General Manager – RSA House
Company of Cooks is a leading provider of hospitality and events to some of the UK’s most loved cultural destinations. With over 25 years of experience we operate cafés, restaurants, bars and events in historic palaces, botanical gardens, galleries and performance spaces – currently at RSA House in London.
This job is with Compass Group UK & Ireland, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
About RSA House
RSA House is the historic home of The RSA, a global charity dedicated to creativity for the good of all. The venue blends world‑famous historic rooms with modern event spaces, housing 13 distinct spaces, public hospitality venues such as The Coffee House, Muse cocktail bar, and the RSA Library. RSA House hosts a wide range of events – from corporate conferences and brand launches to awards dinners, weddings and private celebrations – all of which directly support The RSA’s social mission.
Compensation & Working Pattern
Rate of pay: Up to £78,000 per annum + bonus (OTE £91,500)
Working pattern: 40 hours per week (5 out of 7 days)
Location: London, WC2N 6EZ
About the Role
This is a highly strategic, client‑facing position with full responsibility for hospitality and commercial operations under a prestigious cost‑plus contract. The General Manager will turn a client’s vision into operational reality, driving commercial performance, operational excellence and exceptional service standards across a diverse portfolio – a premium café, bar, and extensive events programme. Responsibilities include full accountability for sales and marketing strategy, menu development, pricing, stakeholder management and leadership of a team of approximately 30 employees.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all operational aspects of the account, ensuring exceptional service standards across café, bar, hospitality and events.
- Act as the primary point of contact for the client, building and maintaining a strong and trusted relationship.
- Translate the client’s vision into innovative and effective operational delivery.
- Manage multiple hospitality offers, including a premium café, bar and a varied programme of corporate and private events.
- Develop and oversee the sales and marketing strategy to drive revenue growth and maximise commercial opportunities.
- Take ownership of all menu offers, structure and pricing to ensure strong customer appeal and profitability.
- Drive commercial performance, profitability and achievement of financial targets.
- Lead, inspire and develop a diverse team of approximately 30 employees.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety and food safety standards.
- Maintain a strong focus on customer experience, innovation and continuous improvement.
Ideal Candidate
- Proven experience as a General Manager within premium hospitality.
- Strong commercial and financial management skills, with experience managing budgets and delivering financial targets.
- Exceptional client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing multiple hospitality streams – café, bar and events.
- Strong understanding of sales, marketing and business development.
- Experience in menu planning, offer development and pricing strategy.
- Ability to lead, inspire and develop a multi‑disciplinary team.
- Strategic mindset with excellent attention to detail.
- Experience within bespoke, corporate or other high‑profile hospitality environments is highly desirable.
- Strong leadership presence and ability to build a positive team culture.
Benefits
- Personal development and training opportunities.
- Life assurance scheme.
- Pension scheme.
- Holiday allowance.
- Access to a healthcare support app with annual health checks, digital GP, mental health consultations, nutritional consultations, second medical opinion.
- Eye care.
- Wellbeing strategy – including Employee Assistance Programme and salary finance.
- Family‑friendly support.
- Regular social events and communication with leaders.
- Holiday purchase scheme.
- Volunteering days.
- Professional subscriptions.
- Recognition schemes and people awards.
- Long service awards.
- Access to discount vouchers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…