How to be a Great General Manager: Key Insights and Traits
Running a pub or restaurant takes a special kind of person. Someone who can keep the team smiling, the customers happy, and the whole place ticking along nicely, even when the lunch rush has turned into a full-blown “where did everyone come from?” kind of shift.
That’s where General Managers come in. At Greene King, our General Managers lead from the front, build teams they’re proud of, and create the kind of warm welcome that keeps customers coming back. If you’re exploring General Manager jobs, herre's what makes someone great in the role.
WHAT IS A GENERAL MANAGER?
In a role as a General Manager, you’ll have the freedom to succeed and build a business to be proud of whilst creating a warm welcome for your customers. From the moment you step through the door, you’ll lead by example, ensuring our customers and teams have a great time.
At Greene King, we’re looking for General Managers passionate about pouring happiness into lives. A General Manager job description usually includes:
- leading and motivating the team
- creating brilliant customer experiences
- growing pub or restaurant sales
- managing day-to-day operations
- supporting team development
- bringing Greene King’s values to life
- making the pub a place the local community loves
WHERE DO GENERAL MANAGERS FIT INTO OUR BUSINESS?
General Managers sit right at the heart of our pubs and restaurants. They’re the ones who set the tone for the team, shape the customer experience, and make sure every shift has the right energy behind it.And, of course, they aren’t alone in achieving this. Assistant General Managers support them every step of the way.
At Greene King, our General Managers report to Area Managers who offer direction, coaching, and guidance. They maximise our potential to delight even more customers and serve as a hub of local activity.
WHY ARE GENERAL MANAGERS IMPORTANT TO THE SUCCESS OF A BUSINESS?
General Managers are the heart and soul of our pubs and restaurants, as they play a key role in growing our pub sales to new heights.
General Managers help grow pub sales, but the role is about more than numbers. It’s about knowing your customers, understanding your team, and building a place people genuinely enjoy being part of.
At Greene King, our General Managers have room to try new ideas and make their pub feel special. That could mean getting behind community events, supporting team development, improving the customer experience, or finding clever ways to make everyday service even better.
When a General Manager gets it right, everyone feels it. The team feels more confident. Customers feel more welcome. The pub feels alive.
Customers are at the heart of Greene King, so when our General Managers recruit and develop their teams, they’ll equip new team members with the knowledge they need to delight our customers.
HOW TO BE A GREAT GENERAL MANAGER
Being a great General Manager takes a proper mix of skills. You need commercial know-how, people skills, patience, energy, and the ability to stay calm when three things need your attention at once.This one’s a big one for us at Greene King - knowing how to lead, inspire, and rally your team. You set the tone, and we pride ourselves on being a welcoming place for people to be happy, laugh, be themselves, and relax.
General Managers are the bridges that connect different departments, so you’ll be able to get your ideas across and understand others.
We’re working hard to make Everyday Inclusion a reality for all our people every day. This means you’ll be working with lots of different personalities, and having solid people skills will help you navigate these waters like a pro.
As a General Manager, you aren’t just running the show.
You are shaping our culture, inspiring those around you, and achieving success for your pub or restaurant.
UNLEASH YOUR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL AS A GENERAL MANAGER
Bring your passion for community, people, and customer service to Greene King and create a welcoming space for locals to enjoy, relax, and have fun.
Embrace tradition, lead your community, make a real impact, and lead your team to success as a General Manager.
Apply to our General Manager jobs at Greene King today.
Tags
related jobs
Salary
Upto £12.75
Location
Grace Arms (Ellesmere Port)
Business Area
FOH Teammate - 500097
Brand
Flaming Grill - BRA_103
Hours
Part time
Description
As Bar & Waiting Staff, you’ll be key to creating unforgettable moments for customers, whether you’re pouring a pint or recommending the perfect drink to a customer after a long day, you’ll keep the g
Reference
74bc8f30-69ff-4e11-a120-c23a0f6c1c57
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £12.21
Location
Hartford Mill (Huntingdon)
Business Area
FOH Teammate - 500097
Brand
Pub & Carvery - BRA_204
Hours
Part time
Description
As Bar & Waiting Staff, you’ll be key to creating unforgettable moments for customers, whether you’re pouring a pint or recommending the perfect drink to a customer after a long day, you’ll keep the g
Reference
a4b1c8ea-2eed-4029-9b14-221c4fe4bdc3
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £13.00
Location
Hartford Mill (Huntingdon)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Pub & Carvery - BRA_204
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
743fed97-81d1-4c5b-8768-821e09e28691
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £13.00
Location
Twynersh (Chertsey)
Business Area
FOH Team Leader - 500026
Brand
Hungry Horse - BRA_104
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Team Leader, you’ll lead by example, making sure the team have everything they need so the shift runs like clockwork! You’ll make sure the team maintain high standards and that our customers are
Reference
57c9cecc-483d-4fd5-a17b-3705a3ba805e
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £13.50
Location
Goat Tavern (Kensington)
Business Area
BOH Teammate - 500104
Brand
Heritage - BRA_208
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Kitchen Assistant, you’ll play a key part in the kitchen ensuring a busy service runs smoothly. You’ll make sure everything is well stocked, clean, and the team around you have everything they ne
Reference
fb1775fb-984b-413e-9a72-641da7dec856
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £12.21
Location
Bellemoor (Shirley)
Business Area
FOH Teammate - 500097
Brand
Pub & Kitchen - BRA_201
Hours
Part time
Description
As Bar & Waiting Staff, you’ll be key to creating unforgettable moments for customers, whether you’re pouring a pint or recommending the perfect drink to a customer after a long day, you’ll keep the g
Reference
6a6a0769-7288-4fdc-891f-2c249643eef5
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £13.00
Location
Grosvenor (Felixstowe)
Business Area
BOH Team Leader - 500047
Brand
Pub & Social - BRA_202
Hours
Full time
Description
As a Kitchen Team Leader, you’ll lead by example making sure the team have everything they need so service runs like clockwork! You’ll support your team by encouraging and helping them to work well to
Reference
f301b071-74e5-49a4-afdd-44b1a696cd52
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £12.75
Location
Griffin (Bowdon)
Business Area
BOH Teammate - 500104
Brand
Chef & Brewer - BRA_101
Hours
Full time
Description
As a Chef, you will…Prepare, cook, and present food that meets specs and customer expectationsMaintain hygiene levels and safety regulations in the kitchen to help guarantee the safety of your entire
Reference
8d3bc46a-2c90-4274-a339-f2aa894aa328
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £12.21
Location
Farmhouse (Yate)
Business Area
FOH Teammate - 500097
Brand
Pub & Social - BRA_202
Hours
Part time
Description
As Bar & Waiting Staff, you’ll be key to creating unforgettable moments for customers, whether you’re pouring a pint or recommending the perfect drink to a customer after a long day, you’ll keep the g
Reference
9daa0ba6-dc0c-48e7-8013-c9eac69c1e92
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Upto £13.25
Location
Lansdown (Cheltenham)
Business Area
Chef - 500339
Brand
Urban - BRA_209
Hours
Part time
Description
As a Chef, your passion for all things food, and the desire to make the perfect dish every time, is what sets you apart. With a keen eye for maintaining the highest standards and thriving during a fas
Reference
948cfbe2-8948-40ba-b2cf-5f5cff866e8b
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
related posts
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/15/2026
Summary
London is a city that never really stands still and hospitality keeps it moving. We’re a mainstay of the London pub scene, and working here puts you right at the heart of the action. Our pub jobs in
by
Caroline Atkins
Teaser
A day in the lifeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/15/2026
Summary
There’s something special about spending a night away in a hotel. Whether it’s for a work trip or a family getaway, it’s a chance to take a load off and relax. 55% of Brits have stayed in a hotel in
by
Sarah Owen
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/15/2026
Summary
The UK’s chef shortage makes this the perfect opportunity to climb the ranks in the kitchen. Whether you’ve got your sights set on the head chef role or just starting out on your culinary journey, th
by
Rachel Lang
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
04/01/2026
Summary
Searching for your next big kitchen job? At Greene King, we’re looking for Kitchen Managers, Kitchen Assistants, and Chefs to serve up some delicious dishes in our kitchens. Finding the perfect kit
by
Lindsey Butler
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/17/2026
Summary
Kitchen manager jobs are at the heart of every unforgettable experience in our pubs and restaurants. Behind every tasty dish, there’s someone making sure the kitchen runs smoothly and standards never
by
Carol Watson
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/16/2026
Summary
The secret to a great pub isn’t just what’s on tap (though that helps). It’s the people keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes and on the floor. That’s where assistant manager jobs at G
by
Kelly Batho
Teaser
A day in the lifeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/04/2026
Summary
To celebrate International Women’s Day and Neurodiversity Celebration Week this March, Greene Sky and Ability are sharing the stories and experiences of inspirational neurodivergent women at G
by
Greene Sky
Teaser
A day in the lifeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/04/2026
Summary
To celebrate International Women's Day and Neurodiversity Celebration Week, both in March, Greene Sky and Ability are sharing the stories and experiences of inspirational neurodiverse women at
by
Greene Sky
Teaser
A day in the lifeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/04/2026
Summary
To celebrate International Women's Day and Neurodiversity Celebration Week, both in March, Greene Sky and Ability are sharing the stories and experiences of inspirational neurodiverse women at
by
Greene Sky
Teaser
A day in the lifeContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2026
Summary
To celebrate International Women's Day and Neurodiversity Celebration Week, both in March, Greene Sky and Ability are sharing the stories and experiences of inspirational neurodiverse women at
by
Greene Sky