General Manager in Southampton

Forza Restaurants operates unique dining establishments that celebrate Italian cuisine and social dining experiences. With locations in Peckham SE15, the National Theatre SE1, and Soho, we are best known for our “drink, snacks & views” concept Forza Wine, and the now retired original concept Forza Win. Our venues are popular for their vibrant atmosphere, quality ingredients, and dedication to exceptional hospitality. We make delicious food and delicious drinks, served by friendly people who we look after. The company is independently run and we treat our team in the same way as we do our food and wine - with love and respect. Everyone has a say, everyone has a good time and we don't take ourselves too seriously.

Our ‘way’ is very much about not taking yourself too seriously, remembering that ultimately we are cooking and serving people their tea, but in the best possible way. Simply, we treat people to the dinner we would like to be treated to, talk to people the way that we would like to be spoken to, it’s our house and the customer is coming to it to have a great time.

The opportunity to join our original Forza Wine as General Manager is a rare one. It's the home of so much of how we operate across the business and is the creative hub; from cocktails to our food to the wine list to events, there's so much scope to flex your skillset and passion. If you understand how to build and develop a team of passionate engaged staff, deliver excellent guest experience and take advantage of the resilient business model we operate, then this should be the next step for your career. Culture is at the core of everything we do, our sole aim is A Good Time For Everyone.

What you'll do

• Management
  • Inspiring and mentoring the front of house team and leading by example
  • Understanding the roles of everyone around you, ensuring they are managing and capable in their role
  • Communicating vision, targets, ideas and plans clearly and effectively
  • Dealing with staff queries, grievances, handling disciplinary matters effectively, appropriately and in good time
• Development
  • Leading and developing staff culture alongside Head of People
  • Leading and developing restaurant culture – ambience, style and feel of the site
  • Ensuring supplier relationships are strong, beneficial to the business and financially suitable
  • Understanding the needs of the business and showing creativity in driving sales all year round alongside Brand Manager
  • Setting and guiding staff development, both vertically into greater seniority as well as horizontally into areas of their personal interest
• Operations
  • Rota admin and publication alongside management team
  • Maintaining a tidy and organised premises, safe for both staff and customers alongside AGMs
  • Licensing legislation, maintaining local and government authority regulation, understanding licensing and regulations and ensuring objectives are upheld by all
  • Ensuring procedure for opening and closing of the premises is consistently adhered to
  • EPOS admin and upkeep alongside Ops Manager
  • Ensuring employment regulations are adhered to and staff are informed of conditions of employment and are looked after properly
  • Recruitment, appointment and training staff with support from Head of People
  • Monitoring the condition of the building and liaising with Restaurant Support Team
  • Work with budgets for stock and staff at the forefront of decision-making – understand the GP and staff budget requirements and guide the senior team to ensure targets are met
• Service
  • Proactively managing the FOH and BOH relationship. Spearheading cross-training between departments and involving all staff in product specific sessions
  • Leading floor service – standards, speed, communication and ensuring team leaders are briefed and trained to deliver the same high standards
  • Leading on guest journey – from the minute the customer engages with us (instagram, res system – phone/online, in person, actual restaurant experience, post dining feedback)