General Manager

Upham Inns; Sway; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Upham Inns is seeking a General Manager for The Old Mill, Hordle. This role involves leading a dedicated team to create memorable guest experiences while managing operations efficiently. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader, passionate about hospitality, and financially savvy, ready to make a significant impact in a vibrant pub environment.

Benefits

Performance bonus based on KPI and EBITDA

Tronc share worth up to £5,000 annually

Flexible shift patterns

33% off food and drink when dining off-duty

Hotel stay discounts

Career development programmes

The Lifestyle Card with discounts

Service awards and refer-a-friend bonuses

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year as General Manager in a quality pub/restaurant.
• Skilled in leadership and team development.
• Financially savvy with knowledge of P&L and stock control.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Manage budgets, labor, stock, and compliance.
• Foster community engagement and uphold safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Financial Management

Education

Experience in a quality pub/restaurant

Job description

General Manager – The Old Mill, Hordle

Location: Hordle, Hampshire

Salary: £60,000 per annum + Bonus + Tronc (up to £5,000)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Lead With Heart and Hustle at One of Hampshire’s Most Characterful Pubs

Nestled in the picturesque village of Hordle, The Old Mill is a stunning converted watermill steeped in history and full of charm. With its original features, cosy interiors, and a serene riverside garden, it’s the kind of place where guests come to relax, celebrate, and reconnect.

Whether it’s a Sunday roast by the fire, a long summer lunch in the garden, or a quiet midweek pint, The Old Mill is all about creating experiences that people remember – and come back for. As General Manager, you’ll be the face and heartbeat of the pub, building a loyal local following and ensuring every guest experience is nothing short of excellent.

As General Manager, you’ll be the custodian of those memories – leading your team with passion and purpose to ensure every guest leaves smiling, every time.

But make no mistake – this is a serious trading role. You’ll bring commercial savvy, a sharp eye for detail, and a relentless focus on performance. You know how to run a tight, profitable operation without ever compromising on hospitality. You’ll thrive on hitting your numbers – and smashing them.

What’s in It for You?

• £60,000 per year + performance bonus (KPI and EBITDA-based)
• Tronc share worth up to £5,000 annually
• Flexible shift patterns to support your lifestyle
• 33% off food and drink when dining off-duty – for you and up to 6 guests
• Hotel stay discounts – 33% for you, 20% for friends & family
• Career development programmes with clear pathways
• The Lifestyle Card – over 5,000 discounts at local and national brands
• Service awards and refer-a-friend bonuses up to £1,000
• A supportive, people-first culture in a company that’s growing fast
  
  

Your Role: Creating Moments That Matter

At The Old Mill, it’s not just about managing a pub – it’s about crafting unforgettable guest experiences. You’ll lead by example, inspire your team, and ensure every detail – from the quality of the food to the warmth of the welcome – is consistently spot-on.

What You'll Do

• Build, train, and inspire a team that loves delivering "unreasonable hospitality"
• Be a visible leader who thrives on guest interaction and feedback
• Foster a warm, welcoming atmosphere that guests return to time and again
• Manage budgets, labour, stock and compliance with confidence
• Champion community engagement and local partnerships
• Uphold the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and licensing
  
  

Who You Are

• An experienced General Manager (minimum 1 year in a quality pub/restaurant)
• A natural host – warm, approachable, and obsessed with great service
• Passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences, not transactions
• Skilled in leadership, team development, and building positive cultures
• Financially savvy with knowledge of P&L, labour costs, and stock control
• Organised, motivated, and always ready to go the extra mile
• Holds the Right to Work in the UK and is willing to work flexible hours
  
  

Why Join Upham Inns?

We’re a family of premium pubs across Southern England, each one unique, full of character, and deeply connected to its local community. At Upham Inns, we believe in giving our people the freedom to run their pub as if it were their own – with real autonomy, full support, and the opportunity to grow with us.

When you join us, you’re not just taking on a role – you’re joining a team that’s passionate about making guests feel special and building pubs we’re all proud of.

Ready to Be the Heart of The Old Mill?

If you’re looking for a role where you can truly make an impact – where guest experiences matter, where your team matters, and where you can create something meaningful every day – then we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us make The Old Mill the most welcoming escape in Hampshire.