Company Description
The Jamie Oliver Cookery School is growing. In spring 2025 we’re launching a flagship school - our second site - with John Lewis & Partners, in their Oxford Street store! As such, our team is expanding and we’re looking to grow our team.
We are looking for a General Manager who will be responsible for the daily operations and performance of our brand new Cookery School and Cafe which is due to open in March 2025. They will lead all aspects of the business, ensuring the highest standards in guest experience, team management, operations, and financial performance. Working closely with the Head Chef and key stakeholders, they will set a culture of excellence and growth, embodying the brand’s values. Building relationships with the John Lewis host store team and leading a strong and enthusiastic team will be at the forefront of responsibilities.
WHAT YOU’RE HERE TO DO
Team Leadership
* Recruit, onboard, and manage team members in alignment with the school’s vision.
* Support the development of the team through ongoing coaching and constructive feedback.
* Lead by example, ensuring all managers are proactive, organised, and customer-focused.
* Complete all relevant people processes such as goal setting, probation reviews providing specific and detailed feedback to drive high performance
* Work your teams to ensure that our social impact goals are baked into Cookery School activities and take responsibility for helping to educate and inform your team, staff, partners and audiences as appropriate
Financial Ownership
* Accountable for achieving the school’s P&L, delivering sustainable growth and profitability.
* Maximise all sales opportunities, aiming for targeted revenue growth.
* Control labour, food, drink, and other costs to meet gross profit targets while maintaining high standards.
* Report accurate financial data to the Cookery School Manager, preparing forecasts and managing budgets.
Operational Leadership
* Ensure efficient daily operations, actively leading by example to maintain professionalism.
* Liaise with John Lewis to foster a collaborative relationship.
* Manage relationships with external and internal stakeholders to support smooth operations.
* Oversee compliance with food safety and health standards, ensuring all team members are trained and adhere legal requirements for a food business in the UK.
* Ensure all team members are trained inline with UK legal requirement and JOR specifications
Experience & Brand Standards
* Lead our team to deliver a best-in-class customer experience, meeting brand standards.
* Champion a customer-first approach, ensuring that every guest interaction reflects our brand standards as laid out in the JOR training material provided
Working Culture
* Embody and foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented environment.
* Inspire continuous learning and improvement within the team.
* Encourage growth in culinary skills and knowledge, providing development opportunities.
Legal requirements:
* Work with the Management Team to ensure that the restaurant is safe and operating within the legal and company requirements of:
o Fire
o Health and safety
o Licensing laws
o Environmental health
o Employment law, including disciplinary and grievance procedures
o Facilitate the delivery of the required training to meet legal requirements
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
* Demonstrable experience as a Manager within hospitality, culinary education, or a similar setting.
* Strong financial acumen and experience with P&L management and revenue growth.
* Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
* Operational knowledge in food safety, quality control, and customer service.
* Strong communicator with a proven track record of fostering effective working relationships with external partners
HOW YOU’LL DO IT
You are an authentic and motivational leader bringing both professionalism and personality to the Cookery School and Cafe. Your passion for food, teaching and the Jamie Oliver ethos will inspire your team.
Excellent interpersonal skills will help you manage relationships with key stakeholders, partners and collaborators. Your organisational abilities, hands on approach and adaptability allow you to handle multiple responsibilities, while fostering a team culture that thrives on learning, creativity, and teamwork.
WHAT WE OFFER IN RETURN
Generous and competitive benefits package including:
* Competitive holiday allowance and benefits package (including private medical and life assurance)
* Fantastic central london location in Oxford Circus, very close to transport links
* Opportunity to join a company that will invest heavily in its people and their careers
* Lots of internal and external training and development opportunities
* And many more details to follow!
At Jamie Oliver, we want to create a genuinely inclusive workplace, where we embrace the differences of all our colleagues and celebrate diversity. We love to see applications from underrepresented groups and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their background.