General Manager

Las Iguanas; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

45-hour contract

Quarterly bonus

Discounts on food & drinks across Big 

Apprenticeships Level 5

Job summary

Las Iguanas seeks an experienced General Manager to own the restaurant, lead a high-energy team, and ensure exceptional guest experiences in a fast-paced hospitality setting. You will drive sales, manage costs and coach staff to deliver the warm, vibrant Las Iguanas experience.

You’ll balance commercial targets with people development, stay hands-on on the floor and in the back office, and inspire a culture where guests and teams feel valued and supported.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a restaurant team.
• Strong hospitality background.

Responsibilities

• Lead from the front—delivering exceptional guest experiences and being the face of the restaurant.
• Drive performance—achieving and exceeding brand and restaurant goals.
• Inspire & develop your team—creating a fun, motivating environment while nurturing internal talent.
• Ensure safety & compliance—keeping the restaurant running smoothly and legally.
• Be commercially aware understanding how every decision impacts the wider business.

Skills

People leadership

Hospitality

Commercial awareness

Team development

Job description

Join Our South American Ad venture as a General Manager

At Las Iguanas, we’re all about bold flavours, vibrant energy and unforgettable guest experiences. Inspired by the colour, music and culture of Latin America, our restaurants are lively, fast‑paced places where great food, great people and great vibes come together — and our General Managers lead the way.

As a General Manager at Las Iguanas, you’ll take full ownership of your restaurant, setting the tone, driving performance and creating an environment where both guests and teams thrive. You’ll lead from the front, build and develop a high‑energy team, and make sure every service delivers the warm, feel‑good Las Iguanas experience we’re known for.

You’ll balance the commercial side with the people side owning results, controlling costs and driving sales, while also coaching, motivating and inspiring your team to be their best. From the floor to the back office, you’ll be hands‑on, visible and always focused on creating a brilliant atmosphere.

We’re looking for an experienced, people‑first leader who loves hospitality, thrives in a fast‑moving environment and knows how to build strong teams. You’ll be confident, commercially aware and passionate about delivering great food and service, with the ambition to keep growing your career.

If you’re ready to lead with personality, bring the energy every day, and run a restaurant that feels more like a celebration than a workplace, Las Iguanas is the place for you.

Why Las Iguanas?

We know that happy teams create amazing guest experiences, so we offer:

• A Place for Everyone – We celebrate individuality and believe in adding to our culture! Whoever you are, if you bring passion and leadership, there’s a place for you at our table.
• Competitive Pay & Benefits – 45-hour contract, quarterly bonus, and opportunity to earn Tronc.
• Amazing Discounts – 50% off food and drink across all Big Table Group brands and 25% for friends & family.
• Career Development – Fully funded apprenticeships in Operations Management (Level 5).
• Salary Sacrifice Scheme – Make the most of tax‑efficient savings on National Insurance, pension contributions, and a range of lifestyle benefits.
• Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Programme includes a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, a second medical opinion service, and more.
• Perks & Rewards – Access to wages before payday, salary finance support, healthcare cash plan, dental plan, discounted gym memberships, and savings on theme parks, shopping, and entertainment!
• Team Competitions & Events – Win a trip to Cuba, Brazil or beyond , team parties, and even a chance to win e‑points to spend on your favourite retailers.

What You'll Do as a General Manager:

• Lead from the front—delivering exceptional guest experiences and being the face of the restaurant.
• Drive performance—achieving and exceeding brand and restaurant goals.
• Inspire & develop your team—creating a fun, motivating environment while nurturing internal talent.
• Ensure safety & compliance—keeping the restaurant running smoothly and legally.
• Be commercially aware understanding how every decision impacts the wider business.

Who We're Looking For:

At Las Iguanas, our teams are like family. We put people at the heart of everything we do, creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where you can be yourself, feel supported, and grow your career. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’ve got you.

Thinking about using AI tools for your application? They can be great for getting started, but what really makes an application shine is you, your energy, experience, personality, and leadership style.

What’s the process?

Application → CV review → friendly phone chat → first‑stage interview → second‑stage interview → offer and onboarding

At Las Iguanas, we don’t just look for experience – we look for people with a genuine love for hospitality who care about their teams and our guests. If that sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to the family.