At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage food & beverage operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Company: Sopwell House, a luxurious family-owned Georgian country house hotel.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, discounts, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating memorable guest experiences in a stunning setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in food & beverage management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
- Food & Beverage Operations Manager
- Full-time position
Your country home away from home, nestled within 12 acres of picturesque Hertfordshire countryside.
Sopwell House is a luxurious, family-owned Georgian country house hotel offering timeless elegance and modern comfort.
We're proud to be a place where exceptional service is delivered with warmth, pride and purpose.
At Sopwell House, we live by our Vision, Purpose and Values.
We are dedicated to creating a world of 'Perfect Contentment' for both our team members and guests alike, 'Spreading kindness one act at a time' along the way.
Our team pride themselves on 'Performing with Drive and Serving with Soul' in everything we do.
Your role in our family
- As Food & Beverage Operations Manager, you'll own the day-to-day running of all our F&B outlets — making sure we deliver exceptional guest experiences.
You'll report to the Culinary Director and will work closely with hotel Senior leadership team:
- Lead, coach and develop a diverse team, building a culture of excellent service and genuine hospitality.
- Manage budgets, costs and stock control, helping the division hit its financial targets.
- Work closely with the Culinary Director, outlets Manager and Kitchen managers on menus, promotions and guest experience.
- Champion health, safety, hygiene and licensing standards across all F&B areas.
- Be a visible, energetic presence on the floor — mixing your hours to know what's happening across the division, day and night.
- Handle guest feedback and complaints with immediate, thoughtful action and thorough follow-up.
- Deliver structured briefings and training so every team member knows what excellent looks like.
- Track key performance measures and report progress to senior management.
What we're looking for
- You'll be calm under pressure, self-motivated and genuinely positive — the kind of leader people want to work for. You bring:
- Proven experience managing food & beverage operations in a high-quality, guest-focused environment.
- Confident, open-minded and hands-on leadership, with the initiative to spot what needs doing and get on with it.
- Strong communication skills and a natural ability to build a great team culture.
- A good grasp of budgets, cost control and stock management.
- Flexibility to work varied shifts across a fast-paced, multi-outlet operation.
- A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
The best bit
- Learning and Development: Access our digital learning platform, and various courses to enhance your knowledge and skills
- Health & Wellbeing: Benefit from our interactive health and wellbeing platform and Employee Assistance Program.
- Health care cash plans: take advantage of our Health Care cash plan benefits, including 24-hours access to a GP.
- Discounted food and beverage, accommodation and spa for you and your family
- Discounts on Spa treatments and Spa days in our award-winning Cottonmill Spa
- Discount on Spa products
- Refer a Friend Scheme: earn up to £1,000 referral fee when you recommend someone to work with us
- Preferred Hotel Group discounted global hotel rates
- Free staff meals and parking
- Equal Opportunities
We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know at tamanager@sopwellhouse. co. uk
Right to Work
Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Proof of documentation will be required in line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
Next Steps
If you're shortlisted, we'll give you a quick call to learn more about you and answer your questions.
Candidates who progress will then be invited to the hotel for an in-person interview.
We review applications as they come in, so apply early to avoid missing out.
We may close the role once we've found the right person.
Please be advised that if you have not received a response within 14 days, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Compensation: Competitive salary
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Food and Beverage Operations Manager in St Albans employer: Sopwell House
Sopwell House is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where team members are valued and encouraged to grow. Located in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises guest satisfaction and personal development, making it a rewarding place to build a career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food and Beverage Operations Manager in St Albans
✨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 Sopwell House. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sopwell House
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sopwell House 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 Food and Beverage Operations Manager in St Albans
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 Sopwell House 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 Sopwell House
✨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!