General Manager – CHALK Restaurant, Wokingham
Excellent salary + profit-based bonus
CHALK is an established independent restaurant in the heart of Wokingham, offering a stylish, contemporary dining experience with a strong focus on quality food, warm hospitality and genuine attention to detail.
As our owners turn their attention towards expansion and an exciting new opening next year, we are looking for an exceptional General Manager to take charge of CHALK’s day-to-day operation and help lead the business into its next chapter.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced, hands-on hospitality professional who wants real responsibility, genuine influence and the chance to grow with an ambitious independent company.
The role
You will take ownership of the restaurant’s daily operation, leading from the floor and setting the standard for service, hospitality and team performance.
This is not a behind-the-desk management position. We are looking for someone who enjoys being present during service, engaging with guests, coaching the team and ensuring that every shift runs smoothly.
You will work closely with the owners while being trusted to lead the restaurant, develop its people and help shape CHALK’s future offering.
Key responsibilities
Taking full responsibility for the restaurant’s day-to-day operation
Leading from the floor and maintaining a visible presence throughout service
Delivering consistently warm, polished and professional guest experiences
Recruiting, onboarding, training and developing the front-of-house team
Providing regular coaching and creating clear development opportunities for team members
Building a positive, motivated and accountable workplace culture
Setting and maintaining high standards across service, presentation and cleanliness
Managing rotas and staffing levels in line with business needs
Monitoring wage costs, sales, margins and other key performance indicators
Taking ownership of budgets and helping to improve profitability
Working closely with the kitchen and senior team to ensure a joined-up operation
Handling guest feedback professionally and building strong relationships with regular customers
Supporting local marketing, events and initiatives that grow the restaurant
Helping the owners develop and shape the future food, drink and service offering
Introducing practical systems and processes that support future growth
Ensuring all licensing, health and safety, food safety and company standards are maintained
About you
You will ideally have:
Previous experience as a General Manager, Deputy General Manager or experienced Restaurant Manager ready for the next step
A background in a quality brasserie, premium casual restaurant or upmarket dining environment
Experience within an independent restaurant or growing hospitality group
A hands-on leadership style and a genuine passion for being on the floor
A strong track record of coaching, training and retaining great people
Excellent commercial awareness, including experience managing labour, costs and profitability
High standards, strong attention to detail and a natural sense of hospitality
The confidence to take ownership, make decisions and lead the business day to day
The ambition and flexibility to grow with an expanding company
Experience in hotels, events or banqueting would be relevant and welcomed, but it is not essential.
What we offer
An excellent and competitive salary
A generous bonus linked directly to restaurant profit
Genuine autonomy and responsibility for an established independent restaurant
The opportunity to influence the future direction of CHALK
Close involvement in an ambitious period of growth and expansion
Career progression as the company opens new venues
A supportive relationship with experienced, entrepreneurial owners
The chance to build, develop and lead your own high-performing team
If you are an energetic and commercially minded restaurant leader who loves great hospitality, develops people and wants to play an important part in the growth of an independent company, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV and a short introduction explaining why you would be a great fit for CHALK
Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
Work Location: In person