General Manager

ABOUT OV-GROUP INNS & TAVERNS OV-Group Inns & Taverns operates community-focused pubs and social venues, with a strong emphasis on great hospitality, well-run local businesses and creating venues that customers are proud to call their local. We are looking for an experienced, motivated and hands-on Pub Manager to take full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of one of our venues. The successful candidate will be commercially minded, passionate about hospitality and confident leading a team while maintaining excellent standards across customer service, compliance, cleanliness and financial performance. THE ROLE As Pub Manager, you will take ownership of the overall performance of your venue. You will be expected to lead from the front, creating a welcoming environment for customers while ensuring the business operates safely, legally and profitably. This is a hands-on management position requiring flexibility across evenings, weekends, bank holidays and key trading periods. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES People & Leadership * Recruit, train, develop and motivate a high-performing venue team. * Lead by example and maintain a positive, professional working environment. * Produce effective staff rotas in line with forecasted trade and company labour targets. * Manage team performance, attendance, conduct and standards. * Carry out team meetings, one-to-ones and performance reviews where required. * Ensure all employees complete required training and understand company policies and procedures. * Build a culture of accountability, teamwork and excellent customer service. Customer Experience * Ensure every customer receives friendly, efficient and professional service. * Maintain a welcoming, safe and inclusive atmosphere. * Build strong relationships with regular customers and the wider local community. * Deal professionally with customer feedback and complaints. * Promote events, entertainment and initiatives designed to increase footfall and customer loyalty. Sales & Commercial Performance * Take responsibility for achieving venue sales and profitability targets. * Understand the venue’s weekly performance and take action where required. * Control labour, stock and operating costs. * Identify opportunities to grow sales and improve profitability. * Work with the Operations Team on promotions, events and local marketing. * Drive key trading occasions and maximise revenue during peak periods. * Monitor competitor activity and opportunities within the local area. Stock & Cash Management * Maintain effective stock control procedures. * Complete or oversee regular stock counts. * Monitor wastage, line cleaning, transfers and stock variances. * Ensure deliveries are checked and stored correctly. * Maintain appropriate stock levels while reducing unnecessary wastage. * Ensure all cash handling, banking, till and safe procedures are followed. * Investigate discrepancies and take corrective action where necessary. Compliance & Licensing * Ensure the venue operates fully within its Premises Licence and all relevant licensing legislation. * Promote responsible alcohol retailing and ensure Challenge 25 procedures are consistently followed. * Maintain all required compliance records and documentation. * Ensure opening and closing procedures are completed correctly. * Maintain high standards of health & safety, fire safety and food safety where applicable. * Ensure accidents, incidents and other reportable matters are recorded and escalated appropriately. * Work closely with the Operations Director and company management to maintain company standards. Venue Standards * Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness throughout all customer and staff areas. * Ensure the venue is presented to the highest possible standard at all times. * Complete regular venue checks and identify maintenance requirements. * Report faults promptly and follow up outstanding repairs. * Ensure external areas, signage, furniture and customer facilities are maintained appropriately. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR The ideal candidate will have: * Previous management experience within a pub, bar, social club or hospitality environment. * Strong leadership and people-management skills. * A proven ability to manage a busy licensed premises. * Good commercial awareness and an understanding of sales, labour and stock controls. * Excellent communication and customer-service skills. * Confidence dealing with challenging situations professionally. * Strong organisational and time-management skills. * A hands-on approach and willingness to lead from the front. * Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, bank holidays and key events. * A strong understanding of licensing and responsible alcohol retailing. * The ability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the wider OV-Group management team. Personal Licence Holder status is desirable. KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS Performance within the role will be measured across areas including: * Sales and revenue performance * Venue profitability * Wage and labour control * Stock results and wastage * Customer satisfaction * Team performance and retention * Compliance and licensing * Venue cleanliness and presentation * Event and promotional performance * Overall operational standards OUR EXPECTATIONS An OV-Group Pub Manager is expected to treat their venue as if it were their own business. We expect our managers to know their customers, know their team and understand their numbers. You should be visible on the floor, actively involved in the operation and continually looking for ways to improve the venue. Above all, you will be responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, successful community pub that customers want to return to and employees are proud to work in. WORKING HOURS This is a full-time management position. Working hours will be based around the needs of the business and will include evenings, weekends, bank holidays and major trading occasions.