Who are we and what do we do ?
At The Muddy Duck, were a proudly independent pub and restaurant nestled in the heart of Hethe, just north of Bicester. Our home sits beside the village church, surrounded by Oxfordshire countryside, and weve always believed a great local should feel both familiar and a little magical. Under one roof, youll find a proper pub where you can settle in with a pint and a meal, and a relaxed restaurant serving honest, great-tasting food. Weve held onto the charm and character of a true village pub while creating spaces that feel special, welcoming, and full of personality.
Our team is local, passionate, and dedicated to making every visit feel like coming home, whether youre here for a quiet drink, a long lunch/dinner, or a celebration!
About the Role
The General Manager will be the driving force behind the restaurants success, leading the full operation with confidence, clarity, and a commitment to excellence. This role is hands on and exists to ensure an exceptional guest experience, deliver strong financial performance, and inspire a motivated, high-performing team. The GM safeguards the venues reputation, upholds operational and service standards, and maintains profitability, all while cultivating a warm, vibrant, and welcoming atmosphere that guests want to return to.
Location: Bicester surroundings
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
Support the recruitment, training, and development ofa high-performingfront of houseandback of houseteam.
Create a positive, inclusive, and motivating work environment.
Lead by example in service standards, professionalism, and guest engagement.
Manage staff rotas, performance reviews, and succession planning.
Ensure compliance with HR policies,right to workchecks, and training requirements.
Operational Management
Oversee daily operations including opening/closing procedures, cash handling, and stock control.
Ensure compliance with licensing laws, health & safety, food safety, and hygiene regulations.
Maintain equipment, facilities, and supplier relationships.
Implement and uphold company policies, SOPs, and brand standards.
Financial & Commercial Performance
Take full accountability for P&L performance.
Manage budgets, forecasting, and cost control (labour, stock, utilities, waste).
Analyse sales trends and implement strategies to increase revenue.
Drive upselling, promotions, and events to maximise profitability.
Monitor stock levels, conduct regular stocktakes, and minimise loss.
Guest Experience & Service Standards
Maintain consistently high service standards across all areas.
Resolve guest issues promptly and professionally.
Ensure the venue atmosphere, cleanliness, and presentation meet brand expectations.
Drive guest satisfaction and encourage repeat business .
What Were Looking For
Proven experience as a General Manager or Assistant General Manager in a pub, bar, or restaurant.
Strong leadership andpeople managementskills.
Excellent understanding of hospitality operations, licensing, and compliance.
Highly commercially aware with strong financial leadership skills.
Exceptional communication andproblem-solvingabilities.
Ability to thrive in afast paced,guest focusedenvironment.
Passion for hospitality, food, drink, and creating memorable experiences.
Why Join Absolute Taste?
Working with us means joining a fast-growing, innovative company that is redefining culinary and event experiences. Youll be part of a supportive, resilient team that values creativity, development, and having fun at work.
We offer:
25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
3% pension
Life assurance
Thorough training and ongoing development
A positive, empowering culture where your growth matters
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
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