At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive financial performance.
- Company: Join WatchHouse, a people-first coffee brand opening a new location in Queensway.
- Benefits: Enjoy free coffee, lunch, and a supportive work environment with real career progression.
- Other info: Experience a collaborative culture that values individuality and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of Modern Coffee in a lively setting.
- Qualifications: Passion for hospitality, leadership skills, and a commitment to excellence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
House Manager, Watch House
This September, we’re excited to open the doors to our new House in Queensway, bringing Modern Coffee to one of West London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
With its lively atmosphere and close proximity to Hyde Park, our newest location offers an exciting opportunity to join a growing team from the very beginning and play a key role in shaping an exceptional guest experience.
In Short
A House Manager is the embodiment of Watch House – from Core Values to brand standards.
As a passionate and purpose-driven leader, you will ensure your House delivers exceptional guest experiences and excellent financial performance while building a vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming environment for both your team and guests.
You will take a hands‑on approach, keeping an ear to the ground to stay ahead in hospitality, and you will receive the tools and support needed to thrive.
Directly Reports into
Area Operations Manager
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 continually seeking ways to increase revenue and drive efficiency.
- Oversee daily operations to ensure the Modern Coffee Experience is delivered to every guest, every day.
- Ensure smooth opening and closing procedures, proactively manage issues, and maintain a well‑stocked and functional café.
- Actively mentor and develop your team, providing opportunities for growth within Watch House.
- Maintain all compliance, from daily due diligence to EHO inspections.
- Uphold and instill the highest standards of cleanliness, quality, and service.
- Create a vibrant, sociable, and exciting workplace that employees are proud to be a part of.
- Address challenges with a proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
- Work closely with senior management to align your House with Watch House’s vision and goals.
- Key Skills
- Live and breathe the Watch House Core Values of Passion, Empathy, Diligence and Can Do.
- Maintain high personal hygiene and appearance.
- Be a hands‑on leader who motivates and supports the team to achieve operational and personal excellence.
- Understand Food Hygiene and Health & Safety standards comprehensively.
- Master financial metrics and drive a profitable, high‑performing site.
- Skillfully manage both front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house operations in a high‑volume environment.
- Passionate about creating outstanding customer experiences with attention to detail.
- Thrive in a fast‑paced environment, adapting to evolving business needs.
- Commit to mentoring and developing team members to grow and succeed.
- Maintain unwavering focus on cleanliness, organization, and immaculate service levels.
- Quickly resolve issues efficiently and effectively.
- Make decisions confidently, taking ownership, and leading your House independently.
- What Can You Expect at Watch House
- Free Coffee & Drinks – Always – Sip on your favourite drinks, even on days off.
- 40‑hour Contract – Stable, consistent hours with a schedule that supports life outside of work.
- Monthly Coffee Gift – Take home 250g of premium Watch House 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 Watch House Party – Celebrate core values with awards and prizes like trips to coffee farms.
- 30% Off All Food – Exclusive discount for the team.
- 30% Off Retail Coffee – Stock your favourite Watch House blends.
- Work in Beautifully Designed Houses – Inspiring spaces with industry‑leading tools.
- Supportive Managers – We listen, care, and adapt to support your needs.
- Best‑in‑Class Training – On‑ and off‑shift development from day one.
- Access to SCA Training – Advance your coffee expertise (role dependent).
- Off‑Shift Induction Experience – Full‑day induction in your first two weeks.
- Career Progression That’s Real – With new Houses and growth across the business.
- Working at Watch House
We were born from a passion to do better—driven by diligence, attention to detail, and genuine care for our craft and our people.
We are a people‑first business that values individuality, personality, and unique contributions.
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.
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General Manager (New Opening) in London employer: WatchHouse
At WatchHouse, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that empowers our team members to excel. As a House Manager, you will not only lead a dedicated team in delivering exceptional guest experiences but also benefit from consistent hours and various perks that enhance your work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee growth and operational excellence, WatchHouse is the perfect place for those looking to thrive in a dynamic café environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (New Opening) 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 WatchHouse. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to WatchHouse
Don't be shy about reaching out to WatchHouse 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 (New Opening) 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 WatchHouse 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 WatchHouse
✨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!
