Refuge Restaurant and Bar General Manager

We’re on the look for a passionate hands-on Refuge General Manager (Full-Time) to lead our iconic Refuge team and bring their energy to Kimpton Clocktower Hotel!

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a Manchester icon - a bold blend of grand Victorian architecture and playful, contemporary design. We’re a little bit classic, a little bit rebellious and always full of character! From buzzing social spaces to unforgettable dining and events, we create stays that feel vibrant, personal and anything but ordinary.

At Refuge, we’re all about individuality - from the dishes we serve to the drinks we pour. Nestled in the heart of Manchester in the Kimpton Clocktower, Refuge is a vibrant space for our team and guests alike. Join us and help keep the energy, flavour and welcome alive. Come as You Are.

As our Refuge General Manager you’ll be the driving force behind one of Manchester’s most-loved hospitality spaces. You’ll lead the team, shape the guest experience and keep the energy of Refuge alive every day. Your role will include the following responsibilities:

• Lead the overall Refuge operation by bringing restaurant, bar and events activity together to deliver standout guest experiences.
• Take ownership of day-to-day performance, service standards, commercial delivery and the overall guest journey across Refuge.
• Inspire, coach and develop managers, supervisors and team members so every shift feels confident, creative and consistent.
• Manage staffing, rotas, budgets and operational planning so Refuge runs smoothly and efficiently with plenty of personality.
• Work closely with the Kitchen, hotel leadership team and wider departments to make service feel joined-up, seamless and memorable.
• Use guest feedback, team insight and commercial results to spot opportunities, make improvements and keep Refuge moving forward.

We want a natural leader and true host who can balance the buzz of a busy venue with the standards, structure and commercial focus needed to make Refuge thrive. Plus we’re looking for someone who has…

• Experience as a General Manager, Senior Restaurant Manager, Bar General Manager or similar senior hospitality leader.
• Proven experience leading large guest-facing teams in a high-volume restaurant, bar, hotel or lifestyle hospitality environment.
• Strong commercial awareness with confidence managing budgets, labour, sales performance and operational standards.
• A calm organised approach with great communication skills and the ability to bring people together across teams.
• A genuine passion for creating memorable guest experiences, building strong teams and keeping a brilliant venue full of life.

Joining the Kimpton family isn’t just about providing our guests with excellent service - we’ve secured a spot in Fortune’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ 7 times since 2009, and it’s no surprise why! We can offer you…

• Financial Perks: Up to £50,000.00 per annum, guaranteed hours, free meal on shift, paid holidays, enhanced sick pay, subsidised travel for unsocial hours, plus Wagestream to save, track, and access your pay anytime.
• Career Growth: Training programmes, global progression opportunities and 2 paid volunteering days per year. IHG was recognised as a ‘Best Employer 2025’ UK by Mercer.
• Colleague Perks: Discounts at 6,000+ IHG hotels worldwide, plus friends & family rates. Extra savings through our perks portal on shopping, experiences and more.
• Wellbeing: Generous maternity/paternity pay, 24/7 employee assistance, and access to mental health first-aiders.
• Refer a Friend: Share the opportunity and reap rewards when your friends join!

If you’re someone who likes to march to the beat of your own drum and wants to join a company that celebrates authentic individuality, apply today! Check out our Instagram page @kimptonclocktower to see more.

As the Refuge General Manager, you’ll be 100% you, bringing your authentic personality to everything you do; be the ultimate host, confidently leading yourself and making creative decisions that elevate every interaction; and spark joy, using every tool available to craft meaningful and memorable experiences.

You must meet the legal requirements to work in the UK.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support at any stage, and your recruiter will assist you accordingly.

At IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We firmly believe that all our colleagues deserve to be treated equally and have the same opportunities to develop and grow their skills within our business. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and colleagues without regard to race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital or familial status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.