General Manager – The Cardigan Arms, Leeds
Kirkstall Brewery | Full-time | Competitive Salary + Bonus
The Cardigan Arms is one of Leeds' most loved pubs – a vibrant community venue known for exceptional cask ale, outstanding food, and warm Yorkshire hospitality. As part of the award-winning Kirkstall Brewery family, we're proud of our heritage, passionate about quality, and committed to creating memorable experiences for every guest.
We're looking for an experienced, ambitious, and hands-on General Manager to lead The Cardigan Arms into its next chapter.
This is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality professional who thrives on leading from the front, building high-performing teams, and driving standards across every aspect of the business. You'll be responsible for maintaining the pub's excellent reputation whilst identifying new opportunities to grow sales, develop the team, and further strengthen The Cardigan's position as one of Leeds' premier pub destinations.
The Role
As General Manager, you'll take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of The Cardigan Arms, overseeing both the bar and kitchen operation while delivering exceptional standards of service, quality, compliance, and team engagement.
You'll be the face of the business, leading a passionate team, championing the Kirkstall Brewery brand, and ensuring every guest leaves wanting to return.
You'll also hold the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) role, or be eligible to do so.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing front and back-of-house team
- Champion exceptional customer service and create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests
- Drive sales and profitability through strong commercial management
- Maintain outstanding standards of food quality, beer quality, cleanliness, and presentation
- Manage rotas, labour costs, payroll hours, and staffing levels effectively
- Oversee stock control, ordering, deliveries, and supplier relationships
- Handle customer feedback and resolve issues professionally and confidently
- Ensure accurate banking, cash handling, and financial controls
- Recruit, train, coach, and develop team members to achieve their full potential
- Maintain all licensing, health & safety, food safety, and compliance requirements
- Work closely with Head Office to deliver business objectives and identify opportunities for growth
- Act as a proud ambassador for both The Cardigan Arms and Kirkstall Brewery
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as an Assistant or General Manager within a busy food-led pub, restaurant, or hospitality venue
- A passion for great pubs, quality food, and excellent beer
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing successful teams
- Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, labour, GP, and stock control
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A hands-on approach and willingness to lead from the front
- Strong knowledge of licensing legislation, health & safety, and compliance
- Eligibility to hold a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) licence
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- Performance-related bonus scheme
- Wellbeing Programme
- Training and development opportunities
- Supportive and inclusive working environment
- Career progression opportunities within a growing independent brewery and pub group
- The chance to lead one of Leeds' most respected and well-established pubs
If you're passionate about hospitality, people, and creating exceptional guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of the Kirkstall Brewery family.
Pay: From £32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
