At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant tapas restaurant, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and team performance.
- Company: Award-winning El Gato Negro Tapas, known for its warm hospitality and quality food.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, career progression, employee discounts, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact in the hospitality industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-volume restaurants and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Position
General Manager
Location
El Gato Negro Tapas, Manchester
Reports to
Operations Manager
El Gato Negro is an award-winning, contemporary Spanish tapas restaurant renowned for exceptional food, warm hospitality, and vibrant dining experiences.
We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and commercially minded General Manager to lead our Manchester restaurant, inspire our team, and ensure every guest enjoys an outstanding experience.
As General Manager, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the restaurant, driving financial success while maintaining the highest standards of service, food quality, and team engagement.
- Leadership and People
- Recruit, develop, motivate, and retain a high-performing management and front of house team.
- Lead, coach, and support departmental managers to achieve operational excellence.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback and development.
- Create a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment.
- Ensure staffing levels are appropriate to meet business demands.
- Guest Experience
- Deliver exceptional customer service and ensure consistently high hospitality standards.
- Build strong relationships with guests and respond professionally to feedback and complaints.
- Maintain the restaurant's reputation for quality, service, and atmosphere.
- Drive initiatives that enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Finance Performance
- Manage restaurant P&L and deliver agreed financial targets.
- Maximise sales while controlling labour, food, and operating costs.
- Analyse business performance and implement strategies to improve profitability.
- Monitor KPIs including sales, labour percentage, GP, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
- Operations
- Ensure smooth day-to-day restaurant operations.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with company standards and operating procedures.
- Oversee stock control, ordering, and inventory management.
- Work closely with the Head Chef to ensure excellent communication between front and back of house.
- Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, licensing, health & safety, and employment legislation.
- Maintain accurate records and complete all required audits.
- Promote a safe working environment for employees and guests.
- Business Development
- Support local marketing initiatives and community engagement.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue and improve operational performance.
- Work collaboratively with senior leadership on strategic initiatives and business growth.
Skills And Experience
Essential
- Proven experience as a General Manager or Senior Restaurant Manager within a high volume, premium hospitality environment.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and P&L.
- Outstanding leadership and people development skills.
- Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
- Passion for hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiences.
- Experience managing large teams across multiple departments.
- Strong understanding of labour management, stock control, and cost management.
- Knowledge of UK food safety, licensing, and health & safety legislation.
Desirable
- Experience within premium casual dining or quality restaurant brands.
- Knowledge of Spanish cuisine, tapas, or Mediterranean hospitality.
- Personal Licence Holder.
- WSET or hospitality-related qualifications.
- Personal Attributes
- Inspiring and approachable leader.
- Positive, energetic, and resilient.
- Hands-on with a strong presence on the restaurant floor.
- Commercially focused with attention to detail.
- Calm under pressure and solutions-oriented.
- Passionate about developing people and creating a positive team culture.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Performance-related bonus scheme.
- Opportunities for career progression.
- Employee discounts.
- Ongoing training and leadership development.
- Company pension.
- Employee Assistance Programme
General Manager employer: El Gato Negro Tapas
El Gato Negro Tapas is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Manchester. As a General Manager, you will not only lead a passionate team but also enjoy competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and ample opportunities for career progression. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to creating memorable guest experiences, this role provides a rewarding environment for those looking to thrive in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 El Gato Negro Tapas. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to El Gato Negro Tapas
Don't be shy about reaching out to El Gato Negro Tapas 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 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 El Gato Negro Tapas 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 El Gato Negro Tapas
✨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!
