General Manager

Bistro & Cocktail Lounge

Location: The Quays Shopping Centre Newry
Reports to: Owner / Director
Contract: Full-time, permanent (evenings, weekends and bank holidays required)
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 & Performance related profit share bonus (dependant on pre agreed KPI's)

The Barn Bistro & Cocktail Lounge in Newry is a new exciting day & night bistro and cocktail lounge combining quality food, a craft cocktail offering and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. We are looking for a hands-on General Manager to run the venue day to day, lead & guide the team and deliver a consistently excellent guest experience from the first dinner service to the last drinks of the night.

Operations

• Oversee all front-of-house and back-of-house operations across opening, service and close
• Ensure smooth transitions between the bistro dining period and evening cocktail trade
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, ambience and service
• Manage reservations, events, private hire and promotions
• Act as duty manager on busy nights, including weekends and late finishes

People & Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, schedule and develop all staff
• Build a positive, accountable team culture with clear standards and regular feedback
• Manage rotas, labour costs, holidays and absence
• Handle performance management, disciplinaries and grievances in line with employment law

Financial Management

• Deliver on sales, gross profit and labour targets
• Control stock, ordering, wastage, cash handling and supplier relationships
• Produce monthly reporting, budgets and forecasts for the owners
• Identify opportunities to grow revenue through menu engineering, upselling and events

Food & Drink Offering

• Work with the kitchen and floor teams to develop menus and cocktail lists
• Maintain consistent quality, portion control and pricing integrity
• Champion product knowledge and drive a strong cocktail and hospitality culture

Compliance, Health & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with licensing law, including licensing hours and responsible service of alcohol
• Maintain food safety (HACCP), allergen management and hygiene records
• Oversee health and safety, fire safety, incident logging and staff training records
• Manage security and door policy, and protect guest and staff welfare in a late night environment
• Keep the premises ready for inspection by environmental health, licensing and other authorities

Guest Experience & Marketing

• Handle guest feedback and complaints promptly and professionally
• Monitor online reviews and respond appropriately
• Support social media, local marketing, partnerships and community engagement

Essential

• Minimum 3 years' management experience in a hospitality environment, background in hotels is a plus
• Proven record of managing teams, budgets and P&L
• Strong knowledge of licensing, food safety and health and safety requirements
• Confident leader who stays calm and decisive under pressure
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, bank holidays and late nights

Desirable

• Cocktail and spirits knowledge
• Food hygiene qualification (Level 3 or equivalent) and health and safety qualification
• Experience with EPOS, rota and stock management systems
• Experience running events, live music or private functions
• Previous experience opening or launching a venue

• Competitive salary and performance bonus
• Opportunity to shape a new venue and its team, you will be the face of the business
• Staff meals and discounts
• Training and career development
• Future to expand with the business as new locations open

• Must have relevant permission to work in the country
• Must be prepared to work the required hours and times of business

• Budget Control
• Client Relationship Management