General Manager
Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy, but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.
Ottolenghi Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter for us, our first restaurant in Scotland. Opening in autumn 2026, this will be a vibrant, busy restaurant with a genuine commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability at its heart. We are now looking for a talented General Manager to join our team and be part of something truly special from the very beginning.
What you’ll do
- Lead a passionate front-of-house to achieve high standards in a supportive, dynamic environment.
- Create a positive, respectful culture where teamwork, learning, and accountability are valued.
- Ensure every guest enjoys warm, seamless hospitality from the moment they arrive to the last detail of their visit.
- Champion Ottolenghi's values, standards, and ethos across every aspect of the operation, and collaborate with Back of House and Front of House Managers to maintain these across service, presentation, and ambience.
- Work closely with the Operations Manager to continuously improve processes, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure the venue is always operating at its best.
- Drive financial success through budgeting, cost control, and strategic sales growth.
- Collaborate on seasonal menus, product launches, and campaigns to ensure every detail aligns with the brand.
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training, nurturing your team’s development and growth.
- Monitor and continuously improve processes, including table planning, service flow, and health and safety compliance.
- Work closely with the Head Chef and back-of-house team to ensure a seamless, memorable guest experience.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience as a General Manager or in a senior leadership role in a premium hospitality environment, minimum of 2 years.
- A genuine passion for hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, cost control, and revenue management.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and empower a team.
- A deep appreciation for Ottolenghi’s menu and ethos, and the ability to share this with both staff and guests.
- Impeccable attention to detail and a commitment to operational excellence.
Key skills
- Outstanding leadership and people management skills.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all levels.
- Highly organised with strong operational awareness and attention to detail.
- Confident making decisions and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
- Comfortable using relevant hospitality management and IT systems.
- A genuine passion for hospitality, food, and the Ottolenghi brand.
What’s in it for you?
- 33 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays
- Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
- Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
- Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
- Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses
- A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
- Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service
- A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
- Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
- A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued
If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.