Job Description

General Manager

Location:

Shere Surrey

Salary:

36,000 per annum

Hours:

Full-time, permanent (40 hours per week)

About Us

We are a growing, award-winning food business based in the heart of the Surrey Hills. From our lakeside cafe and catering events to our nationally delivered freezer meals and stockist network, we bring authentic flavours to customers across the UK.

We are now looking for a General Manager to take overall responsibility for our operations across all business areas - Cafe, Catering & Events, Freezer Meal Production, Online Shop, and Retail Stockists. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the Director and offers the chance to shape the next stage of our growth journey.

The Role

As General Manager, you will:

Lead and oversee day-to-day operations across all business units, ensuring consistency and efficiency. Manage and mentor department heads and chefs, overseeing teams across cafe, catering, production, and retail. Take full responsibility for budgets, P&L, forecasting, and growth planning across the business. Ensure compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, licensing, HR, and wider regulatory standards. Drive improvements in systems such as inventory, portion control, and requisition processes. Oversee the planning and delivery of weddings, private dining, and corporate events, ensuring service excellence. Work with the Director and events team on marketing initiatives, promoting catering, freezer meals, and venue hire to both corporate and community clients. Develop business through partnerships with wedding planners, corporate clients, local suppliers, vineyards, and breweries. Collaborate on menu innovation and product launches, ensuring customer feedback drives improvements. Represent the business at food festivals, fairs, and community events, strengthening our local presence. Oversee the introduction of digital reporting systems (sales, wastage, inventory, profitability) to improve efficiency and traceability. Act as an ambassador for the business in all external engagements.

About You

We are looking for someone with:

Significant experience in senior hospitality or catering management (General Manager / Regional Manager level). Strong P&L and budget management with evidence of overseeing high-turnover operations. Proven ability to lead and motivate teams of 20+ across multiple business units. A track record in introducing operational systems that improve efficiency and reduce costs. Experience in marketing and promoting hospitality/catering services, including corporate and private events. Knowledge of compliance in food safety, licensing, and HR. Excellent leadership, mentoring, and communication skills.

What We Offer

A competitive salary of 36,000 per annum. The opportunity to lead and grow a multi-faceted, ambitious food business. A creative and supportive workplace. A unique setting in one of Surrey's most picturesque locations.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 36,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person