General Manager - Children's Leisure Venue, South London

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on General Manager to lead our newly opened Gambado Forest Hill venue.

You will lead a team of around 20 staff, including duty managers, and take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business. From supporting your team on the floor to managing costs and delivering brilliant customer experiences, you will play a central role in helping the venue grow.

This is an opportunity to put your stamp on an exciting new venue, build a strong team culture and make Gambado Forest Hill a favourite destination for local families.

You will have support from our experienced head office team, alongside the opportunity to spend time at our existing Gambado site to learn how the business works.

About Gambado Forest Hill

Gambado is back in Lewisham, in a setting unlike any other.

Our newly opened Forest Hill venue is housed in the former Capitol Building, a stunning art deco theatre. Its original period features sit alongside a large soft play area, dedicated under-3s zones, sensory rooms, climbing walls, five birthday party rooms, a café and much more.

Gambado has been entertaining families for over 20 years and has a loyal following in this part of London. Our return has been warmly welcomed, with over 1,000 visitors on opening day.

Gambado Forest Hill is part of Happiness Corp, a growing network of family entertainment venues, offering opportunities to develop your career as the business expands.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing a team of around 20 staff, including duty managers
• Overseeing daily operations across soft play, birthday parties, the café and other activities
• Recruiting, training and developing your team
• Planning rotas and managing staffing levels to meet demand
• Keeping the venue safe, clean and well-maintained
• Managing costs and working towards revenue targets
• Delivering excellent customer service and handling complaints professionally
• Ensuring health and safety procedures are followed consistently
• Working closely with head office teams covering marketing and finance
• Overseeing reception and front-of-house operations

What We Are Looking For

• Proven general management experience in leisure, hospitality or entertainment
• Confidence leading a busy, customer-facing venue
• Strong people management skills and the ability to motivate and develop a team
• Good commercial awareness, with experience managing costs and revenue
• A hands-on approach and willingness to support the team on the floor
• Excellent communication skills and confidence handling customer feedback
• A genuine enthusiasm for creating great experiences for families and children
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to adapt when priorities change
• Availability to work weekends and school holidays, when the venue is busiest

Relevant qualifications in first aid, food hygiene or management are beneficial but not essential. A DBS check will be required for this role.

What We Offer

• Salary of £35,000–£45,000 per year, depending on experience
• Pension scheme
• Free lunches
• The opportunity to lead a distinctive, newly opened family entertainment venue
• Career development opportunities within the Happiness Corp network
• Support from an experienced head office team

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking

Application question(s):

• What previous experience do you have managing leisure or entertainment venues?

(Please answer to be considered)

Work Location: In person