LIFE AT CLAYS
Welcome to Clays, the ultimate indoor clay shooting experience and cocktail bar! We bring the thrill of a British clay target shooting weekend to the heart of the city, making this exhilarating sport safe, fun, and accessible for everyone. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-packed day with friends or a lively evening with colleagues, Clays is the perfect spot for unforgettable, fun-filled experiences.
Careers at Clays are loaded with possibilities. Were dedicated to not only growing our brand but also investing in the growth of our team. From top-notch training through Clayers Academy, to ample opportunities for personal development, we offer a vibrant workplace where independent thinkers come together to craft unforgettable experiences for our guests.
Weve been named one of the UKs Best Workplaces 2025 by Great Place To Work UK!Were all about creating a workplace filled with integrity, fun, and teamwork. But dont just take our word for ithere's what our Clayers have to say:
You can be yourself here.The company values character and willingness to learn over prior knowledge. They provide all the training you need, and your progress is entirely up to you.
Mistakes are stepping stones here, and no one is frowned upon for making them. We learn from each other, which is unique in a workplace.
If youre looking for a role where you can grow and be part of a dynamic, fun-loving team, join us as we make historyone shot at a time!
CLAYS VALUES
At Clays, our venues are for everyone, and so is our workplace. We believe that to serve our diverse audience, we must first celebrate and nurture diversity within our team. Thats why werededicated to creating an inclusive culture. Different perspectives spark creativity and drive innovation. So, if you're passionate about making a positive impact, wed love to hear from you!
And of course, were looking for someone who embodies our Clays values. Thats why weve framed them as key questions that guide everything we do:
SAFE - Is it safe?Safety first. Its our responsibility to protect our people, our guests, and our business. We make decisions that create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.
AMAZING EXPERIENCE - Will it deliver an amazing experience?We deliver an amazing experience by going above and beyond what's expected, obsessing over the detail, making thoughtfulness a priority, and ensuring every guest and colleague feels seen, valued, and truly celebrated.
LASTING - Will it leave a last impression? Lasting means creating impact that goes beyond the moment. At Clays, the choices we make must meaningfully contribute to a lasting impression, for our guests, our people, our planet, and our brand.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
What's the Gig, You Ask?
As General Manager in one of our venues, you will be accountable for the operational success and the day-to-day delivery providing amazing experiences for our guests. You will be required to ensure the business is set up for success and maintain a strong connection to our company's values and goals.
In this role, you will oversee a team of approximately 40 colleagues or more including up to 8 managers and will work closely with the Operations Director to drive colleague development to ensure the company achieves its succession planning goals through our unique Clayers Academy.
We are looking for a self-driven highly experienced operational candidate who has worked in high volume operational businesses. You will be a dynamic thinker and passionate about people, both guests and colleagues. You will also need to be a strong communicator with the confidence and energy to engage a team to deliver.
Clays have exciting growth plans, this role will suit a candidate who has a desire to develop in their role and progress their career.
Previous experience of working in a fast-paced high volume F&B environment is necessary and experience in another competitive socialising concept desirable.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Your role will include but may not be limited to the following responsibilities;
Operational Management:
Set direction for and coach the AGM and all department managers for successful operational delivery.
Analyse the performance of service on a regular basis to ensure that it is best in class standard.
Responsible for compliance with health, safety, and hygiene standards including PPM and audits.
Change management and positive engagement to achieve objectives collectively with a collaborative approach.
Our Clayers:
Be a Champion for and lead on the Clayers Academy driving succession planning and ensure goal setting is being achieved.
Be the cultural mast for your venue, ensuring the Clays Values and Behaviours are lived and all Clayers are held to the same standards.
Accountable for the oversight of Clayers schedules to achieve operational excellence.
Maintain welfare and ensure efficient workforce planning.
Foster a positive and productive work environment.
Audit and develop management for consistent performance reviews (IMPACT Chats) Make decisions and seek out opportunities in line with our Environmental, Social and Governance statement.
Ensure implementation and adherence to sustainability practices within your location.
Ensure all team members are up-to-date with the latest hospitality standards and practices.
Guest Experience:
Implement and monitor customer service standards to enhance guest experience
Allow time for your presence on the floor, interacting with colleagues and guests, to provide a sense of value and respect for both.
Act as the face of your venue.
Manage our guest feedback platform addressing and resolving guest issues and concerns promptly and effectively.
Relentlessly strive to provide amazing experiences as the highest priority.
Execution and delivery of all events as per Clays policy.
Financial Management:
Budget preparation and financial planning.
Monitor and analyse financial performance, taking action to deliver improvements where necessary
Ensure you understand and execute the budget, with a sound understanding of the numbers and targets set out.
Inventory analysis and effective management within budgets.
Looking for opportunities to exceed your targets.
Marketing and Promotion:
Support the implementation of marketing and promotional activities.
Collaborate with the marketing & events team to execute campaigns at an operational level.
Assist in content capture and execution where necessary.
Administrative Duties:
Maintain accurate records, including colleague files, financial reports, and inventory logs.
Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Prepare and submit reports as required.
SKILLS, DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES
5 years of experience in a similar position is desirable.
Always looking for opportunities to improve your knowledge and abilities.
Passionate about hospitality and creating amazing experiences.
A keen eye for detail with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to build lasting relationships with colleagues and clients.
Honest with strong moral principles.
Take initiative, solve problems calmly, and work well under pressure.
Personal Licence
Mental Health First Aid (not essential).
WSET Level 2 (not essential).
Fire Warden (not essential).
First Aid (not essential).
New Opening Experience (not essential).
Food Hygiene Level 3
Health and Safety Level 3
Be a mentor, a proven high-performing people manager with a track record of developing talent.
WHAT YOULL GET IN RETURN
We value our colleagues greatly and want everyone to feel rewarded.
Our great benefits include:
Competitive Salary : A base salary of £48000 with on target earnings of £60000 which is made up from an on target performance related bonus and Tronc Service Charge.
Holiday : 32 working days holiday pro rata each year, including bank holidays, with an increasing allocation up to a maximum of 36 days with length of service.
Colleague Discounts : Enjoy a generous 50% discount during off-peak periods and 25% during peak periods for you, your friends, and family.
Paid Breaks : We value your time and ensure youre compensated for your breaks.
Health Care Cash Plan : Up to £995 for reclaimable appointments & treatments, and access to a Virtual GP.
Career Growth : Advance your career with Clayers Academy, our online learning platform, and seize opportunities for growth within our expanding business. Plus, earn globally recognized qualifications funded by Clays.
Celebration Day : An additional paid day off each year to celebrate something meaningful to you.
Parental Leave : Market-leading policies with 13 weeks at 100% pay for maternity, adoption, paternity, and partner leave after 12 months of service.
Employee Assistance : Access a 24/7 support service and up to 8 counselling sessions through our Employee Assistance Programme.
Volunteer Day : A paid day off annually to give back to your local community.
Birthday Gift : Choose a special gift to celebrate your birthday.
Pension Scheme : Join our non-contributory pension scheme with a minimum 3% contribution from us and 5% from you.
Recognition and Incentives : Enjoy team recognition and rewards through our Shooting Stars programme.
Hospitality Discounts : Access exclusive discounts via Hospitality Rewards.
Meals Provided : Free meals for colleagues working operational shifts.
You will be part of a growing brand, business and an exciting adventure with excellent training opportunities and investment in your personal development. Plus, were certified as a Great Place to Work, reflecting our commitment to creating an outstanding work environment!
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