At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant restaurant, ensuring top-notch guest experiences and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a dynamic restaurant group focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a fun work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the hospitality industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in restaurant management and a passion for guest satisfaction.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, commercial performance, operational excellence, and strategic development of the restaurant. The role carries full accountability for the day-to-day and long-term performance of the business, including P&L management, revenue generation, labour, and prime cost control, guest experience, compliance, people leadership, supplier management, and operational standards.
The General Manager is expected to lead the restaurant as a commercially driven business to achieve agreed financial, operational, people, and guest experience objectives. The General Manager will design, implement, monitor, and continuously improve operational standards and SOPs across both Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH), ensuring consistency, efficiency, compliance, and alignment with the company's brand standards.
- P&L & Financial Management: Take accountability for the restaurant's P&L and commercial performance. Deliver EBITDA, Net Sales and Prime Cost Targets (Labour + F&B Cost). Manage labour budgets, wage percentages and operating costs, implementing corrective action where required. Establish and monitor budgets and financial targets with Management.
- Revenue & Commercial Strategy: Drive revenue through sales initiatives, cover optimisation, guest retention, events and local business development. Identify opportunities to increase footfall, average spend, repeat business and profitability.
- Operational Leadership & Standards: Oversee daily restaurant operations and ensure operational efficiency. Implement, enforce and audit FOH and BOH SOPs, maintaining service consistency, food quality and standards. Continuously improve operational processes.
- FOH & BOH Coordination: Ensure effective communication between FOH and BOH. Work with the Executive Chef on food quality, service efficiency, GP performance, stock control and cost management. Ensure management teams share clear objectives and accountability.
- Licensing & Compliance: Oversee Premises Licence compliance, DPS responsibilities, local authority liaison, EHO, fire safety, health and safety, food safety and employment standards. Maintain statutory requirements and achieve an EHO Rating target of 5 Stars.
- Procurement & Supplier Management: Manage suppliers, negotiate commercial terms and monitor performance. Control procurement budgets, purchasing, F&B costs and waste in conjunction with the Executive Chef.
- People Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor and develop management and restaurant teams. Oversee recruitment, promotion and performance management with HR. Support succession planning and management development. Set clear performance expectations and accountability.
- Staff Retention & Workforce Performance: Monitor staff retention and turnover and implement engagement and development initiatives. Ensure appropriate staffing levels and effective workforce planning.
- Guest Experience & Service Excellence: Deliver exceptional guest experiences and consistent food, beverage and service standards. Monitor NPS and guest reviews, implementing improvements where necessary. Personally manage significant complaints and service escalations.
- Marketing, PR & Business Development: Lead local marketing, PR, events and partnerships to increase footfall and revenue. Work with Marketing and Communications to align activities with commercial objectives.
- Quality & Continuous Improvement: Maintain high standards of food, beverage, service, cleanliness and presentation. Conduct regular audits and reviews, implementing corrective actions and improvements.
- Strategic Management & Reporting: Provide weekly operational reports and participate in monthly financial and business reviews. Work with the Managing Director on budgets, targets, strategy and business development. Translate strategic objectives into measurable actions. Lead weekly management meetings to ensure alignment and accountability.
- Crisis Management & Escalation: Act as the final operational escalation point before Managing Director involvement for serious complaints, grievances, operational failures, legal or compliance matters and emergencies. Ensure incidents are managed, documented, investigated and escalated appropriately.
- Maintenance, Safety & Security: Ensure the restaurant, facilities and equipment are maintained to a high standard. Oversee maintenance, health and safety, fire safety, security and cleanliness, addressing risks promptly.
- Performance KPIs & Accountability: Accountable for agreed restaurant KPIs: Financial: EBITDA, Net Sales and Prime Cost (Labour + F&B Cost). Quality: Guest Satisfaction (NPS / Reviews) and EHO Rating – Target: 5 Stars. People: Staff Retention and Turnover. KPI performance will form part of scheduled appraisals and may be considered for performance-based incentives, including Tronc, subject to scheme terms and company approval.
Proven experience in a senior restaurant management role, preferably within premium or high-volume dining. Strong commercial acumen, with demonstrable P&L, budgeting, cost control and revenue management experience. Comprehensive understanding of FOH and BOH operations, service standards and operational procedures. Strong leadership skills, with experience managing, developing and retaining high-performing teams. Sound knowledge of UK licensing, DPS responsibilities, EHO, food safety and health and safety compliance. Experience in supplier management, procurement, stock control and cost optimisation. Strong focus on guest experience, service excellence and business development. Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on, commercially driven and accountable approach.
Restaurant General Manager employer: Confidential Restaurant
Confidential Restaurant provides a vibrant work culture that prioritizes employee development and operational success. With a focus on leadership and performance, the company supports its staff in achieving both personal and professional goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant General Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Confidential Restaurant. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Confidential Restaurant
Don't be shy about reaching out to Confidential Restaurant directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Confidential Restaurant and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Confidential Restaurant
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
