At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant restaurant team, ensuring exceptional service and guest experiences.
- Company: Join Wildwood, a community-focused restaurant group with 37 unique sites.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, discounts, and early wage access through Wagestream.
- Other info: We're not corporate; we keep it real and hands-on!
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values your growth and autonomy.
- Qualifications: Must have 2+ years in a standards-driven restaurant management role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Flagship Restaurant Opportunity
Right in the heart of Covent Garden, opposite the Royal Opera House, Wildwood is a buzzing two‑floor, 120‑cover restaurant with an open kitchen, a lively atmosphere, and a loyal local following. Already trading strongly, the restaurant is set for a fresh new refurbishment at the start of the year, giving the next operator an even stronger platform to build from.
With its unbeatable West End location, established customer base, and plenty of scope to grow the business further, Wildwood Covent Garden is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to take on a well‑loved venue and make it their own. It would particularly suit an operator who knows the West End and understands the energy and opportunities that come with theatre trade.
Here’s why you’ll love working with us
- Earn up to £48,000 per year – this is including service charge
- Full site ownership with the chance to build on what is already a fantastic restaurant
- The opportunity to shape the team, culture, and guest experience
- Work alongside a supportive, experienced management team and Area Manager who will help you grow
- Be part of a site we are actively investing in
The vibe
This isn’t a “clipboard in the corner” kind of job. You’ll be on the floor, leading from the front, setting the energy and making sure the guest experience is exactly where it should be. At the same time, you’ll be the person running the business behind the scenes managing labour, owning the P&L, driving sales, and making smart decisions that keep the site performing. We’re looking for someone who loves the buzz of hospitality but also understands what it takes to run a successful restaurant.
Who We Are
Wildwood (part of the Bow Street Group) has been serving Italian‑inspired food, great cocktails and characterful venues since 2006. Every site has its own look and feel but one thing stays the same: casual excellence. Full table service delivered with flair, confidence and personality. No scripts. No robotic service. Just great hospitality. With 30 restaurants and big expansion plans for 2026, there’s serious room to grow with us.
What You’ll Be Owning
- Full P&L responsibility for the restaurant
- Labour control and budgeting, ensuring the business performs week in, week out
- Leading, developing and inspiring a strong management and floor team
- Delivering consistently high guest experience and service standards
- Training and developing people, helping the next generation of leaders grow
- Driving sales, performance and local engagement
- Managing stock, costs, rotas and operational standards
- Working closely with the Area Manager to build and grow the business
You’ll smash this if you are…
- A proven restaurant operator who knows how to run a busy site – ideally a west‑end location
- Comfortable owning the numbers - P&L, labour and costs
- A natural leader who builds strong teams and develops people
- From a branded hospitality background (ideal but not essential)
The kind of person who loves improving, evolving and building something special. If you love the buzz of a busy floor, thrive on responsibility, and want to lead a restaurant with huge potential, this could be the role for you.
General Manager employer: Wildwood Restaurants
Wildwood Covent Garden is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of the West End. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive management team, you will have the opportunity to lead a dynamic restaurant while shaping both the team and guest experience. The company values local engagement and provides a platform for growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's ethos and values. Since Wildwood prides itself on being community-focused and hands-on, showing that you understand and align with their mission during your interactions can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the industry. Reach out to current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights about the company culture and management style. This can help you tailor your approach when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in a standards-driven environment. Highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with their focus on team building will demonstrate your suitability for the General Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for guest experiences. Be ready to share innovative ideas on how to enhance customer satisfaction and engagement, as this is a key aspect of the role and aligns with Wildwood's commitment to exceptional service.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in restaurant management. Focus on your leadership skills, ability to inspire teams, and any achievements that demonstrate your commercial mindset.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the hospitality industry and your desire to create great guest experiences. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved service standards in previous roles.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Company:Research Wildwood and mention in your application why you resonate with their values, such as their focus on great food and exceptional service. This shows that you are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wildwood Restaurants
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a General Manager, you'll need to inspire and build great teams. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past, highlighting your leadership style and how you motivate others.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Guest Experience
The role requires energy and passion for providing great guest experiences. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction and be ready to discuss these during the interview.
✨Understand the Business Side
Being commercially minded is crucial. Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's financials, such as profit margins and service charges, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the restaurant's overall success.
✨Emphasise Your Community Focus
Since the restaurant is community-led, express your understanding of the local area and how you plan to engage with the community. Share ideas on how to attract and retain local customers, showing that you align with their values.
