At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Chiswick Cinema, driving financial performance and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
- Company: Join Trafalgar Entertainment, a dynamic leader in live entertainment and cinema.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted theatre tickets, training opportunities, and mental health resources.
- Other info: Be part of a fast-growing company with a passion for creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cinema while working in a vibrant cultural hub.
- Qualifications: Experience in venue management and strong financial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Chiswick Cinema opened in 2021 and became the first cinema to open in Chiswick since the 1930s. The venue boasts five screens, a café bar and a Lounge and Terrace. Film fans can enjoy a mixture of current releases, film seasons and event cinema in luxurious surroundings.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
As General Manager, you will be the senior leader of Chiswick Cinema, accountable for its financial performance, strategic direction, operational excellence and community positioning. You will shape and deliver a clear business plan to achieve or exceed budgeted EBITDA, grow secondary income (bar, events, hires and membership), and strengthen the cinema’s reputation as a premium cultural destination. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring strong venue management, retail/hospitality expertise and entrepreneurial drive. You will combine strategic thinking with operational grip, ensuring a first‑class customer experience while building sustainable commercial growth. You will line manage the Programme & Marketing Manager, FOH Manager and Venue Administrator, creating a high‑performing leadership team aligned to Trafalgar’s values and objectives. The General Manager reports to the Regional Director and has wide‑ranging relationships with others across Trafalgar Entertainment.
ABOUT YOU
We are seeking a commercially driven and operationally confident venue leader with strong hospitality and retail expertise. You will be:
- An experienced General Manager, Venue Manager or senior operations leader within cinema, hospitality, retail or live entertainment.
- Commercially astute, financially literate and confident managing budgets and P&L performance.
- Entrepreneurial and proactive, with a track record of developing new revenue streams.
- Experienced in managing premium customer experiences and high‑performing teams.
- Skilled at balancing strategic oversight with operational detail.
- A confident communicator, able to influence stakeholders internally and externally.
- Organised, resilient and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment.
ABOUT TRAFALGAR ENTERTAINMENT
Co‑founded by Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire in 2017, Trafalgar Entertainment is a premium international live entertainment business focused on new productions, venue ownership, Performing Arts education, theatre ticketing, the distribution of live‑streaming innovative content and the provision of great theatres where people can come together to share in the experience of live entertainment. TE is home to Trafalgar Theatres, The Chiswick Cinema, Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Trafalgar Releasing, Trafalgar Tickets, Stagecoach Performing Arts, Drama Kids/Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, ticketing company London Theatre Direct, Stagedoor, Jonathan Church Theatre Productions, and Imagine Theatre. Trafalgar Theatres is the venue‑operating division of Trafalgar Entertainment (TE). We currently operate 21 venues; including the Trafalgar Theatre in London’s West End and the Theatre Royal in Sydney. We’re growing fast, we’re confident in what we do, and we’re ambitious about the future. There’s never been a better time to get onboard. We are passionate about entertainment, audiences, and the live experience and we value Creativity, Collaboration, Excellence and Respect.
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
- Position Title: General Manager
- Location: Chiswick Cinema
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: 40hrs per week
- Annual Leave: 33 days per annum, inclusive of Public bank holidays (Pro-rota)
- Salary: £50,000 - £55,000
General Manager | Chiswick Cinema | Permanent in London employer: Wycombe Swan Theatre
Wycombe Swan Theatre is an outstanding employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises exceptional guest experiences and team collaboration. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, a supportive environment, and the chance to be part of a renowned venue in the heart of the community, making it a truly rewarding place to work for those passionate about hospitality and the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager | Chiswick Cinema | Permanent 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 Wycombe Swan Theatre. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wycombe Swan Theatre
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wycombe Swan Theatre 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 | Chiswick Cinema | Permanent 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 Wycombe Swan Theatre 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 Wycombe Swan Theatre
✨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!
