About Knepp
Knepp is a pioneering 3,500-acre rewilding project in West Sussex, internationally recognised for itsradical approach to restoring biodiversity and natural processes. Alongside our ecological work, theWilding Kitchen & Shop is the public heart of the Knepp experience — serving food inspired by ourlandscape, championing regenerative produce, and connecting visitors to nature through exceptionalhospitality and ethical retail.
The Wilding Kitchen has recently been recognised by the Michelin Guide, a reflection of our team’sdedication to honest, ingredient-led cooking and our commitment to showcasing the abundance thatrewilding and regenerative farming can bring.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring General Manager to lead the Wilding Kitchen & Shop,ensuring the highest standards of guest experience, operational excellence, and sustainability. Youwill oversee all day-to-day operations — from restaurant service and events to retail and supplierrelationships — while driving the business forward in line with Knepp’s environmental and socialvalues.
A key focus of this role is team leadership: building, motivating, and empowering a skilled, passionateteam that reflects Knepp’s ethos and delivers outstanding experiences to every visitor.This is a rare opportunity to combine strong commercial leadership with a genuine commitment torewilding, regenerative food systems, and purpose-driven enterprise.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & People Management
- Lead, inspire, and develop a diverse team across the restaurant, kitchen, shop, and visitor operations.
- Operational accountability. To take responsibility for the day to day running of the buissness
- Financial accountability, to write and execute yearly budgets
- Systems accountability, to oversee:
- Health and safety
- Property maintenance
- Reporting
- Accounts, P&L
- Insurance
- Create a supportive, inclusive, and high-performance culture grounded in respect, teamwork, and shared purpose.
- Recruit, train, and retain staff who embody Knepp’s values and commitment to excellence.
- Conduct regular team meetings, appraisals, and professional development sessions.
- Encourage cross-departmental collaboration and clear communication across all teams.
Operations & Performance
- Ensure smooth daily operations with exceptional attention to service quality, safety, and efficiency.
- Develop and implement systems and processes that improve consistency, productivity, andguest satisfaction.
- Oversee financial performance — managing budgets, forecasts, cost control, and KPIs.
- Maintain excellent standards of presentation and functionality across the restaurant, shop,and shared spaces
Customer Experience
- Ensure every visitor receives a warm, knowledgeable, and memorable experience.
- Champion hospitality that reflects Knepp’s authenticity and connection to nature.
- Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop events, seasonal menus, and visitor offers that deepen engagement.
Retail & Supply Chain
- Help sourcing and curation of retail and restaurant products that align with Knepp’s principles — local, ethical, seasonal, and regenerative.
- Help build strong relationships with local and regenerative suppliers.Oversee stock control, pricing, and merchandising to maximise sales and minimise waste.
Sustainability & Impact
- Help embed Knepp’s sustainability ethos in all aspects of restaurant and shop operations.
- Monitor environmental impact and implement initiatives to reduce waste, energy use, andcarbon footprint.
- Collaborate with Knepp’s wider team to integrate rewilding and regenerative food storytellinginto the visitor experience.
- To advise and lead on new initiatives:
- Online shop
- Collaborations
- Car parking charges
- Marketing
- Proven experience in hospitality, restaurant, and retail.
- Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to manage, motivate, and develop diverseteams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a customer-first mindset.
- Sound financial management skills — budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Good knowledge, or willingness to learn about sustainability.
- Ability to balance hands-on operational management with strategic leadership.
- Experience of reporting and interacting with family owners/board members
- Experience in working as part of a large organisation
- Strong knowledge of employment law and employer responsibilities
- Experience of managing a team of 50+
- Must be able drive
- Experience working within a purpose-led or environmental organisation.
- Knowledge of regenerative agriculture, farm-to-fork supply chains, or sustainable retail.
- Experience in event management, tourism, or rural hospitality.
- Familiarity with Knepp’s work and ethos.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- KPI linked Bonus’
- Generous staff discounts & holiday allowance
- Opportunities for professional development and engagement with Knepp’s rewilding initiatives
- Weekly staff Yoga
- Good work life balance, very few evenings, one weekend day off a week.
- A chance to play a leading role in one of the UK’s most inspiring sustainability projects
- Free camping at our award-winning campsite
- Complimentary safari in our rewilding project
- Accommodation a possibility
- Free parking
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you’d be a great fit for this role toNed@knepp.co.uk , with the subject line: General Manager – Wilding Kitchen & Shop.
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