Restaurant General Manager

About the Position:
The Wilderness is seeking an experienced, confident, and results-driven Restaurant General Manager to oversee the overall operation of the restaurant. The successful candidate will lead the management and front-of-house teams, maintain excellent food and service standards, manage staffing and daily operations, and help drive sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This role is suited to an experienced hospitality professional who can lead by example and perform effectively in a busy, high-quality restaurant environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the complete day-to-day operation of the restaurant.
• Lead, motivate, and develop front-of-house and operational teams.
• Set clear expectations for staff performance, service, and professionalism.
• Prepare staff rotas and ensure appropriate staffing levels for each service.
• Recruit, train, onboard, and develop team members where required.
• Maintain consistently high standards of customer service and hospitality.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, service standards, and customer experience.
• Work closely with kitchen leadership to ensure smooth coordination between front and back of house.
• Manage daily sales, cash handling, and financial procedures.
• Monitor labour, food, beverage, and operational costs.
• Review sales performance and identify opportunities to increase revenue.
• Manage stock levels, purchasing, deliveries, and supplier relationships.
• Reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Handle customer feedback, complaints, and service issues professionally.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organised, and welcoming restaurant environment.
• Ensure food hygiene, health, safety, and workplace procedures are followed.
• Conduct regular operational checks and address issues promptly.
• Oversee opening and closing procedures.
• Monitor restaurant equipment and arrange maintenance when necessary.
• Communicate business objectives, policies, and operational updates to the team.
• Organise staff meetings, briefings, and performance discussions.
• Support promotions, events, and initiatives designed to improve sales and customer engagement.
• Analyse operational challenges and implement practical improvements.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and other business partners.
• Prepare or review operational reports, sales figures, stock information, and staff performance data.
• Ensure the restaurant consistently delivers a high-quality and memorable guest experience.

Qualifications:

• Significant experience in restaurant or hospitality management.
• Previous General Manager, Restaurant Manager, or senior management experience is preferred.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication abilities.
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations and service standards.
• Experience managing staff rotas, recruitment, training, and performance.
• Good knowledge of sales, budgeting, cash handling, and cost control.
• Experience with stock management, purchasing, and supplier coordination.
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene, health, and safety procedures.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and business-management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and confident under pressure.
• Professional, reliable, and highly motivated approach.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and busy service periods.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and management responsibilities.
• Performance-related incentives where applicable.
• Staff meals, discounts, or other employee benefits where applicable.
• Management training and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative leadership environment.
• Opportunities to develop commercial, operational, and people-management skills.
• Career progression within restaurant and hospitality management.
• Recognition for strong team and business performance.

Pay: £21.00-£32.00 per hour

Expected hours: 42.0 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme

Work Location: In person