General Manager
The Dark Horse, Bath
Salary: £40,000–£55,000 (Depending on experience)
Candidates will be contacted from Monday 29th June
The Dark Horse is looking for an exceptional General Manager to lead the next chapter of one of Bath's most respected independent cocktail bars.
Known for outstanding cocktails, warm hospitality and an uncompromising commitment to quality, The Dark Horse has built a reputation as a destination venue. We're looking for a leader who shares that passion and is ready to take ownership of every aspect of the business.
This is a role for someone who loves hospitality. You'll spend as much time leading your team from the floor as you will managing the business behind the scenes. If you're happiest hidden away in an office, this probably isn't the role for you.
About the Role
As General Manager, you'll be responsible for the overall performance of the business, ensuring exceptional guest experiences while leading, developing and inspiring an established team.
You'll work closely with the owners to continue building on The Dark Horse's success, maintaining the standards that have earned the venue its reputation while always looking for opportunities to improve.
What We're Looking For
We're searching for someone who has:
- A minimum of three years' experience as a General Manager or in an equivalent senior hospitality management role.
- A proven track record of leading high-performing teams.
- Excellent financial acumen, including P&L management, budgeting and cost control.
- Strong experience managing stock, purchasing and gross profit margins.
- Comprehensive knowledge of licensing, employment law, health & safety and EHO compliance.
- Experience managing fire safety compliance and confidence acting as the venue's Responsible Person.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A calm, professional approach under pressure.
- A genuine passion for coaching, mentoring and developing people.
Your Responsibilities
- Lead the team by example and maintain a visible presence during service.
- Deliver exceptional guest experiences that reflect The Dark Horse's reputation.
- Recruit, train, coach and develop an engaged and motivated team.
- Manage all aspects of the venue's financial performance, including P&L accountability.
- Control stock, ordering, GP and labour costs.
- Ensure compliance with all licensing, fire safety, health & safety and food hygiene legislation.
- Maintain exceptional operational standards throughout the venue.
- Build a positive, inclusive culture where people enjoy coming to work.
- Drive performance while protecting the values and identity that make The Dark Horse special.
What You'll Bring
We're looking for a leader who is:
- Hands-on and enjoys working alongside their team.
- Passionate about hospitality and guest experience.
- Commercially aware without compromising quality.
- Organised, proactive and solutions-focused.
- Honest, approachable and accountable.
- Someone who inspires trust through hard work and consistency.
What We Offer
- Salary of £40,000–£55,000, dependent on experience.
- The opportunity to lead one of Bath's most respected independent cocktail bars.
- A supportive ownership team that values ideas, initiative and collaboration.
- The chance to shape the future of an already successful business.
- A passionate, experienced team who genuinely care about what they do.
If you're an experienced hospitality leader who believes the best managers lead from the floor, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £40,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
