Bar & Restaurant Manager - Dakota Manchester Airport opening summer 2026

We are preparing to open our largest hotel yet, Dakota Manchester Airport, launching early summer 2026. This brand-new property will feature our signature Bar & Grill and deliver the exceptional guest experience Dakota is known for. We are seeking a food and beverage professional with a passion for wines and great service for the exciting opportunity of Bar & Restaurant Manager. This senior role will oversee quality and service standards through all of our F&B operations.

CONTRACT AND PAY RATE

The role carries a permanent contract of 45 hours per week working fully flexible shifts, working any 5 days out of 7 including weekends. It comes with a competitive salary and a target-based bonus, with a planned start date of 1st May 2026.

PRIMARY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Hotel Manager, the role of Bar & Grill Manager is responsible for overseeing the levels of service delivered across all food and beverage areas as well as being a hands-on operational leader driving excellence within our Bar & Grill team. This role provides room for growth into the role of Food & Beverage Manager. The primary responsibilities of the role include:

• Overseeing services across F&B, ensuring the highest levels of service to all guests.
• Delivering on-the-job coaching to our team, always having a hands-on approach to service and hosting.
• Driving standards at all times.
• Working closely with colleagues within the management team, especially our Head Chef.
• Increasing resident to diner ratios and providing guests with the full Dakota experience.
• Managing payroll by overseeing the development of the rota and approving them.
• Managing the bookings diary and sequence of service.
• Maintaining an understanding of supplier contracts and overseeing stock takes and effective orders.
• Being the direct line manager for the Assistant Restaurant Manager and Assistant Bar Manager.
• Developing the knowledge of the entire team with a passion for food and beverage.
• Supporting the journey of all F&B team members by being involved in the interview process, ongoing training, holding appraisals, and conducting frequent one-to-one meetings.
• Implementing training plans and delivering on-the-job training to drive polished levels of guest service throughout the F&B operation.

BENEFITS

In addition to being part of a culture infused with positivity and opportunity for ongoing development, tangible benefits you could enjoy when you join our team include:

• Special discounts on stays and dining at any Dakota.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program which includes free private mental health support and counselling sessions, video GP consultations and private prescription services.
• Support from our in-house Mental Health Champions.
• Additional holiday day on the first anniversary of your employment.
• Family-friendly flexible working options.
• Meals on duty and uniforming.
• Bonuses to recommend a friend to join our team.
• Accredited, certified compliance training given on employment.
• Access to a suite of external, certified resources via our Learning Management System.
• Supportive continuous professional development culture with an annual appraisal and objectives.
• Opportunities to undertake both internal and external training courses, including potential for in-house Apprenticeships.

ABOUT DAKOTA HOTELS

Dakota is a growing UK-based lifestyle brand, known for our stylish hotels, bustling brasserie Grills and upscale cocktail Bars. Dakota’s story started with two boutique hotels on the outskirts of Edinburgh and Glasgow. We have now expanded into prime city centre locations in Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle with Manchester Airport coming soon and more in our pipeline. Dakota is synonymous with delivering attentive and genuine guest service. We attract hard-working individuals who are passionate about working to the highest standards.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

The successful applicant will have/be:

• At least three years’ experience as a Restaurant Manager or above in a similar calibre of full-service restaurant.
• At least one year’s experience in a leadership position overseeing beverage in a cocktail bar environment.
• Experience working in a hotel environment including being a Duty Manager (preferable).
• Holding a valid personal license (preferable).
• Fully flexible in working shifts including evenings and weekends.
• An enthusiastic individual who will promote our culture of positivity.
• Task oriented with great pride for the work they do and attention to detail.

Please send us your up-to-date CV. For more information on our luxury hotel, visit our Careers page to learn about current opportunities.