At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow our retail and hospitality business in Belfast and Newtownards.
- Company: Dynamic retail and hospitality business with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in leadership, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business and inspire high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in retail or hospitality with strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values fresh ideas and strong leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded General Manager to lead and grow our retail and hospitality business across the Belfast and Newtownards area. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role with full responsibility for operational performance, people leadership, customer experience, and financial results. You will play a key role in shaping the future of the business, driving standards, developing teams, and ensuring consistent delivery of an outstanding customer experience while supporting continued growth.
What You'll Do
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the business, ensuring smooth, efficient and compliant performance across retail and hospitality functions.
- Take full ownership of commercial performance, including sales growth, margins, cost control and profitability.
- Set clear standards for customer service, food/retail quality, cleanliness and brand presentation, leading by example at all times.
- Recruit, develop and retain high-performing management and frontline teams.
- Coach and mentor managers to build leadership capability and succession within the business.
- Manage budgets, forecasts and KPIs, using data to drive informed decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with all health & safety, food safety, employment and licensing regulations.
- Work closely with owners / senior stakeholders to implement strategy, new initiatives and growth plans.
- Drive a positive culture that reflects the values of the business and motivates teams to perform at their best.
About You
- A proven senior leader with significant experience as a General Manager or in a comparable multi-site or large-scale retail / hospitality role.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of improving sales, managing costs and delivering profit.
- A confident people leader who can inspire, challenge and develop teams at all levels.
- Operationally strong, with excellent attention to detail and high standards.
- Customer-focused, with a passion for delivering exceptional service and experiences.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growing environment where priorities can evolve.
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
What You'll Get
- A senior leadership position within a growing and ambitious business.
- Competitive salary package.
- Opportunity to shape strategy and have a real impact on the future of the business.
- Autonomy and trust to lead, innovate and build high-performing teams.
- Career progression opportunities as the business continues to expand.
- A supportive ownership team that values strong leadership and fresh ideas.
General Manager (North Down) in Newtownards employer: VanRath
Contact Detail:
VanRath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (North Down) in Newtownards
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent news, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently. Remember, we’re rooting for you to nail that interview!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism. And hey, if you’re keen on this role, let them know you’re excited about the opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager (North Down) in Newtownards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the General Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, commercial acumen, and any relevant achievements in retail or hospitality.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved customer experiences in previous positions.
Showcase Your People Skills: As a General Manager, people leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your ability to inspire and develop teams. Share stories that demonstrate your coaching and mentoring abilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at VanRath
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics like sales growth, margins, and cost control. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these in past roles and how you plan to do the same here.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about people leadership. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams and inspired high performance. Think about specific situations where you coached managers or built a positive culture, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Customer Experience is Key
The company values exceptional customer service, so come armed with examples of how you've enhanced customer experiences in previous roles. Discuss any initiatives you've led that improved service standards or customer satisfaction.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills under pressure. Prepare for scenarios related to operational challenges or team dynamics. Think through your decision-making process and how you would handle evolving priorities in a fast-paced environment.