General Manager

Knepp Swallows Ltd; Horsham; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering rewilding project in the UK seeks a General Manager to oversee the restaurant and shop at Knepp Estate. You will manage daily operations, ensure exceptional customer experiences, and promote sustainability in all aspects. The ideal candidate will have proven hospitality experience, strong leadership skills, and a customer-first mindset. This role offers competitive salary packages and numerous employee perks, set in an inspiring environment focused on ecological restoration.

Benefits

Competitive salary

KPI linked Bonus

Staff discounts & holiday allowance

Professional development opportunities

Weekly staff Yoga

Good work-life balance

Free camping at the campsite

Complimentary safari

Accommodation possibility

Free parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in hospitality, restaurant, and retail management.
• Strong leadership skills with a capability to manage diverse teams.
• Excellent communication abilities and customer-first mindset.
• Sound financial management skills, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Good knowledge of sustainability practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the onsite restaurant and shop.
• Ensure exceptional service quality and guest satisfaction.
• Oversee financial performance, budgeting, and cost control.
• Collaborate with marketing for events and seasonal menus.
• Embed sustainability ethos within operations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Customer service mindset

Financial management

Communication skills

Operational management

Job description

Job Title: General Manager

Location: Knepp Estate, Dial Post, Horsham (applicants must be able to drive to the site as there is no public transport available)

Salary: Salary details will be shared and discussed during the interview stage

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Knepp is a pioneering 3,500-acre rewilding project in West Sussex, internationally recognised for its radical approach to restoring biodiversity and natural processes. Alongside our ecological work, the Wilding Kitchen & Shop is the public heart of the Knepp experience - serving food inspired by our landscape, championing regenerative produce, and connecting visitors to nature through exceptional hospitality and ethical retail.

The Wilding Kitchen has recently been recognised by the Michelin Guide, a reflection of our team's dedication to honest, ingredient-led cooking and our commitment to showcasing the abundance that rewilding and regenerative farming can bring.

About the role

As a key member of the team, you will manage and oversee the performance of the onsite restaurant and shop. Your key duties will encompass:

Operations & Performance

• Ensure smooth daily operations with exceptional attention to service quality, safety, and efficiency
• Develop and implement systems and processes that improve consistency, productivity, and guest satisfaction
• Oversee financial performance - managing budgets, forecasts, cost control, and KPIs
• Maintain excellent standards of presentation and functionality across the restaurant, shop, and shared spaces

Customer Experience

• Ensure every visitor receives a warm, knowledgeable, and memorable experience
• Champion hospitality that reflects Knepp's authenticity and connection to nature
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop events, seasonal menus, and visitor offers that deepen engagement

Retail & Supply Chain

• Help sourcing and curation of retail and restaurant products that align with Knepp's principles - local, ethical, seasonal, and regenerative
• Help build strong relationships with local and regenerative suppliers
• Oversee stock control, pricing, and merchandising to maximise sales and minimise waste

Sustainability & Impact

• Help embed Knepp's sustainability ethos in all aspects of restaurant and shop operations
• Monitor environmental impact and implement initiatives to reduce waste, energy use, and carbon footprint
• Collaborate with Knepp's wider team to integrate rewilding and regenerative food storytelling into the visitor experience

Project expansion

• To advise and lead on new initiatives: Online shop, Collaborations, Car parking charges, Marketing

About you

Essential

• Proven experience in hospitality, restaurant, and retail
• Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to manage, motivate, and develop diverse teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a customer-first mindset
• Sound financial management skills - budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
• Good knowledge, or willingness to learn about sustainability
• Ability to balance hands‑on operational management with strategic leadership
• Experience of reporting and interacting with family owners/board members
• Experience in working as part of a large organisation
• Strong knowledge of employment law and employer responsibilities
• Experience of managing a team of 50+
• Must be able drive

Desirable

• Experience working within a purpose‑led or environmental organisation
• Knowledge of regenerative agriculture, farm‑to‑fork supply chains, or sustainable retail
• Experience in event management, tourism, or rural hospitality
• Familiarity with Knepp's work and ethos

Employee Perks & Benefits

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• KPI linked Bonus'
• Generous staff discounts & holiday allowance
• Opportunities for professional development and engagement with Knepp's rewilding initiatives
• Weekly staff Yoga
• Good work life balance, very few evenings, one weekend day off a week
• A chance to play a leading role in one of the UK's most inspiring sustainability projects
• Free camping at our award‑winning campsite
• Complimentary safari in our rewilding project
• Accommodation a possibility
• Free parking

Please click on the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role.

Overseas candidates will NOT be considered for this role. We are not sponsoring Visa's at this time, so please refrain from applying unless eligible to work in the UK

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Restaurant Operations Manager, F&B Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, General Manager, General Manager - Hospitality, Restaurant Manager, Hospitality Manager, Retail Manager, Area Manager, Store Manager may also be considered for this role