At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant restaurant team, drive performance, and enhance guest experiences.
- Company: Wildwood, a charming restaurant in historic Stratford-upon-Avon with a focus on hospitality.
- Benefits: Earn up to £48,000 per year, plus service charge, with growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a growing company with plans for expansion and a supportive management team.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a fantastic restaurant and shape its culture and success.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in restaurant operations and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 35005 £ per year.
Right in the heart of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, our beautiful Wildwood restaurant is set within a charming Tudor building, full of character and history. Our one-floor, 85-cover restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy great food, drinks and genuine hospitality. The unique surroundings create a memorable experience for our guests and a fantastic place for our team to work.
This role is all about true ownership of the business. Leading the team, driving performance, controlling the numbers, and building a place people want to work in as much as they want to eat and drink in.
Here’s why you’ll love working with us:
- Earn up to £48,000 per year – this is including service charge (this is on a 45 hour contract)
- 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
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
- 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 in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: Wildwood
At Wildwood, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by offering a supportive and dynamic work environment where every chef can thrive. With guaranteed hours, flexible scheduling, and clear progression paths, we ensure that our team members feel valued and empowered to grow in their careers. Our hands-on leadership and commitment to diversity create a welcoming atmosphere, making Wildwood the perfect place for those seeking a rewarding career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨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 Wildwood. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wildwood
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wildwood 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 in Stratford-upon-Avon
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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood
✨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!
