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How to be a Great General Manager: Key Insights and Traits

Kat Ross our consultant managing the role
Author Kat Ross

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? 

A General Manager is the person who brings the whole pub or restaurant together. They look after the team, the customers, the day-to-day running of the business, and the bigger plans that help their pub grow.


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. 


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Kat Ross our consultant managing the role
Author Kat Ross
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