General Manager

WSH Group; Gainsborough CP, Sherborne; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary meals

Life Assurance

Progression pathways

28 days holiday

PERKBOX discounts

Recognition programmes

Long service awards

Workplace pension

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

WSH Restaurants is seeking a General Manager to lead The Clockspire’s day-to-day operations in the UK. You will drive hospitality excellence, manage a high-performing team, and ensure a memorable guest experience across service, kitchen coordination, and events.

You will balance financial performance with outstanding guest service, maintain compliance, and mentor managers to foster a culture of pride and progression within a growing company.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of diverse teams in a hospitality setting.
• Demonstrated excellence in guest experience and service standards.
• Experience managing operations, budgeting, and P&L performance.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and develop the management team including restaurant managers and junior staff.
• Oversee daily restaurant operations, kitchen coordination, and events.
• Optimize labour and resources to meet business needs while maintaining standards.
• Ensure health & safety, compliance, and quality control across the venue.
• Collaborate with marketing to drive revenue through events and promotions.

Skills

Leadership

Hospitality standards

Team building

Commercial awareness

Guest experience

Recruitment & onboarding

Job description

WSH Restaurants is a unique collection of stunning restaurants, bars, and one hotel across various locations in the UK, each with its own character and identity, offering exceptional hospitality through outstanding food and warm, skilful service.

We set incredibly high standards because we care passionately about our food, our people, and our guests. Our vision is to create individual, world-class dining destinations, united by unwavering quality, refined simplicity, and a relaxed yet polished ambience.

Our commitment to being a destination employer is reflected in our investment in career development, training, and mentorship fostering a culture of pride, accountability, and long-term success.

The General Manager is responsible for the overall success and smooth day-to-day operation of The Clockspire. This includes strategic leadership, understanding financial performance, operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and team development. The GM will ensure the business runs efficiently while consistently delivering an outstanding guest experience befitting the brand.

The restaurant benefits from an excellent work-life balance for hospitality:

• Closed every Monday
• Closed every Tuesday
• Closed Sunday evenings

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Inspire, mentor, and develop the management team, including Restaurant Managers and junior team.
• Build a high-performing team culture focused on collaboration, efficiency, and exceptional warm hospitality.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and continuous performance development.
• Foster open communication and empower the team to resolve challenges proactively.

Operations Management

• Oversee and support daily operations across restaurant service, kitchen coordination, and events.
• Optimise labour levels to meet business needs without compromising service standards.
• Ensure full compliance with operational standards, health & safety regulations, and food hygiene requirements.
• Regularly inspect the restaurant to ensure facilities, equipment, and furnishings are maintained to the highest level.

Guest Experience

• Champion a guest-centred culture and ensure every guest receives a memorable experience.
• Monitor and respond to guest feedback, using insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Set and uphold service and hospitality standards with the management team.
• Address and resolve guest concerns professionally and promptly by being empathic.

Financial and Strategic Planning

• Drive profitability by effectively managing food, beverage, consumables, utilities, and labour costs.
• Monitor financial performance and implement action plans to meet or exceed targets.
• Oversee stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to maximise revenue opportunities, including events and promotional activity.

Events and Marketing Support

• Support the planning and smooth execution of events, private dining, and seasonal promotions.
• Provide input for marketing campaigns aligned with The Clockspire’s identity and brand positioning.
• Act as an ambassador for the site, building strong local relationships.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure full compliance with company policies, licensing laws, and industry regulations.
• Understand and fill accurate records including financial reports, payroll, and personnel documentation.
• Review security procedures to protect team members, guests, and company assets.
• Lead or support investigations into incidents or accidents.

Qualifications

• Natural charisma and presence
• Outstanding hospitality standards
• Excellent leadership and coaching skills
• The ability to build and inspire a high-performing team
• Commercial awareness without compromising guest experience
• A genuine appreciation for country-house and destination dining

Additional Information

WSH Restaurants offers a family-feel culture with exceptional opportunities for development and progression.Benefits include:

• Complimentary meals during shifts
• Life Assurance
• Clear progression pathways within a growing company
• 28 days holiday, increasing with length of service
• Access to our PERKBOX platform with discounts on gym memberships, travel, shopping, gadgets and more
• Recognition programmes, long service awards, and performance incentives
• Enrolment into workplace pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing hub
• Cycle to Work Scheme