Job Description

About Us:

Tucked away on the high street of Bruton, Somerset, The Prickly Pear is a

Mexican-inspired British pub where high-quality, fresh ingredients and bold

flavours create a very unique and exciting dining experience. Where possible, we

endeavour to source our produce from our dedicated organic market garden

located just a mile away from the venue and the local area in general to ensure

seasonality and sustainability.

The Prickly Pear first opened its doors to great applause in October 2022 before

closing a year later for a complete renovation and refit - a huge and much needed

project which has brought the beautiful building up to modern standards while

maintaining and enhancing its grade II listed visage.

We've built a brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen and bar. We've opened up the

space to be lighter and brighter, perfect for summer. There are two beer gardens,

one of which has a stunning view of Bruton's famous Dovecote. Upstairs has

been converted into a bright and airy events space which has its own bar and a

lazy waiter to deliver dishes from the kitchen.

Our aim for the business is simple: create a profitable, extremely well regarded

hospitality space where everyone feels welcome to come and enjoy themselves.

We intend to reopen in July/August 2025, The Prickly Pear Team are looking for

exceptional, motivated individuals to join us on this endeavour and beyond!

With ambitious plans to expand into an online store and private-label produce,

we're seeking a dynamic General Manager to lead our team, drive operational

excellence, and shape our future growth.

Job Overview:

As General Manager, you'll oversee all aspects of the pub's operations, ensuring

exceptional guest experiences, financial success/profitability, and seamless

collaboration with our market garden and emerging business ventures.

You'll lead a passionate team, manage finances, and maintain our reputation as a

go-to destination of high regard both locally and further afield.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership: Oversee daily operations, working with and
managing colleagues to ensure high standards in food quality, drink

offerings, customer service, and ambiance.

Staff Management: Recruit, train, and motivate a diverse team (front-of-
house, bar, kitchen, and events staff), fostering a positive, inclusive culture.

Schedule staff to optimise efficiency during peak times.

Financial Management & Bookkeeping: Manage budgets, monitor
financial performance, and maintain accurate records for sales, payroll, and

expenses. Ensure profitability through effective cost control and revenue

strategies. Work with book keepers / accountants to ensure accurate

reporting and timely tax payments with HMRC.

Market Garden Collaboration: Work closely with our market garden team
and kitchen to align produce availability with menu planning and explore

opportunities for private-label produce (e.g., branded salsas, preserves).

Online Store & Future Ventures: Support the development and
management of our online store, including branded products and produce.

Contribute to strategic planning for new business initiatives.

Event & Music Programming: Assist in the curation and organisation of a
vibrant calendar of music performances, themed events, and promotions to

drive footfall and enhance guest engagement.

Customer Experience: Ensure exceptional guest satisfaction by
addressing feedback, resolving issues, and maintaining a welcoming

atmosphere.

Marketing & Community Engagement: Collaborate with marketing teams
to promote the pub, events, and new ventures through social media, local

partnerships, and community outreach.

Supplier & Inventory Management: Negotiate with suppliers (including our
market garden) to secure high-quality ingredients and beverages while

managing stock levels to minimise waste.

Compliance & Safety: Ensure compliance with health, safety, licensing,
and food hygiene regulations, maintaining a safe and clean environment.

Requirements:

Proven experience as a General Manager or Assistant Manager in a high-
quality restaurant, pub, or hospitality venue.

Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of
building and maintaining high-performing teams.

Expertise in financial management, budgeting, and bookkeeping
(experience with POS systems and accounting software preferred).

Passion for delivering exceptional food, drinks, and guest experiences, with
an appreciation for Mexican-British fusion.

Experience or interest in working with a market garden or sustainable
sourcing (training provided if needed).

Strategic mindset to support new business ventures Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with staff,
guests, suppliers, and community stakeholders.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, with strong problem-
solving and decision-making abilities.

Knowledge of licensing laws, health and safety regulations. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required. Experience with Mexican cuisine or themed venues is a bonus but not
required.

Right to work in the UK.
Performance-Based Bonuses:

We offer performance-based bonuses tied to negotiated, achievable outcomes,

including:

Achieving or exceeding revenue and profitability targets. Driving high guest satisfaction through positive reviews and repeat
business.

Successfully launching and growing the online store or private-label
produce sales.

Increasing event attendance and revenue through innovative music and
event programming.

Maintaining low staff turnover and high team morale.
Bonus structures will be tailored during the hiring process to align with your

goals and our business objectives.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary reflective of your experience and skills. Performance-based bonuses to reward your impact. A unique opportunity to shape our pub's operations and contribute to
exciting new ventures like our online store and private-label produce.

A collaborative, inclusive work environment with a passionate team. Staff discounts on food, drinks, and future branded products. Access to professional development and training to support your leadership
and business skills.

A platform to make a lasting impact on our brand and community presence.
Additional Information:

This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance operational, financial,
and creative responsibilities.

You'll work closely with the pub owners, market garden team, and other
partners to drive our vision forward.

Passion for sustainability, community engagement, and creating memorable
guest experiences is essential.

The role offers significant growth potential as our business expands into
new markets and product lines.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, and any

examples of successful events, financial achievements, or business initiatives

you've led (if applicable) to pricklypearcatering@protonmail.com.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and may be asked to present

a plan for managing operations or promoting the pub.

Lead our Mexican-themed British pub to new heights and be part of our

exciting journey!

Note: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 32,500.00-40,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus scheme Tips
Schedule:

Day shift Night shift Weekend availability
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/06/2025