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: Discounted theatre tickets, training plans, mental health resources, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team creating unforgettable experiences for guests.
- 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…
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 in High Wycombe employer: Wycombe Swan Theatre
At Wycombe Swan, we pride ourselves on being a leading live entertainment venue in High Wycombe, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a General Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences while benefiting from comprehensive training and development plans, discounted theatre tickets, and access to mental health resources. Join us in creating memorable moments for our community and enjoy a fulfilling career in the heart of Buckinghamshire's cultural scene.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager | Wycombe Swan | Full Time in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the theatre and hospitality scene. Attend events, join local groups, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get that interview, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about your experiences and how you've led teams to success. Remember, they want to see the real you!
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research Wycombe Swan and understand their values and mission. Tailor your conversation to show how your experience aligns with their goals. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager | Wycombe Swan | Full Time in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for hospitality and live entertainment shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about delivering exceptional experiences for guests!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of General Manager. Highlight your relevant experience in managing teams and delivering high-quality service, as well as any specific achievements that align with our values of Creativity, Collaboration, Excellence, and Respect.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application 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 events it hosts, and its overall mission. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their values.
✨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, improved customer service, or implemented effective strategies. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire the staff at Wycombe Swan.
✨Highlight Your Financial Acumen
Given the role's focus on commercial management, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. Bring examples of how you've driven sales growth or managed expenses in previous roles. This will reassure them that you can handle the financial aspects of the position.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Creativity
The job requires someone who is adaptable and forward-thinking. Think of instances where you've had to pivot quickly in a high-pressure environment or come up with creative solutions to challenges. Sharing these stories will illustrate your fit for the dynamic nature of the role.