General Manager - The Dell

Southampton Football Club; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional football club in Southampton is seeking an experienced General Manager to oversee all operational aspects of its venue, ensuring high-quality service and compliance with regulations. You will lead and develop a motivated team, manage budgets, and drive sales. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in restaurant management and a strong grasp of customer service. Benefits include free match tickets, a generous holiday package, and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game

Staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives

Discounted merchandise

26 days holiday plus your birthday off

Contributory Pension Scheme

Worldwide Travel Insurance

Learning & Development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Cycle to Work Scheme

Inclusive working culture

Qualifications

• Managed a busy restaurant, focusing on customer service and business operations.
• Motivated and inspired teams to achieve high standards.
• Handled customer feedback and maintained quality service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of The Dell and The Bistro.
• Ensure compliance with licensing and health regulations.
• Manage budgets and drive sales to achieve financial targets.

Skills

Proven experience in managing a busy restaurant or similar establishment

Strong leadership skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

High attention to detail

Strong Knowledge of food and beverage

Ability to work effectively under pressure

Education

Food Safety Level 3 Certificate or willing to complete

Job description

Overview

Location: St Mary’s Stadium

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Basic

What is the role?

The Dell is a one-of-a-kind venue based at St Mary's Stadium, where Saints history meets modern comforts, offering a welcoming spot for fans, friends, and families alike.

We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead all operational aspects of The Dell, ensuring the pub runs smoothly and profitably. Taking responsibility for overseeing staff, managing budgets, driving sales and ensuring licensing compliance while upholding company values and creating a welcoming environment for guests.

In addition, the General Manager will also oversee the daily operations of our staff eating area, The Bistro, and The Northan Fan Zone on matchdays and events, ensuring all venues operate to the highest standard of service, safety and customer satisfaction.

What will you be doing?

You will oversee the daily operations of The Dell (and The Bistro), ensuring efficient service and creating a welcoming environment for all guests. You will also be responsible for managing the Northern Fan Zone on matchdays and during events, ensuring smooth setup, seamless operation and a high level of customer satisfaction.

Taking responsibility for compliance, you will ensure that all licensing, health and safety and food hygiene regulations are strictly followed. You will also maintain stock control, managing the order and delivery of produce and building good relationships with suppliers to minimise waste and maximise profitability.

Achieving agreed-upon revenue, profit and cost targets will be a central part of your responsibilities, alongside accurately reporting on the financial performance of The Dell, The Northern Fan Zone and The Bistro, including staff payroll.

Driving growth will be an ongoing focus, accomplished through strategic promotions, engaging events and the consistent delivery of excellent service. This will go in hand with recruiting, training and developing your team, ensuring a high-performing and motivated staff force.

You will be responsible for creating staff rotas that balance customer service needs with labour cost, conducting regular performance reviews and managing the team performance and conduct in line with company policies.

Finally, you will ensure guests consistently receive high-quality food, drinks and service, handling customer feedback professionally and building strong relationships with the local community, fans and partners. You will continuously reflect the Southampton FC brand and company values.

Is this you?

You are driven and organized with a strong understanding of customer service and what it takes to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for staff and guests.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in managing a busy restaurant or similar establishment.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and inspire staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining exceptionally high standards.
• Strong Knowledge of food and beverage.
• Familiarity with industry trends and best practices in restaurant management.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Food Safety Level 3 Certificate or willing to complete in first 3 months of employment.

How this benefits you…

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package.

• Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game
• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
• 26 days holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.

How can I apply?

Just click on the apply button, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.

The closing date for this role is the 1st of October 2025.

*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received. *