At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the team to deliver exceptional guest experiences at a top entertainment venue.
- Company: Wycombe Swan, a premier live entertainment venue in High Wycombe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounted theatre tickets, training, and mental health resources.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in the hospitality and entertainment industry.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in hospitality or live events, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 € per year.
The Wycombe Swan in High Wycombe is one of Buckinghamshire's leading live entertainment venues with a wide array of top-quality musical, drama, comedy, dance, family shows, one-night events, and pantomime. Old Town Hall in Wycombe is a smart, distinctive, multi-use space with staging and seating and its own fully licensed bar. Perfect for conferences or parties.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The General Manager will have overall responsibility for ensuring the highest standards for all Guest Experience and hospitality activities, including bespoke dining events and private functions. Managing, motivating, and developing the staff within the theatre is crucial to the role, ensuring clarity of direction and delivery of business priorities, through the implementation of the business’ hospitality strategy, developed in collaboration with the Theatre Director and Senior Management Team. This Job Description is not an exhaustive description of your duties. The postholder will be required to adopt a flexible approach to their role and responsibilities. From time to time, they may be required to undertake such alternative or additional duties as may be commensurate with their skills, experience and capabilities.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for individuals that can work as part of a team and individually to achieve and deliver Our Values: Creativity, Collaboration, Excellence, and Respect. A self-motivated individual with a genuine passion for delivering an exceptional hospitality offer and first-class experience. To achieve this, you will inspire and lead a team to meet and exceed budgeted targets, with customer care at the heart of your department's work. The candidate must be adaptable and forward-thinking, with creative flair and meticulous attention to detail with experience in a senior level manager position. A proven and robust hospitality knowledge, including strategic planning, food and beverage management, hospitality event delivery, the development of quality customer care strategies and pricing strategies are imperative to the role.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
- Significant senior management experience within a theatre, live entertainment, hospitality, or visitor attraction environment
- Proven track record of leading, motivating, and developing large customer-facing teams, including casual and contracted staff
- Strong commercial and financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and delivering against KPIs
- Proven ability to monitor and challenge food quality, service standards, menu execution, pricing, and presentation
- Experience of driving secondary spend, sales growth and spend-per-head
- Experience reviewing stock control, wastage, portion control, and cost management
- Excellent people management skills, including recruitment, training, performance management and succession planning
- Strong operational leadership with the ability to manage busy, high-pressure live environments
- Thorough knowledge of Health & Safety, food hygiene, licensing and compliance requirements
- Highly organised, resilient and adaptable, with excellent attention to detail
DESIRABLE
- Proven experience managing third‑party or contract catering/kitchen partners within a theatre, hospitality or live events environment
- Familiarity with zonal till systems, stock management software and hospitality reporting tools
- Experience of developing and delivering hospitality and events marketing plans in collaboration with marketing teams
- Understanding of sustainability initiatives within venue operations and hospitality settings
- Experience supporting accessibility, inclusion and equality initiatives in customer-facing environments
- Knowledge of safeguarding principles and experience acting as, or supporting, a Safeguarding Officer
FOR YOU
- Discounted theatre tickets
- Training and development plans
- Hundreds of savings across retailers with TE&ME
- Access to mental health resources
- And much more…
Eligibility criteria applies
KEY INFORMATION
- Role Title: General Manager
- Reports to: Theatre Director
- Responsible for: Customer Experience Team
- Hours: 40
- Contract: Permanent – Full Time
- Annual Leave: 33 days per annum inclusive of bank holidays
- Salary: £45,000.00 – £50,000.00
- Location: Wycombe, HP11 2XE, GB
General Manager | Wycombe Swan | Full Time employer: Wycombe Swan Theatre
Wycombe Swan is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises creativity, collaboration, and excellence. As a General Manager, you will lead a passionate team in delivering outstanding guest experiences while benefiting from comprehensive training and development opportunities, discounted theatre tickets, and access to mental health resources. Located in the heart of High Wycombe, this role provides a unique chance to thrive in a dynamic live entertainment environment, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager | Wycombe Swan | Full Time
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the venue and its recent events. Show your passion for live entertainment and hospitality by discussing how you can enhance guest experiences at Wycombe Swan.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of General Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed teams in high-pressure environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Wycombe Swan team.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager | Wycombe Swan | Full Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for hospitality and live entertainment shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about creating exceptional experiences for guests!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in senior management roles, especially in hospitality or live events. We love seeing how your skills align with our values of Creativity, Collaboration, Excellence, and Respect.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure to communicate your achievements and experiences without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Wycombe Swan.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wycombe Swan Theatre
✨Know the Venue Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research Wycombe Swan thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its history, the types of shows it hosts, and its unique features. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their values and mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate a team. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed large teams, tackled challenges, or improved customer service. Highlight how you can inspire others to achieve excellence.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think about scenarios related to hospitality management, such as handling a dissatisfied guest or managing a busy event. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Financial Acumen
Since the role involves budgeting and financial management, be prepared to discuss your experience with cost control and delivering against KPIs. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles, and be ready to talk about your approach to driving sales growth and managing resources effectively.