Role Overview
The Old King's Head is an independent hospitality business comprising a busy pub, restaurant, boutique hotel and events venue. We are looking for an ambitious, commercially minded and hands-on Hospitality General Manager to lead the successful operation, continued development and future growth of the business.
This is far more than a traditional pub management role.
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the venue whilst proactively identifying opportunities to improve operational performance, maximise hotel occupancy, increase revenue, develop events and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
Working closely with the Directors, the General Manager will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the business, driving continuous improvement and building a highly engaged team capable of delivering consistently excellent hospitality.
This is a leadership position requiring an experienced hospitality professional with proven hotel management experience, strong commercial awareness and the ability to lead from the front within a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
- Lead the day-to-day operation of the pub, restaurant, boutique hotel and associated hospitality services.
- Deliver consistently outstanding customer service and guest experiences across all areas of the business.
- Lead by example with a visible, hands-on management style, supporting all operational departments when required.
- Develop, implement and continuously improve operational procedures, service standards and working practices.
- Ensure the venue is maintained to exceptional standards throughout all customer and back-of-house areas.
- Monitor customer feedback, online reviews and service performance, implementing improvements wherever opportunities are identified.
- Handle customer concerns professionally, ensuring positive outcomes wherever possible.
- Maintain effective supplier relationships and oversee purchasing and stock management.
- Ensure smooth daily opening, trading and closing procedures.
Hotel Operations & Revenue Management
- Take full responsibility for the operation and performance of the hotel's accommodation offering.
- Drive occupancy, average room rate and overall accommodation revenue through proactive management.
- Manage online travel agent (OTA) platforms including Booking.com and other booking channels, ensuring pricing, availability and content are continually optimised.
- Monitor booking trends, competitor activity and local demand to maximise occupancy and profitability.
- Oversee room presentation, housekeeping standards and guest satisfaction.
- Review guest feedback and online reputation, implementing improvements to continuously enhance the hotel experience.
- Identify opportunities to develop additional accommodation packages, seasonal promotions and guest experiences.
Commercial Performance & Business Growth
- Take ownership of the venue's financial performance, budgets and profitability.
- Develop and implement initiatives to increase revenue across food, beverage, accommodation and events.
- Identify new commercial opportunities to grow turnover and improve profitability.
- Analyse sales performance, labour costs, gross profit, stock control and operational expenditure.
- Implement effective cost control measures without compromising quality or customer experience.
- Produce regular operational and financial reports for the Directors.
- Monitor key business performance indicators and use data to drive informed commercial decisions.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and accountability throughout the business.
Events, Marketing & Business Development
- Develop and deliver an annual programme of events designed to increase customer footfall and revenue.
- Work closely with marketing activity to maximise promotion of seasonal campaigns, accommodation offers and events.
- Identify opportunities to increase private functions, celebrations, weddings, business meetings and corporate events.
- Build strong relationships within the local community, businesses and tourism organisations to generate new business.
- Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the venue's reputation and market presence.
Leadership & People Management
- Recruit, develop and retain high-performing employees across all departments.
- Build an engaged, motivated and customer-focused team.
- Deliver effective induction, coaching and ongoing training.
- Manage staffing levels and rotas to balance customer service with labour budgets.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and support career development.
- Promote a positive, professional and inclusive workplace culture.
- Manage employee relations matters including absence, disciplinary and grievance processes in accordance with company policies and employment legislation.
- Encourage accountability, ownership and high performance throughout the team.
Financial Management & Commercial Performance
- Manage the venue budgets, forecasts and financial performance.
- Drive revenue growth and maximise profitability.
- Monitor labour costs, stock control, waste management and operating expenses.
- Produce regular financial and operational reports for directors.
- Implement effective cost control measures without compromising service standards.
- Analyse sales performance and identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
- Support marketing and promotional initiatives to increase customer engagement and brand awareness.
Compliance & Licensing
- Ensure full compliance with all Health & Safety, Food Safety, Fire Safety, Environmental Health and Licensing legislation.
- Maintain accurate statutory records and ensure all compliance checks are completed.
- Ensure all employees receive appropriate compliance training.
- Maintain a safe working environment for employees, customers and contractors.
- Act as Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) and/or Personal Licence Holder where applicable.
- Ensure company policies and legal obligations are fully implemented throughout the business.
Director & Stakeholder Communication
- Provide regular operational, commercial and financial updates to the Directors.
- Work collaboratively with the ownership team to support the ongoing strategic development of the business.
- Maintain excellent relationships with suppliers, contractors and external stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for future investment and continuous business improvement.
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
· Proven experience as a General Manager or senior operational leader within the hospitality industry.
· Significant experience managing both food & beverage operations and hotel/accommodation operations.
· Demonstrable success in driving commercial performance, increasing revenue and improving profitability.
· Experience managing hotel booking systems and online travel agent platforms (such as Booking.com).
· Strong understanding of hotel occupancy management, pricing strategy and revenue optimisation.
· Experience developing and delivering successful hospitality events and promotional activity.
· Excellent leadership, communication and people management skills.
· Strong commercial and financial management capability.
· Experience managing budgets, labour costs, stock control and gross profit.
· Excellent organisational, planning and time management skills.
· Strong operational knowledge across restaurant, bar, kitchen and hotel functions.
· Excellent customer service standards with a passion for delivering exceptional hospitality.
· Ability to remain calm under pressure whilst maintaining high standards.
· Hands-on, proactive and solutions-focused approach.
· Strong understanding of Health & Safety, Food Safety and Licensing legislation.
Desirable
· Experience opening, relaunching or repositioning hospitality businesses.
· Personal Licence Holder.
· Hospitality Management qualification.
· Experience managing boutique hotels or premium hospitality venues.
· Experience using hospitality management and booking systems.
· Knowledge of local tourism and hospitality markets.
Hours of Work
This is a salaried management position.
Whilst a full-time appointment is preferred, flexible working arrangements may be considered for an exceptional candidate.
Due to the nature of hospitality, flexibility is essential and the successful candidate will be expected to work such hours as are reasonably necessary to fulfil the responsibilities of the role, including evenings, weekends and public holidays where required.
The role combines operational leadership with strategic planning and administrative responsibilities.
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Bonus/incentive scheme (subject to business performance)
- Company pension.
- Holiday entitlement in accordance with statutory requirements and company policy.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
