Job Description
A well-established, independent destination restaurant is looking for a General Manager to take full control of a high-quality operation. This is a long-term, hands-on project with a clear objective - bring structure, drive performance, and take ownership of the business as the owner steps back over the coming months. The site has evolved significantly over the past 4-5 years into a respected, experience-led restaurant with a strong food and wine offer. It now needs a proper operator to lead it.
The Role:
* Full accountability for the day-to-day running of the business across kitchen, bar, restaurant and office
* Lead, manage and develop the team - this is a people-first role with high expectations around standards and accountability
* Bring structure - clear roles, clear ownership, no grey areas
* Drive performance across all departments, both operationally and commercially
* Take control of all systems and admin - reservations, reporting, bookkeeping, social media and general IT discipline
* Work closely with the owner during a 3-month handover, with the goal of taking full ownership
* Support and develop the existing management team, including a Restaurant Manager and wider FOH structure
* Collaborate on budgets and P&L, with increasing ownership over financial performance
* Ensure consistency across a high-quality food and wine offering
* Take responsibility for marketing and social presence - no external team in place
The person:
* Proven General Manager from a strong independent restaurant or small luxury hotel background
* Commercially aware and operationally strong - understands how to run a profitable business
* Confident managing multiple departments - kitchen, floor, bar and back office
* Strong leadership presence - able to manage people properly, set standards and hold teams accountable
* Organised and detail-driven - particularly across systems, reporting and admin
* Good level of wine knowledge - credible in the environment, without needing to be a specialist
* Comfortable in a hands-on role - this isn’t a sit-back position
* Clear communicator - able to report effectively and work closely with ownership
* Someone who can bring energy, structure and direction