General Manager - Bristol

Mad Swans; Bristol; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A boundary-pushing hospitality concept located in Bristol is looking for a leader to oversee front-of-house operations, ensuring smooth and high-quality service across restaurants, bars, and accommodation. This role includes managing daily operations, leading a dynamic team, and providing exceptional guest experiences. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, be passionate about service, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. A competitive salary, benefits, and a hands-on role await the right individual.

Benefits

Free parking

Free employee meal whilst on shift

Employee discounts on food, sports, and cabins

Qualifications

• Proven, inspirational leader who leads from the front.
• Excited about and interested in playing sports, ideally golf, padel tennis and/or pickleball.
• Confident, outgoing and well‑presented.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation and take responsibility for the whole site.
• Ensure compliance and health and safety for the whole site.
• Deliver an amazing guest experience.

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Health and safety

Operational efficiency

Budget management

Tools

Microsoft Office

ResDiary

Job description

You will play a central part in leading our front‑of‑house operations – overseeing the Restaurants, Bars, Cabin Accommodation, The Retail Shop and Sports Activities, guiding your team to ensure smooth, high‑quality service across every shift from day one. You will take full ownership of the whole site and will be instrumental in driving the guest experience, revenue opportunities, operational efficiencies, employee engagement and health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation and take responsibility for the whole site.
• Ensure compliance and health and safety for the whole site.
• Deliver an amazing guest experience.
• Proactively upsell within the Restaurants, Bars, The Retail Shop, Eco‑Cabins and Sports Activities, and maximise sales revenue.
• Promote our Mad Swans Loyalty Programme (Topflight).
• Assist with guest enquiries and act as a key point of contact for guests interested in booking any overnight accommodation, tables in the restaurant or any sports activities.
• Ensure the whole site is clean, tidy and well‑presented at all times.
• Execute promotions, offers, special events and seasonal offerings to drive revenue.
• Manage and oversee the Assistant General Manager, The Hangout & Hospitality Manager, Housekeeping Manager, Maintenance Team Leader and Sports Management Team.
• Ensure all areas of the site follow SOPs and deliver excellent guest service.
• Ensure team scheduling aligns with bookings, forecasted volume and payroll budgets.
• Recruit and train new team members to a high standard.
• Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews and ongoing development to create a high‑performing team.
• Work closely with the team and be hands‑on during busy periods to ensure smooth service.
• Achieve revenue and profitability targets by managing budgets, controlling costs and maximizing sales.
• Handle guest complaints and feedback, ensuring any issues are resolved promptly.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven, inspirational leader who leads from the front.
• Experienced in running a hotel or accommodation and a Restaurant & Bar.
• Excited about and interested in playing sports – ideally golf, padel tennis and/or pickleball.
• Able to take full ownership of the whole site and proactively drive continuous improvement.
• Passionate about delivering a high level of guest service.
• Able to lead, motivate and inspire a team.
• Focused on health and safety, employee engagement, the guest experience and cleanliness.
• Experienced in managing their own P&L.
• Excited about being part of a new concept, new brand and new opening.
• Happy to be hands‑on and assist with day‑to‑day duties and operation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and reservation systems such as ResDiary.
• Excellent communicator.
• Highly organised and able to multi‑task.
• Confident, outgoing and well‑presented.
• Self‑driven and highly motivated.
• Proactive, positive and resilient by nature.
• Solutions‑driven.
• Comfortable working in a very fast‑paced environment.

Location and Working Hours

Mad Swans in the Mendips, Marsh Lane, Farrington Gurney, Bristol, BS39 6TS. This is a full‑time (48 hours a week) permanent position. Working hours will vary throughout the week; regular operational times are from 6.00 am to 11.00‑12.00 pm. The role will work any five days out of seven and will involve working on weekends on a regular basis.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £55,000‑£65,000 per annum, including TRONC (Tips & Service Charge).
• Tips & Service Charge.
• Free parking.
• Free employee meal whilst on shift.
• Wage stream – access your pay for hours worked before payday.
• Employee discounts on food, sports, activities, cabins and in the retail shop.
• Reward & recognition initiatives.
• Team social & well‑being activities & events.
• Employee referral scheme bonus.
• Mad Swans water bottle.
• Mad Swans hoodie.
• Plant your own tree at Mad Swans.

About Mad Swans

Mad Swans is a new, boundary‑pushing hospitality concept located in the Mendips. We offer two distinct dining experiences, a range of sports activities, an Eco‑Cabin and retail shop in a countryside setting. Our goal is to create social play spaces that spark meaningful connections through play in nature and to provide guests with great food, sport and a relaxed atmosphere.