General Manager

About the job
GENERAL MANAGER - South West London
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT. COMMUNITY-LED. BIG-BRAND BACKING.
What's in it for you?
£55,000 to £60,000 for the right candidate, plus bonus
Generous staff discount across the wider group's pubs, plus discounted hotel stays
Run your own P&L within one of London's most exciting premium pub portfolios
The full backing, systems and security of a major managed pub group, without losing the independent, community feel of your pub
A high-profile site with strong existing trade, loyal regulars and real scope to grow further
Genuine investment in the estate recent projects include a £120,000 investment
A real chance to build something long-term and become a fixture of your local community, not just run a shift
Who are they?
Our client is the premium, community-focused pub arm of one of the UK's largest managed pub companies, home to some of South West London's best-loved local pubs. Each site is run with genuine independent spirit distinct character, loyal regulars and a strong sense of place while benefiting from the scale, systems and investment of a major group. This particular pub is a community-focused, sports-led site with recent strong investment to the tune of £120,000.
It averages £70,000£80,000 a week (roughly 75:25 wet:dry), with big-day potential of £25,000+ on sports days, backed by a strong 20-strong front-of-house team, 2 Assistant Managers and 3 Supervisors. This is a business that wants operators who feel like the beating heart of their pub, not a manager parachuted in to run shifts genuinely proud, hands-on, and invested in doing right by their team and their locals.
What will you get up to?
Take full ownership of your pub's P&L, driving both wet and dry sales against clear GP targets
Lead, develop and grow a long-standing front-of-house team, bringing energy and setting the standard
Build genuine relationships with local residents, businesses and regulars to establish your pub as a true community hub
Maintain world-class standards across service, presentation and social media presence
Plan and deliver events and activations that drive footfall and strengthen your pub's local reputation
Navigate the group's systems and processes proactively, without losing the independent feel of your site
Manage upwards effectively, keeping your Area Manager informed and engaged, not just directing your own team
Identify opportunities for improvement before being asked from the guest experience to the P&L
What are we looking for?
A proven General Manager from a premium or independent-feeling pub background this is an "independent spirit" business, not a corporate chain
Strong community engagement experience someone who builds a loyal local following, not just passing trade
Advanced commercial knowledge full P&L ownership, wet/dry sales mix, and management of GP targets
Experience operating within a large managed pub estate while retaining autonomy and initiative
A track record of managing and developing a team within a long-standing staff culture, growing people rather than just rostering them
Grounded, approachable and genuinely invested in your local community not just running a shift
A strong leader who gives clear direction and has real presence on the floor, without being militant about it
Proactive rather than reactive you spot what needs fixing before anyone has to tell you
Infectious enthusiasm that raises the whole team's game
Comfortable managing upwards as well as down you'll keep your Area Manager informed and engaged, not just direct your own team
Committed for the long term this is about building something, not job-hopping
The best people aren't looking. But you might be.
Sound great? Please apply below. Not for you? We will help you with your next move. Get in touch via our website.
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