General Manager - Award-Winning Restaurant & Bar — Manchester City Centre
We're looking for an experienced, hands-on General Manager to lead one of Manchester's most celebrated independent restaurants — a critically acclaimed, award-winning tapas concept in a striking multi-floor site in the heart of the city centre.
Since opening, the restaurant has built a reputation as one of the North West's most successful independent openings, with national critical acclaim and a loyal following that keeps the tables full year-round. This is a rare opportunity to run a genuinely high-performing, high-volume, quality-led operation with a strong brand and ambitious future plans, including further growth across the group.
The Role
This is a highly autonomous, senior leadership position. You'll take full ownership of the day-to-day running of the restaurant, with a clear focus on operational excellence, guest experience, and team development. Key responsibilities include:
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
If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you and arrange a meeting to discuss in more detail.
Pay: £46,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
