Job Description

General Manager

Denstone Hall Farm Shop & Cafe

- Staffordshire
Full-time | Senior Leadership Role | Based On-Site

Shaping the Heart of Denstone Hall

Denstone Hall is a family-run farm shop and cafe with a big heart and high standards. With over 70 team members across our cafe, kitchen, butchery, deli, and shop, we're known for exceptional service, seasonal food, and a warm, down-to-earth customer experience.

As our General Manager, you'll sit at the centre of the business, ensuring the whole operation runs smoothly, efficiently, and in line with our values. You'll lead the day-to-day running of the shop and cafe, support Heads of Departments to lead their teams well, and work closely with the owners to drive growth and long-term success.

This is a hands-on leadership role with a mix of operations, people, planning, and commercial awareness. It's about keeping everything joined up, making sure the right people are in the right place, systems are working, and the whole business feels calm, capable, and under control.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Daily Oversight

Oversee smooth day-to-day running across departments: shop, cafe, kitchen, butchery, and admin Act as the central point for any urgent queries, problem-solving, or operational pinch points Finalise daily staffing plans, manage last-minute rota changes, and ensure adequate coverage Lock up and cash up on a rota basis

Staff Planning & Scheduling

Manage weekly rotas using Deputy, working with departmental managers to capture availability and ensure fairness Respond to staff absences, holidays, and cover needs, balancing business needs and wellbeing Monitor overtime, shift swaps, and daily attendance Ensure rotas are communicated clearly and on time

People & Team Leadership

Work with HR and departmental managers to support recruitment, interviews, and onboarding Provide on-the-ground support for performance concerns, morale dips, and coaching needs Model our values and support a positive team culture across all departments Ensure first aiders, fire marshals, and compliance training are in place and up to date

Health & Safety Compliance

Liaise with our health and safety provider to ensure ongoing compliance and risk management Ensure safety procedures are understood, followed, and reviewed regularly Support managers to maintain safe working environments across all areas

Cross-Department Collaboration

Host regular operational briefings with departmental managers to align priorities and solve shared challenges Coordinate promotions, menu changes, seasonal events, and resourcing needs Ensure communication flows well between departments and issues are acted on quickly

Customer Experience & Standards

Set the tone for excellent service, high standards, and a warm customer welcome Support with complaint resolution and ensure learning is shared with the wider team Monitor social media for reviews and feedback, responding or escalating as appropriate

Business Performance & Planning

Monitor weekly and monthly performance data with departmental managers: sales, waste, labour costs, and trends Coordinate seasonal planning: rotas, product ranges, events, and visual merchandising Work with the owners on monthly performance reviews and forward planning Support margin tracking and cost-saving initiatives in partnership with department leads

What You'll Bring

Calm, organised leadership in a busy, people-led business Experience managing rotas, day-to-day operations, and cross-team collaboration A hands-on, sleeves-up approach to solving problems and keeping the show on the road Confident communicator, great at bringing people together and getting things done Commercial awareness and a practical understanding of retail or hospitality operations Strong organisational and time-management skills Comfortable with systems (Deputy, spreadsheets, payroll prep, internal comms)

Success in This Role Looks Like:

A business that runs calmly and smoothly across all departments Strong collaboration between departmental managers, teams, and leadership Staffing is well-planned and rotas are fair and efficient Health & safety, compliance, and training are up to date and well managed A happy, high-performing team culture that reflects our values
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Additional pay:

Yearly bonus
Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount On-site parking
Schedule:

Day shift Weekend availability
Experience:

Management: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: General Manager