
About the Role
Whelans Pubs is looking for an experienced, driven and passionate General Manager to lead one of our busy pubs. This is an opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, has a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, and is committed to building high-performing teams.
As General Manager, you will take full ownership of your business, driving sales, profitability, operational standards and team development while creating a welcoming atmosphere for every guest.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
Lead, inspire and develop your management and bar teams.
Recruit, train and retain exceptional team members.
Create a positive, motivated and accountable working culture.
Conduct regular team meetings, coaching sessions and performance reviews.
Manage staffing levels and rotas in line with business needs.
Commercial Performance
Take full responsibility for achieving weekly and monthly sales targets.
Drive wet sales, food sales and profitability.
Maximise opportunities through events, entertainment and seasonal promotions.
Monitor labour costs, GP margins and controllable costs.
Analyse business performance and implement action plans to improve results.
Customer Experience
Deliver exceptional customer service standards every day.
Resolve customer complaints professionally.
Build relationships with regular guests and the local community.
Maintain consistently high review scores across online platforms.
Operations
Ensure the venue is presented to the highest standards at all times.
Maintain excellent cleanliness throughout front and back of house.
Ensure compliance with company operating procedures.
Complete daily, weekly and monthly compliance checks.
Financial Control
Manage cash handling procedures.
Complete accurate banking and financial reporting.
Control stock through regular stock takes and ordering.
Investigate and minimise stock losses and wastage.
Maintain strong cost controls across the business.
Compliance
Ensure full compliance with:
Licensing legislation
Health & Safety
Food Safety
Fire Safety
Employment legislation
Challenge 25 procedures
Company policies
Marketing & Business Development
Drive local marketing initiatives.
Promote live sport, entertainment and food offers.
Ensure social media is regularly updated with high-quality content.
Build relationships with local businesses, charities and community groups.
Identify opportunities to increase footfall and revenue.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
Minimum 3 years’ experience as a General Manager or experienced Deputy Manager in a high-volume pub or bar.
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Commercially focused with proven sales growth.
Excellent financial understanding including labour and GP control.
Personal Licence holder (or willing to obtain one).
Strong understanding of licensing and compliance.
Exceptional communication skills.
Excellent organisational ability.
Flexible to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Desirable
Experience managing food operations.
Experience delivering live entertainment and sporting events.
Cellar management knowledge.
First Aid qualification.
Level 2 Food Safety.
Personal Licence.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Sales growth
Profitability
Labour percentage
Gross Profit performance
Stock variance
Wage control
Customer satisfaction
Mystery visit results
Audit compliance
Team retention
Employee engagement
Online review scores
Health & Safety compliance
Licensing compliance
What We Offer
Competitive salary
Performance-related bonus scheme
Career progression opportunities
Ongoing training and development
Company pension
Employee discounts
Company events
Supportive Operations Team
Recognition and reward programmes
Our Values
At Whelans Pubs, we believe in:
People – Investing in our teams and creating opportunities for success.
Standards – Delivering excellence in everything we do.
Fun – Creating memorable experiences for our guests and our teams.
The Ideal Candidate
You’ll be an energetic, visible leader who leads from the front, sets high standards and inspires your team every day. You’ll be commercially aware, passionate about hospitality, confident in making decisions, and motivated by creating thriving pubs that guests love to visit.
If you’re ready to take ownership of a successful pub and build an exceptional business with Whelans Pubs, we’d love to hear from you.

Independent pubs and dining • 51-250 Employees
Hiring on JOB TODAY since November, 2024
An independent ever expanding pub group, focusing on amazing services, an exceedingly high quality offering and excellent progression opportunities
Post a job and hire