General Manager - Espresso Bar (New Opening)

WatchHouse is continuing its expansion with new openings across London in summer 2026, creating exciting opportunities for passionate and driven leaders. We are looking for House Managers to join both new and operating Houses, leading teams, delivering exceptional guest experiences, and growing with an industry‑leading specialty coffee brand.

A House Manager is the embodiment of WatchHouse - 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 WatchHouse, we believe in teaching and developing our managers—if you bring the leadership, we’ll equip you with the tools to thrive.

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 WatchHouse 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 WatchHouse.
• Manage and maintain all compliance in your House, from daily due diligence to EHO inspections.
• Uphold and instil 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 WatchHouse’s vision and goals.

Key Skills

• Live and breathe the WatchHouse 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 WatchHouse

• Free Coffee & Drinks – Always – Sip on your favourite drinks, even on your days off.
• Monthly Coffee Gift – Take home 250g of premium WatchHouse 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 WatchHouse 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 WatchHouse 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 WatchHouse 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.

At WatchHouse, 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.