General Manager

General Manager – The East Kent, Whitstable

Salary: £35,000–£40,000 per year, depending on experience
Job type: Full\-time
Location: Whitstable, Kent
Accommodation: Subsidised live\-in accommodation available

The East Kent is a popular pub in the heart of Whitstable, and we are looking for a confident, hands\-on General Manager to take ownership of its day\-to\-day operation and lead the business into its next stage.

This is an opportunity for a genuine hospitality operator who enjoys being present in the venue, developing a strong team and creating the kind of pub that guests want to return to. You will have the freedom to make a real impact, supported by an approachable and hands\-on ownership team.

We are open to applications from established General Managers as well as ambitious, experienced Assistant General Managers who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

The role

As General Manager, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the pub, balancing an excellent guest experience with strong commercial control.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking full ownership of the pub’s daily operation


• Leading, motivating and developing the front\-of\-house team


• Creating a positive, accountable and enjoyable working culture


• Maintaining consistently high standards of service, presentation and cleanliness


• Ensuring an efficient and professional bar operation, including excellent drinks and cocktail standards


• Driving sales through great hospitality, local engagement and well\-executed events


• Managing rotas and labour in line with forecast sales


• Controlling stock, ordering, margins, waste and other operating costs


• Monitoring performance and delivering agreed sales and profitability targets


• Ensuring full compliance with licensing, health and safety and company procedures


• Building strong relationships with regular guests and the wider Whitstable community


• Working closely with the ownership team to identify opportunities and continually improve the business

We are looking for someone who:

• Has at least three years’ management experience within a pub, bar or hospitality venue


• Is either an experienced General Manager or a strong Assistant General Manager ready to step up


• Is a visible, hands\-on leader who is comfortable working alongside the team during busy services


• Understands the commercial side of hospitality, including sales, labour, stock and margin control


• Has strong bar knowledge and a genuine interest in delivering quality drinks


• Knows how to recruit, train, motivate and retain a reliable team


• Is organised, decisive and able to maintain standards under pressure


• Has excellent communication skills and a warm, personable approach


• Understands the importance of regular customers and being part of a local community


• Can work flexibly, including evenings, weekends and key trading periods

• A salary of £35,000–£40,000, depending on experience


• Subsidised live\-in accommodation, if required


• The opportunity to take genuine ownership of an established Whitstable pub


• Support from an approachable, hands\-on ownership team


• The autonomy to shape the team, standards and future direction of the venue


• A rewarding role in one of Kent’s most vibrant and popular seaside towns

Click “Apply Now” and send us your CV, along with a short cover letter telling us about your management experience, your approach to running a successful pub and why The East Kent appeals to you.

Job Type: Full\-time

Pay: £35,000\.00\-£40,000\.00 per year

Work Location: In person

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