Location: Lyndhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Salary: £29,128.40 per annum plus Tronc (service charge)
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent (40 hours per week)
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful New Forest, Forest Lodge Hotel is part of the New Forest Collection, a group of unique hotels dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality and memorable guest experiences.
We are looking for a passionate, hands-on and inspiring Food & Beverage Manager to lead our restaurant, bar and breakfast operations. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys leading from the front, developing people and creating outstanding dining experiences for our guests.
As our Food & Beverage Manager, you will take ownership of the day-to-day operation of the restaurant, bar and breakfast service, ensuring every guest receives a warm welcome and exceptional service.
Working closely with the General Manager and kitchen team, you'll lead, motivate and develop your team while driving service standards, operational excellence and commercial performance.
This is a varied, hands-on role where you'll spend as much time supporting your team on the floor as you will planning rotas, coaching colleagues and improving the guest experience.
Lead the daily operation of the restaurant, bar and breakfast service.
Assisted by our Events Team, oversee the planning and delivery of conferences, private dining, weddings and special events, ensuring every function runs smoothly from start to finish.
Deliver exceptional guest experiences and maintain outstanding service standards.
Recruit, train, coach and develop the Food & Beverage team.
Lead by example, creating a positive and supportive working environment.
Manage departmental rotas in line with business levels and payroll targets.
Maximise food and beverage revenue through excellent service and upselling opportunities.
Monitor departmental performance, budgets and labour costs.
Ensure compliance with food hygiene, licensing and Health & Safety legislation.
Handle guest feedback and resolve any concerns promptly and professionally.
Work closely with the Head Chef and Reception team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation and brand consistency throughout all Food & Beverage areas.
Support the General Manager with departmental reporting, stock control and continuous improvement initiatives.
You'll be a passionate hospitality professional who enjoys developing people and delivering memorable guest experiences.
You'll ideally have:
Previous management or supervisory experience within a hotel, restaurant or hospitality environment.
A passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
Strong leadership, coaching and team-building skills.
Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
Commercial awareness with experience managing labour costs, stock and departmental performance.
A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Knowledge of food safety, licensing and Health & Safety legislation.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required.
Competitive salary of £29,128.40 per annum
Tronc (service charge)
Career development and progression opportunities within the New Forest Collection
Staff discounts across our hotels, restaurants and accommodation
Discounts with local partner attractions
TiPJAR
Hospitality Action Employee Assistance Programme
Pension Scheme
Free on-site parking
Company events
A supportive, friendly and professional working environment
If you're a motivated hospitality professional who enjoys leading successful teams and creating exceptional guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of the team at Forest Lodge Hotel, where great food, genuine hospitality and unforgettable guest experiences are at the heart of everything we do.
