General Manager

Stonegate Group; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,500 - 49,500; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company is seeking an Area Manager for their Slug & Lettuce venue in Reading. The ideal candidate will bring high energy and commercial acumen to manage the venue effectively, ensuring a premium guest experience. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, managing staff during peak times, and making swift decisions to adapt to bookings and events. A valid Personal Licence is required to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume, cocktail-led casual dining environments.
• Ability to lead teams in peak-time trading environments.
• Strong focus on guest experience and operational metrics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the venue and ensure a high-quality guest experience.
• Manage labour planning and adjust for peak occasions.
• Lead and motivate teams effectively in a fast-paced setting.

Skills

High-energy leadership

Commercial acumen

Labour planning

Decision-making under pressure

Team coaching

Education

Valid Personal Licence

Job description

Area Manager, Bars & Venues Division - London & South

Salary – Up to £45,000 p.a + Bonuses

About Us

Stonegate Group is the UK’s largest operator of pubs, bars, and late-night venues, including Slug & Lettuce, Be At One, and Popworld to name a few. We’re proud of our diverse portfolio and deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture that embraces individuality in all its forms—including neurodiversity. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported, we reflect the vibrant communities we serve and empower our people to thrive.

The Opportunity

Slug & Lettuce Riverside Reading is a vibrant riverside bar in The Oracle, Reading’s prime shopping and leisure hub. The venue is known for cocktails, bottomless brunches, food from lunch to dinner, and lively weekend vibes with outdoor seating by the water. The venue attracts a mixed clientele of local professionals, shoppers, students & commuters drawn by Reading’s commercial and leisure scene.

The venue blends casual dining with social drinking in a central city centre district.

About You

The ideal General Manager for Slug & Lettuce Riverside Reading will be a high-energy, commercially astute operator with experience in high-volume, cocktail-led casual dining environment. They will thrive in peak-time trading environments, leading from the floor with pace and confidence, and making fast, effective decisions under pressure. The role requires strong labour planning, the ability to flex the space for large bookings, brunches and celebration-led occasions, and a sharp focus on SPH, premiumisation and conversion. A natural people leader, they will coach and motivate teams in a fast-moving environment while consistently delivering a slick, engaging guest experience.

Please Note: To be eligible to apply, you MUST hold a valid Personal Licence.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Industries

• Hospitality