Job Title

Job Title: General ManagerLocation: Canterbury, KentEmployment Type: Full-timeSalary: £40,000 - £45,000Start Date: September–October 2025 (Flexible)Opening Date: Venue launching late 2025About Rivals SocialRivals Social is a brand-new leisure and entertainment venue opening later this year in Canterbury. With a mix of adventure golf, AR bowling, darts, social games, and premium food and drink, we’re building something different — a place where people come to play, eat, compete and connect.We're looking for a high-calibre General Manager to help bring it all to life.The RoleThe successful candidate will begin with hands-on training across our existing venues in Canterbury, Faversham, and Maidstone. This phase will help you fully understand our brand and operational style.From there, you’ll help recruit and prepare the team ahead of our grand opening and then take full operational responsibility for Rivals Social.This is a key leadership role with full accountability for:Recruiting, onboarding, and training the Rivals Social launch teamEnsuring all pre-opening and ongoing health 'safety practices are completed to a high standard — including risk assessments and compliance paperworkCreating and maintaining a positive, energetic team cultureDelivering consistently excellent customer experiencesWorking with an F&B manager to oversee day-to-day operations across food, drink, activities and eventsOwning key financials, including rota efficiency, stock control, reporting and P&LWorking closely with the owners to shape and evolve the venue’s performanceWho We’re Looking ForThis is not a junior position. You must have proven experience managing a similar venue, whether in competitive socialising, hospitality-leisure, or entertainment-focused operations. This is a non-negotiable requirement.We're looking for someone who is:Organised, proactive, and commercially focusedA strong leader with the ability to motivate and support a new teamConfident handling all health 'safety and operational paperworkAble to work flexibly in the pre-opening period across multiple sitesCalm under pressure and focused on delivering an exceptional guest experiencePassionate about creating something new and growing with the brandWhat You’ll GetA genuine opportunity to lead the launch of an exciting new venueFull support and training from our established venues and leadership teamThe chance to shape the culture, processes and reputation of a new businessA competitive salary and bonus potentialReal scope for future development as the business expandsHow to ApplyPlease submit your CV along with a short cover letter explaining why you’re the right fit for this role and what relevant experience you bring. Applications without relevant venue management experience will not be considered.