At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a busy pub, manage a large team, and create an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Company: Join one of Scotland's top hospitality groups in Edinburgh's vibrant Grassmarket.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, staff discounts, and career progression.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, energetic environment.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of a dynamic venue with craft beer, live music, and stunning views.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a General Manager in high-volume venues with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Yellow 42 Recruitment are currently working with one of Scotland’s leading hospitality groups, with a diverse and growing estate to find a General Manager for one of their busiest bars in the heart of Edinburgh’s iconic Grassmarket area. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced GM.
This is a large-scale, multi-floor venue with serious pace, complexity, and expectation. Craft beer brewed on-site, a high-output Neapolitan pizza kitchen, live entertainment, and one of the most in-demand rooftop terraces in the city, all under one roof.
If you know how to run big venues, build big teams, and create serious atmosphere, this is an opportunity you would not like to miss.
The Venue
- Live Bar & Taproom – High-energy, late-night trading, live music, tank-fresh beer
- Brewery & Pizza Floor – Open kitchen, artisan Neapolitan pizza, microbrewery at the core
- Rooftop Terrace – One of Edinburgh’s best rooftops with direct views of Edinburgh Castle
- Grassmarket External Trading – High-footfall, year-round tourism, and event-driven peaks
This site trades hard, across all seasons, with major peaks around weekends, events, and tourism.
The Opportunity
- You will take full ownership of one of our flagship venues.
- Leading a large, multi-layered team.
- Managing high weekly revenues across multiple income streams.
- Driving both operational excellence and atmosphere.
- Delivering consistency at scale while still pushing the venue forward.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a General Manager in a high-volume venue.
- Must have operated venues delivering £60k+ per week as a minimum.
- Experience leading teams of 50+ people in a fast-paced, multi-department environment.
- Strong leadership presence; able to command a large team and drive standards daily.
- Commercially sharp with a deep understanding of P&L, labour control, and revenue growth.
- A natural operator who understands how to build energy, atmosphere, and guest experience.
- Decisive, resilient, and calm under pressure.
- Strong grasp of compliance, licensing, and health & safety.
Your Role
- Operational Leadership – Own the full operation across all floors, ensuring consistency, pace and high standards at all times.
- Team Leadership & Culture – Recruit, develop and lead a large team. Build a culture of accountability, energy, and pride.
- Financial Performance – Take ownership of the numbers. Deliver budget, control costs, and maximise profitability.
- Guest Experience – Set the tone. Drive service standards and create an atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
- Compliance & Standards – Ensure the venue operates safely, legally, and to the highest operational standards.
Salary, Package and Benefits
- £45,000 – £55,000 base salary DOE.
- On-target earnings of up to £70,000 (including tronc and bonus).
- 25% to 50% staff discount across all venues.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Additional annual leave with service.
- Genuine progression opportunities across the group.
- A business that values both performance and people.
General Manager - Busy pub in Edinburgh Grassmarket employer: Yellow 42 Recruitment
Join a dynamic team at one of the UK's largest independent hotel groups, where your passion for hospitality will be nurtured and rewarded. Located in the picturesque town of Oban, this role offers not only competitive pay but also excellent career progression opportunities, hands-on training, and a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth. Enjoy unique benefits such as discounted hotel stays and access to mental health services, all while working in a beautifully refurbished environment just a stone's throw from the bay.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Busy pub in Edinburgh Grassmarket
✨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 Yellow 42 Recruitment. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Yellow 42 Recruitment
Don't be shy about reaching out to Yellow 42 Recruitment 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 - Busy pub in Edinburgh Grassmarket
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 Yellow 42 Recruitment 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 Yellow 42 Recruitment
✨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!
