General Manager - Stratfield Saye, Reading The Iron Duke is a newly refurbished, traditional country pub nestled in the charming village of Stratfield Saye. As the latest addition to the historic and proudly run Wellington Estate, The Iron Duke represents a fresh chapter in our hospitality offering — combining classic charm with modern comfort, exceptional food, and warm, attentive service. We are seeking an experienced, hands-on, and passionate General Manager to lead The Iron Duke. This is a unique opportunity to take overall responsibility of a beautifully restored pub and shape its success. Join us at The Iron Duke and help create something truly special in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. You must have the Right to Work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role. Role Overview As General Manager, you will be responsible for the dayto-day running of the pub, ensuring high standards of service, food quality, staff performance, and operational excellence. You will work closely with the wider Wellington Estate team, maintaining strong alignment with the Estate’s values while also driving The Iron Duke’s unique identity as a top-tier country pub. A key focus of the role will be the close working relationship between The Iron Duke and the wider Estate. The Wellington Farm Shop and Stratfield Saye Farms will be key suppliers to the pub and you will be required alongside the Head Chef to create an exciting and enticing menu centred around high quality food produced from the Estate. Key Responsibilities Operational Management: Lead the daily operations of the pub, ensuring smooth service and a welcoming, well-maintained environment. Team Leadership: Recruit, train, manage, and inspire a dedicated team of front- and back-of-house staff. Customer Experience: Deliver exceptional experiences, creating a loyal customer base through outstanding service, atmosphere, and hospitality. Food & Beverage Standards: Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure food quality is consistently excellent and menu offerings reflect both seasonal and customer preferences. Financial Management: Control budgets, monitor performance, and manage stock, purchasing, and supplier relationships to ensure profitability. Compliance & Safety: Ensure the pub complies with all health and safety, licensing, and food hygiene regulations. Brand & Community Engagement: Build the reputation of The Iron Duke as a hub of the Stratfield Saye community and a destination for visitors by fostering positive local relationships and innovative promotional activity. About You Proven experience in managing a successful pub, restaurant, or similar hospitality venue. Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate a team. A passion for delivering outstanding food, drink, and service. Confident with financial and stock control processes. Hands-on, proactive, and solutions-focused approach. Excellent communication and customer service skills. Knowledge of compliance requirements in a licensed premises environment. Familiarity with rural or estate-based hospitality would be a bonus What We Offer Competitive salary based on experience. Discretionary, performance-based bonus scheme. Accommodation is available if required.The chance to build and shape a newly relaunched pub with the support of a respected estate. A supportive and collaborative working environment. Excellent staff discounts are available across all Wellington Estate businesses, including Wellington Country Park, Wellington Farm Shop, Wellington Riding, The Barns at Wellington, Wellington Arms Hotel, and Bruce’s Doggy Daycare