General Manager

Boutique Hotel & Michelin Guide Restaurant

Topsham, Devon – Near Exeter

£40,000 + Gratuities

Independent, Owner-Led Hospitality Business

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced General Manager to take responsibility for a highly regarded independent boutique hotel and Michelin Guide-recognised restaurant in the beautiful estuary town of Topsham, near Exeter.

This historic property has been under its current ownership for more than a decade, developing an excellent reputation for outstanding seafood, quality hospitality and a warm, personal approach to its guests.

With an established Head Chef now leading the kitchen and performing exceptionally well, the owners are looking for a strong front-of-house and hotel operator to take overall responsibility for the property, build upon its existing success and help drive the business forward.

This isn't simply a Restaurant Manager position. It's an opportunity to become a key figure within an independent hospitality business and genuinely influence its next chapter.

The Property

Located in the heart of Topsham, this characterful historic property combines an acclaimed Michelin Guide-listed restaurant with boutique accommodation and a strong connection to the local community.

Food is central to the business, with a particular focus on exceptional seafood and produce from Devon and the surrounding coastline.

The restaurant has established a loyal following among both local guests and destination diners, while the rooms create a broader boutique hospitality operation requiring an experienced manager who understands the complete guest journey.

This is an independent business rather than a corporate hotel environment, offering the successful person the opportunity to work directly alongside ownership and play a meaningful role in its continued development.

The Role

As General Manager, you'll take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the property.

Working closely with the owners and Head Chef, you'll lead the front-of-house and hotel operation while ensuring consistently excellent standards across service, people, guest experience and commercial performance.

The owners aren't looking to completely reinvent an already successful business. Instead, this appointment represents an opportunity to build on strong foundations, identify areas for improvement and continue developing the property for the future.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking overall day-to-day operational responsibility for the property


• Leading the front-of-house and guest experience


• Working closely with the Head Chef to ensure a strong relationship between kitchen and service


• Recruiting, training, mentoring and developing the team


• Maintaining consistently high standards of hospitality and presentation


• Managing rotas, staffing levels and labour costs


• Monitoring operational costs, stock and overall commercial performance


• Building relationships with regular guests and the local community


• Handling guest feedback professionally and personally


• Maintaining excellent health, safety and operational standards


• Supporting events, promotions and special dining experiences


• Identifying opportunities to improve the operation and guest experience


• Working directly with ownership on the continued growth and development of the business

About You

We're looking for an experienced hospitality professional who combines strong operational ability with personality and genuine warmth.

You could currently be a:

• General Manager


• Hotel Manager


• Restaurant General Manager


• Operations Manager


• Strong Deputy General Manager ready for greater responsibility

You'll ideally have:

• Previous management experience within a quality independent hotel, restaurant with rooms or boutique hospitality business


• Strong front-of-house and restaurant experience


• A genuine passion for food and quality hospitality


• Experience leading, recruiting and developing teams


• Good commercial awareness and understanding of labour and operating costs


• Excellent guest engagement and problem-solving skills


• The confidence to take genuine ownership of an operation


• A hands-on leadership style and willingness to be present within the business


• Strong organisation and communication skills


• A positive, approachable and collaborative personality

Experience within Michelin Guide, AA Rosette or comparable quality-led hospitality would be highly advantageous.

The Package

• £40,000 annual salary


• Gratuities


• Meals whilst on duty


• Paid holiday


• Uniform provided


• On-site parking


• Independent, owner-led working environment


• Genuine responsibility and autonomy within the property


• Opportunity to work alongside an established Head Chef and ownership team


• Scope to influence the continued development and growth of the business

Location

The property is located in Topsham, Devon, close to Exeter.

Topsham offers an excellent quality of life, combining a thriving independent food and hospitality scene with its beautiful estuary setting and easy access to Exeter and the wider Devon countryside.

The town also has its own railway station, making Exeter easily accessible for those who don't wish to live directly in Topsham.

Why This Role?

This is a particularly attractive opportunity for someone who wants to move away from highly corporate hospitality and become genuinely involved in the running of an established independent business.

You'll inherit a successful operation rather than being asked to completely rebuild one, while still having the freedom to identify improvements and help shape its future.

With an established Michelin Guide-recognised restaurant, boutique accommodation, an experienced Head Chef and supportive ownership, this is an opportunity for the right General Manager to make the property their own and play a significant role in its next stage of development.