The job market for hospitality managers is changing. In 2026, companies are willing to pay high salaries for Permanent Operations Roles (£50,000 and above), but they expect more than just experience. They want managers to grow the business and maximise profitability.
If you want permanent operations roles with a high salary, you need to show you have specific skills. Here is a simple guide from our team at Pineapple Recruitment on where to find these jobs and how to get them.
Let’s start by addressing where the £50k+ jobs are found in the UK.
To get a salary over £50k (outside of London), you usually need to manage more than one location or have a specialised role. Here are the job titles to look for:
- Cluster General Managers: This means managing two or three sites at once. Companies pay more for this role because they don’t have to hire a separate manager for every building.
- Operations Directors: These roles exist in small but growing restaurant groups (5–10 sites). They need someone to organise the business so they can open more locations.
- Multi-Site Executive Chefs: This role is less about cooking on the line and more about planning menus and buying food for several restaurants at once.
- Experience Managers: This is a newer job title for venues that mix food with entertainment (like gaming bars or bowling venues). These jobs often pay well because they are high-volume and busy.
2. The Skills You Need
To justify a high salary, your CV needs to show you can save the company money and use modern tools.
Using Technology: You must show you can use software to run the business.
- Smart Scheduling: Show you can use rostering apps to control staff costs.
- Digital Stock Taking: Show you can use inventory systems to track food and drink waste accurately.
Keeping Staff (Retention) Hiring new staff is expensive. Employers want managers who can keep their team happy.
- What to say: Instead of saying “I managed a team,” say “I reduced staff turnover by 15%, which saved the company money on recruitment fees.”
Controlling Costs: Employers want managers who understand profit. You need to show you can lower energy bills and reduce food waste to increase the profit margin.
3. Negotiating Benefits
In 2026, a good permanent job is about more than just the monthly pay. You should also look for better benefits.
Common benefits for senior roles include:
- Private Healthcare: This is becoming standard for General Managers in premium companies.
- Profit Bonuses: Ask for a bonus scheme that is linked to the profit you make for the site.
- Better Schedules: Many senior roles now offer one full weekend off per month, or a Monday-to-Friday schedule with only occasional weekend work.
4. How to Write Your CV
When you apply for these jobs, keep your CV simple and focused on results. Use this structure for your past jobs:
- The Problem: “The restaurant had high staff costs and low sales.”
- What I Did: “I trained the team on service and reorganised the roster.”
- The Result: “Staff costs went down by 5% and sales increased.”
Keywords to include: Make sure your profile includes plain business terms like Profit & Loss (P&L) Management, Budgeting, Staff Training, and New Site Openings.
Conclusion
The best permanent jobs in 2026 are for leaders who think like business owners. If you can show that you know how to make a profit and keep your staff happy, you will be in a strong position to get a £50k+ salary.
At Pineapple Recruitment, we specialise in finding permanent roles for experienced managers. Take the next step in your career. Contact us today and let us help you secure a high-paying, permanent position.
Check out our latest vacancies here or visit or LinkedIn page for the latest news.
