General Manager – New Restaurant Opening

JR United Kingdom; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant group is seeking a General Manager for a flagship venue in South West London, set for a high annual turnover. The successful candidate will lead with style, focusing on guest experience and operational excellence in a setting that emphasizes quality and autonomy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a General Manager in high-end restaurants.
• Strong guest focus with the ability to exceed expectations.
• Experience with new openings is a major bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the flagship opening and drive the restaurant's success.
• Ensure a high-quality guest experience by managing the floor.
• Make commercial decisions with P&L ownership.

Skills

Leadership

Guest Experience

Commercial Awareness

Operational Management

Entrepreneurial Mindset

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