General Manager – New Restaurant Opening

JR United Kingdom; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent restaurant is seeking a General Manager for its flagship opening in South West London. This role involves creating a premium guest experience while managing operations with full accountability. The ideal candidate is charismatic, operationally savvy, and motivated by exceeding expectations in a high-end dining environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in high-end restaurants with excellence in guest experience.
• Operationally strong and able to lead from the front.
• Experience with P&L ownership and driving sales.

Responsibilities

• Create a destination for guests with exceptional service.
• Make commercial decisions and manage a profitable venue.
• Lead a strong team while ensuring operational success.

Skills

Guest Experience

Team Leadership

Operational Management

Commercial Acumen

Job description

The Opportunity:

One of the most exciting launches of the year is landing in South West London – think high summer footfall, a knockout location, and a premium fit-out that’s set to turn heads. This is the sister venue to an already hugely successful Restaurant & Bar, but with a more refined, grown-up edge.

The Role:

We're looking for a General Manager to lead this flagship opening. You'll have the backing of a highly experienced Operations Director and a solid senior team already in place. The venue is forecast to turn over around £6 million annually and will attract an affluent, discerning crowd.

This is about more than running shifts – it’s about creating a destination. You'll bring style, substance and serious hospitality know-how. You'll be confident on the floor, hands-on with your team, and totally focused on guest experience.

As this is an independent, privately-owned business, you'll have freedom and influence – but also full accountability. You'll be expected to think like an owner, make commercial decisions, and bring solutions, not problems. If you’ve got an entrepreneurial mindset, this is your playground.

The Person:

• A proven operator from high-end restaurants, with an eye for quality and detail
• Obsessed with guest experience – you know how to exceed expectations
• Charismatic, warm and naturally engaging – guests and teams gravitate towards you
• Operationally strong and present – you lead from the front
• Commercially savvy – P&L ownership, driving sales, managing costs
• Comfortable working with autonomy – this isn’t a role for someone who needs a big support structure
• Experience with new openings is a major bonus – this is a big one and needs a steady, experienced hand