General Manager — Knepp 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.

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. 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.

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, 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

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, and
  carbon footprint.
• Collaborate with Knepp’s wider team to integrate rewilding and regenerative food storytelling
  into the visitor experience.

Project expansion

• To advise and lead on new initiatives:
  • Online shop
  • Collaborations
  • Car parking charges
  • Marketing

Person Specification
Essential:

• Proven experience in hospitality, restaurant, and retail.
• Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to manage, motivate, and develop diverse
  teams.
• 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

Desirable:

• 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 to
Ned@knepp.co.uk, with the subject line: General Manager – Wilding Kitchen & Shop.