General Manager (QSR / Takeaway)
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (high street)
Package: £32,000–£36,000 base (flexible for the right person) + performance bonus + optional accommodation (2-bed flat; bills/council tax by employee)
The opportunity (brand confidential)
A busy, modern takeaway-led business serving both in-store and delivery customers. Sales are strong (£13–15k/week) with clear potential to grow beyond £20k/week through better team structure, sharper operations and stronger leadership. We’re seeking a hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up General Manager — someone who isn’t afraid to jump on the line, lead by example, and set the standard for the team every single shift.
This role suits a manager who thrives in a fast-paced, practical environment and wants to shape a business with real growth prospects.
Why this role
* Lead from the front: You’ll be side by side with your team, cooking, cleaning, serving and problem-solving — showing them what “good” looks like.
* Fix and grow: Stabilise the operation, train up capable team members, and create space for consistent growth.
* Career-making opportunity: For the right person, this evolves into a group operations role across multiple sites and a growing virtual brand.
What you’ll do day-to-day
Hands-on Operations
* Be the go-to person on shift: if the fryer needs covering, deliveries need checking, or the floor needs cleaning, you step in and get it done.
* Open and close the shop confidently; complete prep, cooking, cleaning and service tasks alongside your team.
* Troubleshoot equipment, jump in at peak hours (especially Friday evenings), and keep service flowing when it matters most.
Standards & Safety
* Maintain immaculate food safety, H&S and cleanliness — not from an office, but on the floor, inspecting and correcting in real time.
* Train the team by showing them how to do things right, not just telling them.
Team Leadership
* Recruit, train and inspire by leading shoulder-to-shoulder in the kitchen and on the counter.
* Coach team members on the job, developing a No.2 who can run shifts when you’re not there.
* Create a culture where no task is “beneath” anyone — everyone chips in, from frying fish to scrubbing floors.
Commercial & Customer Focus
* Watch the numbers daily: portion sizes, waste, labour hours, and upsell opportunities.
* Drive sales by ensuring consistency and speed of service — queues move quickly, delivery orders are right every time.
* Keep customer ratings high by taking ownership of quality at the pass.
What success looks like
30 days
* Fully confident in prep, cooking and service tasks.
* Team see you working alongside them, standards rising across cleanliness and quality.
* Rota drafted with right people in the right roles.
60 days
* Friday peaks running smoothly with you directing the team at the fryer and pass.
* Waste down, sales trending up, ratings improving.
* A capable No.2 trained and starting to lead shifts.
90 days
* You’ve shifted from firefighting to leading — team stepping up, standards holding.
* Shop feels sharper, cleaner, calmer; sales growing through consistency and trust.
* Owners freed up to focus on expansion, with you firmly in control of day-to-day.
You’ll bring:
Must-haves
* Solid management experience in QSR / takeaway / fast casual.
* Absolute willingness to work the line: frying, prepping, cleaning, and serving.
* Strong track record of keeping standards high in high-pressure service environments.
* Experience controlling labour, GP and waste.
* Resilience and grit — you don’t flinch when it gets busy, you get energised.
Nice-to-haves
* Experience balancing delivery + in-store trade at peak.
* Track record training team members to step up into supervisor/No.2 roles.
* Local store marketing and sales-driving ideas.
Package & benefits
* Base: £35,000–£40,000 (open to exceptional profiles).
* Bonus: Performance-linked.
* Accommodation: Optional 2-bed flat (no rent; employee covers bills/council tax).
* Clear pathway to multi-site / group operations role as the brand expands.