The General Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of the day‑to‑day operation of an Okell’s Inns pub, ensuring exceptional guest experiences, strong financial performance, and a high-performing team culture. This role drives operational excellence, brand standards, and compliance while creating a welcoming pub environment that reflects Okell’s heritage, values, and reputation for quality.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

*       Recruit, train, lead, and develop a motivated and engaged pub team.

*       Work with central HR to ensure that all people practices, compliance and employment legislation is adhered to.

*       Create an inclusive, supportive workplace where people feel valued and able to thrive.

*       Manage rotas effectively to balance service levels, productivity, and cost control.

*       Oversee staff absence and holiday requests, regularly reviewing holiday balances to ensure allowances are accurately managed.

*       Coach staff and manage people related issued – escalating to central HR when required.

*       Foster a positive team culture aligned with Okell’s Inns values and hospitality standards.

Customer Experience

*       Ensure consistently outstanding service and hospitality.

*       Resolve customer enquiries or complaints promptly and professionally.

*       Maintain high standards of cleanliness and atmosphere.

*       Champion a welcoming, community-focused environment reflective of the Okell’s Inn brand.

Operational Management

*       Oversee daily pub operations, ensuring smooth, efficient service.

*       Manage cellar operations, beer quality, line cleaning, and stock rotation.

*       Ensure food safety (where applicable), health & safety, and licensing compliance.

*       Maintain pub facilities and manage repairs.

*       Uphold Okell’s Inns standards in service, branding, compliance, and product quality.

Financial Performance

*       Take full responsibility for the pub’s P&L, delivering sales, margin, and profitability targets.

*       Manage budgets, forecasts, and weekly reporting.

*       Control staffing, stock, utilities, and waste costs.

*       Maximise revenue through events, menu opportunities, and community engagement.

Stock & Supply Chain Management

*       Oversee ordering, stock management, and deliveries.

*       Conduct regular stock takes and investigate discrepancies.

*       Work with suppliers and brewery partners to ensure availability and quality.

Marketing & Community Engagement

*       Promote the pub via local events, social media, and community initiatives.

*       Operate with the brand standards for social media campaigns and seek guidance from central Marketing.

*       Support Okell’s Inns brand campaigns.

*       Build links with the local community.

*       Deliver site-specific initiatives that boost footfall and loyalty.

Skills & Experience

Essential

*       Proven experience as a General Manager or senior hospitality leader.

*       Collaborate effectively with pub teams, neighbouring sites, and Head Office to ensure consistent standards and shared success.

*       Proficient user in Access People XD for people and workforce management.

*       Strong commercial awareness and P&L experience.

*       Excellent leadership and communication skills.

*       Good knowledge of cellar management.

*       Understanding of food safety, licensing, and H&S regulations.

Desirable

*       Experience in brewery-owned or managed pubs.

*       Personal Licence Holder.

*       Social media awareness for local marketing.

Personal Attributes

*       Warm, engaging, and passionate about hospitality.

*       Hands-on leadership style.

*       Organised and resilient.

*       Customer-focused with commitment to quality.

*       Community minded and enthusiastic about the Okell’s brand

*       Open to feedback on site improvements and business development.