EXCEPTIONAL GENERAL MANAGER / GENERAL MANAGER TEAM SOUGHT FOR NEWLY RENOVATED FREEHOUSE IN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
Are you a dynamic hospitability professional looking for more than just another pub management role? Imagine running a beautifully renovated 17th century Free House, set in stunning Shropshire countryside, where you'll have the freedom to create something special with the backing of a passionate community. The Fox at Ryton isn't just a pub - it's the beating heart of our village, saved by the community it serves, and a successful business waiting to be taken to the next level.
We're seeking an exceptional manager / general manager team who share our vision of creating a destination pub that combines excellent food and drink with true community spirit. With a newly renovated building, upgraded commercial kitchen, and modern on-site accommodation, The Fox offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern facilities. This is your chance to write the next chapter in our pub's 340-year history, supported by committed shareholders and an engaged local community.
Background: The Fox is a historic 17th century pub with 52 indoor covers plus c25 covers outdoors. Following its closure in September 2022, the community rallied together to save this treasured village asset, raising substantial funds through community shares, a government grant, and donations. Since its reopening in December 2025, The Fox has already proved to be a successful and vibrant wet-sales business and destination pub. We are now looking for a new Manager to continue the success and build up the food business.
What Makes The Fox Special:
· Strong, consistent and growing sales performance since reopening 5 months ago
· Excellent community support with over 260 shareholders from 14 local villages
· Beautiful location in rural Shropshire situated between Shrewsbury and Church Stretton, overlooking the Shropshire Hills AONB
· Significant tourist potential from nearby holiday cottages, caravan sites and walking/cycling routes
· No other pub within the Parish of Condover
· Proven track record of success under previous long-term owners
· Historic building dating back to 1680
· Support from an engaged Board of Directors and dedicated volunteer base
The Opportunity: We seek an experienced and entrepreneurial professional to run The Fox as a thriving pub that is both commercially successful and a true community hub. The position includes a competitive salary (DOE), pension, on-site accommodation (a modern 2 bedroom / 2 reception room flat above the pub), and potential Bonus.
If you are a general manager team, a joint salary would be negotiated depending on your experience and what you would bring to the project.
Key Responsibilities:
· Overall management and day-to-day operations of The Fox public house
· Establish our kitchen, hiring a chef, and establishing a high quality food offering and beverage service to customers that attracts both locals and visitors
· Manage all staff including recruitment, training, rotas, and performance
· Financial management including cash handling, budgeting, stock control
· Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations
· Work closely with the Management team to implement strategy and vision
· Foster strong relationships with all groups in our community, actively participate in community life and understand local needs
· Oversee and support the volunteer-led community coffee shop and pop-up shop operating from The Fox several mornings per week
· Promote and market The Fox to drive footfall and revenue
Required Experience & Qualities:
· Track record of running a successful food-led pub or similar hospitality business
· Experience managing a diverse customer base from locals to tourists
· Strong organizational and planning skills
· Creative approach to marketing and events
· Commitment to supporting local suppliers and producers
· Enthusiasm for being part of rural community life
· Understanding of the unique aspects of community-owned businesses
· Ability to balance commercial success with community benefit
The Ideal Candidate Will:
· Share our vision of The Fox as both a successful business and vital community asset
· Have the energy and ideas to make The Fox a destination pub
· Bring warmth and personality to create a welcoming atmosphere for all
· Have the commercial acumen to drive sustainable success
· Be passionate about quality food, drink and service
· Embrace the community ownership model and work effectively with volunteers
· Want to become active members of our community
Support Structure:
· Engaged Board of Directors with diverse business skills
· Strong volunteer base for community initiatives
· Established relationships with local suppliers
· Marketing and events support from dedicated Director
· Regular communication channels with shareholders and community
This is a unique opportunity to run a beautiful historic pub with strong community backing and the potential for significant growth. The successful candidates will have the autonomy to shape The Fox's future while benefiting from the support and resources of an engaged community ownership structure.
Pay: £34,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
