Company Overview
McKee's Farmshop is a family-run business with a rich history of 25 years in the agriculture and food retail industry. We operate a thriving farm shop, delicatessen, bakery, butchery and a 140-seater restaurant, dedicated to producing high-quality farm produce and offering exceptional family meals. We are passionate about delivering exceptional customer service, high-quality local produce and a welcoming shopping and dining experience. Our business continues to grow, offering farm-produced beef, bakery products, fresh deli foods and restaurant dining.
Position Summary
The General Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day performance of McKee's Farm Shop. This role will lead and support all departments, including the Deli, Bakery, Butchery and Restaurant, ensuring exceptional customer service, strong financial performance, operational excellence and high food safety standards. This role involves driving business growth while maintaining our commitment to quality and customer service, embodying our values of family, tradition, and excellence whilst inspiring teams within the business.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Management
- Oversee the daily operation of the Farm Shop, Deli, Bakery, Butchery and Restaurant.
- Ensure all departments operate efficiently and achieve sales and profitability targets.
- Develop and implement operational procedures to improve productivity and customer experience.
- Monitor stock control, waste management and purchasing across all departments.
- Ensure compliance with all Food Safety, Health & Safety and Environmental regulations working with our nutrition manager.
Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate and develop department managers and team members.
- Recruit, train and retain high-performing staff.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and identify training needs.
- Foster a positive workplace culture built on teamwork, accountability and customer service excellence.
Financial Performance
- Manage departmental budgets and overall business profitability.
- Analyse sales performance and key business metrics.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue and improve margins.
- Control labour costs and operational expenditure.
Customer Experience
- Ensure outstanding customer service across all areas of the business.
- Handle customer feedback and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
- Maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness and merchandising throughout the site.
- Drive initiatives that enhance customer loyalty and repeat business.
Commercial Development
- Work closely with owners and senior management to achieve strategic objectives.
- Identify new opportunities for growth within retail, food service and catering.
- Support marketing, promotional campaigns and seasonal events.
- Develop strong relationships with local suppliers and stakeholders.
Compliance & Quality
- Ensure all departments maintain the highest standards of food quality, hygiene and safety.
- Monitor compliance with HACCP procedures and relevant legislation.
- Ensure accurate record keeping and audit readiness.
Skills & Experience Required
- Minimum 3 years’ senior management experience in retail, hospitality, food service or a multi-department food business.
- Proven leadership experience managing large teams.
- Strong commercial and financial awareness.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Experience in stock control, budgeting and operational management.
- Strong understanding of food safety and health & safety regulations.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple departments simultaneously.
Personal Attributes
- Passion for food, retail and customer service.
- Strong leadership presence and decision-making ability.
- Hands-on and proactive management style.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Professional, approachable and customer-focused.
- Results-driven with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Reporting To
Business Directors
Salary
Competitive salary package, dependent on experience, plus performance-related incentives.
Location: McKee’s Farm Shop, Newtownards
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Newtownards BT23 4TQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
