General Manager / Business Leader – Established Landmark Pub (Confidential Search)
We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced General Manager / Business Leader to lead an established, high-volume independent pub in downtown Toronto.
This is more than a restaurant management position. We're looking for a hands-on leader who wants to help shape the future of a well-known neighbourhood business with a loyal customer base, an outstanding reputation, and significant growth potential.
The successful candidate will work alongside the current General Manager during a structured transition period before assuming responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the business.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Owner, you'll have responsibility for all aspects of the operation, including:
- Leading and developing the entire staff and management team
- Working collaboratively with the Kitchen Manager to ensure seamless operations
- Delivering an exceptional guest experience
- Menu and bar development
- Managing labour, inventory, purchasing, and operating costs
- Monitoring financial performance and achieving profitability goals
- Developing promotions, events, and marketing initiatives to grow the business
- Building a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture
- Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, liquor licensing, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance
Schedule & Leadership Expectations
This is a leadership role that requires visibility when the business is at its busiest.
Rather than working traditional office hours, your schedule will be built around the restaurant's key operating periods. Regular evening shifts and Saturday work are expected, with flexibility to support other weekends, holidays, and special events as business needs require.
While administrative work is part of the role, the majority of your time should be spent leading from the floor—supporting your team, engaging with guests, and ensuring exceptional service during our busiest periods.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking someone who brings both operational excellence and an entrepreneurial mindset.
The ideal candidate will have:
- At least 3 years of General Manager experience in a high-volume restaurant, pub, or hospitality environment
- Experience managing teams of 20+ employees
- Strong financial acumen, including labour management, food and beverage costing, inventory control, and P&L responsibility
- Outstanding leadership, coaching, and communication skills
- A passion for hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences
- Experience creating promotions, events, or initiatives that drive business growth
- Smart Serve certification (required)
- Food Handler Certification (or willingness to obtain)
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary of $70,000–$85,000, based on experience
- Performance bonus
- Health Spending Account
- Paid vacation
- Staff meals during shifts
- Opportunity to lead and grow a respected independent hospitality business
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of downtown Toronto's established hospitality businesses.
We're looking for someone who wants to build a business—not simply manage shifts. If you're an experienced hospitality leader who enjoys developing people, improving operations, and growing sales, we'd like to hear from you.
All inquiries and applications will be handled in strict confidence.
Pay: $70,000.00-$85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
Application question(s):
- Describe one accomplishment as a General Manager or hospitality leader that you're most proud of. What was your role, what actions did you take, and what measurable results did you achieve? (Please include metrics where possible.)
- What interests you about leading an established independent pub rather than working for a chain or corporate restaurant?
Work Location: In person
