General Manager - Olde Bell

RBH Hospitality Management; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent hotel operation in England is seeking a General Manager to lead The Olde Bell, a historic coaching inn blending tradition with modern hospitality. The role focuses on driving profitability across various operations and inspiring a talented team. Candidates should have proven leadership experience, strong commercial awareness, and a hands-on approach to management, all while ensuring exceptional guest experiences.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Healthcare options

Annual KPI-driven bonus

Excellent training opportunities

Discounted stays and offers

People-first culture

Qualifications

• Experience as a General Manager or senior operations leader in a hotel or restaurant.
• Ability to balance strategic planning and daily decision-making.
• Thrives in a busy, guest-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Take accountability for inn's performance and profitability.
• Lead and motivate teams across multiple departments.
• Oversee the delivery of weddings and corporate functions.

Skills

Proven leadership experience

Strong commercial awareness

Hands-on leadership

Expertise in event and food operations

Confident communicator

Creative problem-solver

Job description

General Manager – Olde Bell

JOIN US

RBH Hospitality Management is one of the UK's leading hotel management companies, operating a diverse collection of branded and independent hotels across the country.

We are passionate about great hospitality, empowering our teams, and giving talented people the autonomy to make a difference.

We are now looking for an experienced

• General Manager
• to lead
• The Olde Bell in Hurley
• a property with history, charm, and a thriving reputation for events, dining, and country stays.
• About The Olde Bell, Hurley

Set in the peaceful riverside village of Hurley, The Olde Bell is one of England's oldest coaching inns with a heritage dating back to 1135.

Today, it is a destination that blends centuries of tradition with contemporary hospitality.

Behind its timber beams and open fires lies a vibrant operation with a loyal local following and a busy event calendar.

The inn features a popular restaurant and bar, 48 individually designed bedrooms spread across several historic buildings, and beautifully kept gardens that host everything from weddings and celebrations to corporate retreats.

The Olde Bell is where history meets modern hospitality, a place where guests come for a weekend escape, a special occasion, or a memorable dining experience, and leave already planning their next visit.

The Role

We are looking for a General Manager who can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on leadership.

Someone who is commercially sharp and thrives in the heart of daily operations.

This is a dynamic role leading a multi‑revenue business that combines a busy restaurant and bar, high‑volume events, and boutique accommodation.

You will take full ownership of the inn's performance, leading the business with confidence and creativity while ensuring that every guest experience reflects the quality and character The Olde Bell is known for.

Your leadership will set the tone, inspiring a team who are proud of where they work and passionate about the service they deliver.

You will :

• Take full accountability for the inn's performance, driving profitability across rooms, events, and food and beverage operations.
• Lead and motivate a talented team across multiple departments, fostering a culture of empowerment, engagement, and warmth.
• Oversee seamless delivery of weddings, private events, and corporate functions, ensuring excellence from enquiry to execution.
• Partner with the RBH commercial and marketing teams to drive growth through creative sales initiatives and local engagement.
• Maintain exceptional operational standards, ensuring every area of the property runs efficiently and with attention to detail.
• Champion guest satisfaction, ensuring every interaction feels personal, authentic, and memorable.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with the hotel's owners, the local community, and key business partners.
• Identify new opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and long‑term business success.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven leadership experience as a General Manager or senior operations leader within a hotel, restaurant with rooms, or event‑led venue.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance strategic planning, forecasting, and day‑to‑day decision‑making.
• A hands‑on leader who thrives in a busy, guest‑focused environment and leads by example.
• Expertise in event and food and beverage operations with an understanding of how to balance quality with profitability.
• A confident communicator who can engage, influence, and inspire teams and stakeholders.
• A creative problem‑solver who embraces challenge and seeks continuous improvement.

Why This Role

The Olde Bell offers the best of both worlds, an independent, characterful operation supported by the strength and expertise of RBH Hospitality Management.

You will have the freedom to shape the inn's direction, develop its team, and take the business to the next stage of its journey.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a property where heritage and hospitality come together, a business with strong foundations, a loyal guest base, and real potential for growth.

Why Join RBH

At RBH, we are more than hotel managers.

We are people developers who give our teams the tools, trust, and support to make their mark.

• Enhanced holiday entitlement, healthcare options, and life insurance.
• Annual KPI‑driven bonus.
• Excellent training and career development opportunities across our portfolio of more than 50 hotels.
• Discounted stays and food and beverage offers for you, your family, and friends.
• A people‑first culture that values individuality, wellbeing, and sustainability.

The Recruitment Process

At RBH, recruitment is a two‑way journey and an opportunity to connect with talented individuals and explore whether we are the right fit for each other.

Our Talent Acquisition Manager may invite you for an initial Teams conversation to discuss your experience, style, and ambitions.

If we are aligned, you will be invited to meet our senior team for a more in‑depth discussion about the role and your vision for The Olde Bell's future.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

RBH Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer.

We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people‑first culture.

If at any point throughout our process you require reasonable adjustments, please contact us.