Food & Beverage Operations Manager
Closing Date 23.08.2026
About Us
Situated in the heart of the historic market town of Thame, The Spread Eagle Hotel is a Grade I listed boutique hotel combining 15th-century coaching inn character with contemporary dining and hospitality. Featuring 35 bespoke guest rooms, a vibrant High Street restaurant and bar, and extensive function suites accommodating weddings and events for up to 200 guests, we pride ourselves on exceptional food, warm hospitality, and flawless service.
The Role
We are seeking an energetic, operational, and hands-on Food & Beverage Operations Manager to take complete leadership of our F&B department.
As a key leader on the management team, you will take total ownership of daily F&B operations across our restaurant, bar, room service, and banqueting/events. Crucially, you will also act as Deputy General Manager, taking full operational responsibility for the hotel during the General Manager’s absence.
If you are a driven leader with a high standard for detail, a passion for service excellence, and the ambition to manage hotel operations at a senior level, we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire front-of-house, bar, and event staff to deliver high standards of hospitality across all shifts.
- Deputising GM Duties: Confidently step up to oversee all hotel operations, staff, guest relations, and duty management responsibilities when the General Manager is off-site or on leave.
- Operational Control: Hands-on daily management of restaurant services, afternoon teas, bar operations, and large-scale banqueting/wedding functions.
- Quality & Consistency: Maintain high service standards, ensuring seamless collaboration between front-of-house and kitchen teams.
- Financial Acumen: Drive beverage margin control, manage labor costs and scheduling, manage stock inventory, and maximise revenue across all outlets.
- Compliance & Safety: Maintain strict adherence to health & safety, food hygiene standards, and licensing laws.
- Guest Experience: Act as a key ambassador for the hotel, resolving guest queries proactively and keeping service standards consistently top-tier.
What We Are Looking For
- Proven Experience: 2+ years in a senior F&B supervisory or operational management role (Assistant F&B Manager, Deputy GM, or F&B Manager) within a hotel, venue, or high-volume food operation.
- Events & Banqueting Expertise: Proven track record in managing both daily restaurant operations and large functions (weddings, conferences, private dining).
- Leadership Drive: A strong presence on the floor—leading by example with high energy during peak service times.
- Business Acumen: Understanding of P&L, GP control, stock rotation, and labor planning.
- Personal License Holder: (Preferred, or willingness to attain).
- Adaptability & Resilience: Able to remain calm under pressure and make sound operational decisions independently.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Employee discounts across hotel stays, food, and beverage.
- Pension scheme
Pay: £32,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
