At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations at a vibrant music venue and restaurant, ensuring an unforgettable guest experience.
- Company: Soul Mama is a cultural hub blending food, music, and community in East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a welcoming team that values inclusivity and community connection.
- Why this job: Join a growing brand that celebrates culture and creativity while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management with strong leadership and financial skills.
Company Description
Soul Mama Music Venue & Restaurant is a cultural hospitality brand that combines great food, powerful live music, and genuine community in one welcoming space. Founded by YolanDa Brown OBE DL and Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola, the venue offers an eclectic program spanning jazz, soul, reggae, comedy, conversations, brunches, and special events. Its menu is inspired by the flavors of Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, complemented by cocktails and a strong focus on warm, attentive hospitality. The first venue launched at the Hilton Gantry Hotel in Stratford, East London, with new locations at Angel Central and Westfield Stratford opening soon. Soul Mama is growing into a multi-venue brand, designed as a home for artists, audiences, and communities to connect in an uplifting and inclusive environment.
Role Description
The General Manager will oversee day-to-day operations of the Soul Mama Music Venue & Restaurant, ensuring a seamless guest experience across both the restaurant and live music offerings. This full-time, on-site role is based in the London Area, United Kingdom, and involves leading and motivating front-of-house and back-of-house teams, coordinating with the kitchen, bar, and events teams, and maintaining high standards of service, cleanliness, and safety. The General Manager will manage staffing schedules, recruitment, onboarding, and performance reviews, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture. They will monitor financial performance, including budgets, revenue, and cost control, and work with leadership on sales strategies, marketing initiatives, and event programming to drive footfall and repeat business. The role also includes building strong relationships with artists, partners, hotel and landlord stakeholders, and the local community, ensuring Soul Mama reflects and supports the artistic and cultural life of the area.
Qualifications
- Experience in hospitality or venue management, ideally overseeing both restaurant and live music or events operations, with a track record of delivering exceptional guest experiences.
- Strong leadership and people-management skills, including team coaching, performance management, scheduling, and fostering an inclusive, respectful work environment.
- Operational and financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, stock control, cost management, and understanding of P&L in a multi-revenue-stream venue.
- Knowledge of food and beverage service standards, health and safety regulations, licensing requirements, and best practices in customer service within the UK hospitality sector.
- Experience in event coordination or programming, working with artists, promoters, or cultural partners to deliver live music and other cultural events.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with guests, staff, artists, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with calm under pressure.
General Manager employer: Soul Mama Music Venue | Restaurant
Soul Mama Music Venue & Restaurant is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant work culture, where creativity and community thrive. Located in the heart of East London, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that celebrates diversity through music and cuisine, alongside opportunities for professional growth in hospitality management. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and inclusivity, staff are empowered to contribute to a unique cultural experience while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere.
Contact Details:
Soul Mama Music Venue | Restaurant Recruitment Team
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 Soul Mama Music Venue | Restaurant. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Soul Mama Music Venue | Restaurant
Don't be shy about reaching out to Soul Mama Music Venue | 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 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 Soul Mama Music Venue | 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 Soul Mama Music Venue | 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!
