In a Warehouse In Liverpool Back In 2011, When Our Founder Wanted a New Place To Climb With His Mates. What Started Out As a Simple Project Grew Into An Important Mission To inspire bolder living through indoor climbing. These days, we care more about how our members’ climbing journey nourishes and connects them than what that journey is. Climb up, fall off, spend more time on the mats with your mates. It doesn’t matter to us because finding joy in how they do something is more important than what they do – and all of us find joy in play. Play is a secret superpower in climbing and in life. And, at The Climbing Hangar, play is what we do best. We’re now an open, trusted and welcoming space where old-school climbing and new-to-climbing coexist. We’re a place for everybody, and people tell us that they feel like they belong here. That’s the whole point.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to ensuring equality for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. All employment decisions are made based on merit, skills and experience.

Deputy General Manager - Southampton employer: Urban Ascent

The Climbing Hangar Southampton is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where every team member is valued and encouraged to grow. With benefits like unlimited free climbs, a generous annual leave policy, and a commitment to employee wellbeing through support programmes, we ensure our staff thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of Southampton, this role offers the unique opportunity to lead a passionate team while building strong community connections in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

Urban Ascent

Contact Details:

Urban Ascent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy General Manager - Southampton

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 Urban Ascent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Urban Ascent

Don't be shy about reaching out to Urban Ascent 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 Deputy General Manager - Southampton

Customer Service
Sales and Membership Growth
Team Leadership
Community Engagement
Operational Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Event Coordination

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 Urban Ascent 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 Urban Ascent

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!