General Manager

Woodhead Restaurant Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bupa private health insurance

Staff discount across Woodhead venues

Welcome lunch

Enhanced parental leave

Mental health support

Paid sick leave

Volunteer days

Referral bonus £1,000

Long-service leave

Job summary

Portland in Fitzrovia, part of Woodhead Restaurant Group, is seeking a General Manager to lead the Front of House team and oversee lunch and dinner services. You will manage staff, ensure exceptional guest experiences, and drive day-to-day operations with warmth and professionalism.

We value development, teamwork and attention to detail, offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health insurance, staff discounts and generous leave.

Qualifications

• Experience as GM or AGM, taking the next step in leadership.
• Strong leadership, empathy and communication to manage front of house teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Front of House team and ensure smooth lunch and dinner service.
• Oversee day-to-day restaurant operations and guest experience.
• Coordinate with kitchen and front of house to maintain high service standards.

Skills

GM experience

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Join the Front of House Team at Portland

Portland, our Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Fitzrovia, is looking for a new General Manager to join our amazing team.

We believe exceptional service comes from people who genuinely care about their guests, their colleagues and their own development. Every member of our team plays an important role in creating memorable dining experiences built on warmth, professionalism and attention to detail.

The Role

As the leader of the Front of House team, you are responsible for the management of your staff, the smooth running of lunch and dinner services and the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. You are expected to establish a healthy and happy working environment that balances professionalism with employee welfare and job satisfaction.

Responsibilities

As General Manager, you must lead by example and carry out your duties to the highest possible standard. These responsibilities are inclusive of, though not limited to:

• Building and training a strong, supportive, and friendly team
• Planning and conducting instructive and inspirational daily briefings
• Producing a fair and efficient staff rota
• Ensuring the restaurant is kept clean, set-up prior to each service, and closed down following the end of evening service
• Devising and implementing the steps of service that will guide our guest experience
• Communicating clearly between the kitchen and front of house team
• Acting as a reference point for guests, helpful and full of knowledge
• Answering the restaurant telephone when required, taking reservations and answering guest queries
• Completing all health and safety, food hygiene and training materials provided to you and ensuring your colleagues have done likewise
• Exemplifying the culture, attitude and behaviour as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• The maintenance and upkeep of the building, including fire safety
• Financial reporting, invoices, and admin
• Staff development, including probations, appraisals and disciplinaries

About You

We're looking for people who love hospitality and enjoy making others feel welcome.

The Ideal Candidate Will

• Have experiences as GM or AGM wanting to take the next step (experience in fine dining is an advantage but not essential)
• Be friendly enthusiastic with a can-do attitude
• Be a compassionate and inspirational leader
• work well under pressure and as part of a team
• Be excited to take ownership of the role and really make it their own
• Be really care about providing a fantastic experience for guests
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail
• The ability to remain calm and organised during busy services
• Be passionate about food with a basic understanding of wine and beverages
• A willingness to learn and develop your skills

Above all else we prize a positive attitude, eagerness to learn and people who enjoy and take pride in their work.

Benefits & Career Development

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Bupa private health insurance
• 50% staff discount across all Woodhead Restaurant Group restaurants for up to six guests
• Welcome lunch
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Access to confidential mental health support
• Paid company sick leave
• Paid community volunteering days
• £1,000 employee referral bonus
• Additional annual leave with long service (up to three extra days)

We're passionate about developing our people. Many of our managers and chefs began their careers with us in junior positions, and we actively support internal progression through ongoing training, mentoring and development opportunities.

Why Woodhead Restaurant Group?

Woodhead Restaurant Group is home to five independent London restaurants:

• Portland
• Clipstone
• 64 Goodge Street
• Quality Wines
• Quality Chop House

Since opening Portland in 2015, we've grown thoughtfully by investing in talented people rather than pursuing rapid expansion.

Our Culture Is Built Around Four Core Values

• Respect
• Honesty
• Generosity
• Continuous improvement

In 2026, we were proud to be recognised as one of Code Hospitality's Happiest Places to Work, reflecting our commitment to creating rewarding, sustainable careers in hospitality.

Why Join Portland?

Portland is a vibrant Michelin-starred restaurant built around seasonal, ingredient-led cooking and genuine hospitality.

You'll work alongside talented chefs and front of house professionals who are passionate about their craft and committed to helping each other improve every day.

Whether you're already experienced or looking to build a long-term career in hospitality, you'll receive the support, training and opportunities to continue developing.

Diversity & Inclusion

Woodhead Restaurant Group is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels welcomed, respected and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to support you.