General Manager — Wilding Kitchen & Shop

About Knepp

Knepp is a pioneering 3,500-acre rewilding project in West Sussex, internationally recognised for its
radical approach to restoring biodiversity and natural processes. Alongside our ecological work, the
Wilding Kitchen & Shop is the public heart of the Knepp experience — serving food inspired by our
landscape, championing regenerative produce, and connecting visitors to nature through exceptional
hospitality and ethical retail.

The Wilding Kitchen has recently been recognised by the Michelin Guide, a reflection of our team’s
dedication to honest, ingredient-led cooking and our commitment to showcasing the abundance that
rewilding and regenerative farming can bring.

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. You
will oversee all day-to-day operations — from restaurant service and events to retail and supplier
relationships — while driving the business forward in line with Knepp’s environmental and social
values.

A key focus of this role is team leadership: building, motivating, and empowering a skilled, passionate
team 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 to
rewilding, regenerative food systems, and purpose-driven enterprise.

• 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.

• Ensure smooth daily operations with exceptional attention to service quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement systems and processes that improve consistency, productivity, and
  guest 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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, and
  carbon footprint.
• Collaborate with Knepp’s wider team to integrate rewilding and regenerative food storytelling
  into the visitor experience.
• To advise and lead on new initiatives:
  • Online shop
  • Collaborations
  • Car parking charges
  • Marketing
• Proven experience in hospitality, restaurant, and retail.
• Str…