RESTAURANT GENERAL MANAGER & BRAND CO-FOUNDER

Aethos; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium hospitality group in London is seeking a Restaurant General Manager to lead the development of a new Japanese restaurant concept. This role involves co-creating the brand, managing daily operations, and ensuring high service standards. The ideal candidate has proven experience in luxury restaurants, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for hospitality. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends is required.

Qualifications

• An entrepreneurial mindset to build a great hospitality brand.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Co-create the brand concept and experience.
• Manage day-to-day operations ensuring efficient service.
• Recruit, train, and mentor a talented team.

Skills

Leadership skills

Commercial acumen

Customer service skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Proven experience as a Restaurant Manager

Lawful permanent resident in the UK

Job description

Who We Are

Extraordinary places, passionate people, and shared learning experiences: this is Aethos. We believe that traveling and hospitality should leave a lasting positive impact on the mind, body, and soul. That's the reason why we choose our locations very carefully and work together with people who want to be part of a community instead of just having a job. Everyone who works at Aethos can make a personal impact on the community and company - great ideas can come from anywhere. We are a young and dynamic hospitality company that understands the value of time with friends and loved ones. We make a conscious choice towards sustainability and wellbeing, and the luxury of time and space. We stand for freedom from the stresses and anxieties of modern life. We want to be the first choice for anyone who seeks respite and refuge from the boring, the stressful, and the unsustainable. That's why we define hospitality differently: while all of our decisions should be made with the community and needs of our guests in mind, we always thrive to create a community that we want to be part of and that improves the world around us. We invite you to be part of our story.

Role Purpose / Scope

The Restaurant General Manager and brand co-founder will be a key role in building our new Japanese restaurant concept and making it a success. They will help co-create the brand and all aspects of the concept, and will fully own the execution and launch of it. This is a unique opportunity for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for hospitality, that wants to take on their next challenge and build a brand with huge potential.

An entrepreneur and passionate leader, they will lead the daily operations of the restaurant and bar, ensuring consistently high standards of service. Responsible for driving revenue, recruiting and managing the team, enhancing guest satisfaction, controlling costs, and ensuring the overall success of the restaurant and bar.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-create the concept of the brand and all aspects of the experience, including food, drinks, entertainment, OS&E, service highlights, etc.
• Hold full P&L accountability of the restaurant and bar.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the restaurant and bar, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
• Collaborate with the Hotel General Manager and all hotel departments to ensure seamless coordination and exceptional F&B service across the hotel, including during events.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and lead a team of talented restaurant and bar professionals, fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment while ensuring outstanding customer service aligned with 5-star standards.
• Conduct regular staff meetings to communicate goals, updates, and procedures, ensuring consistent execution of menu standards and service quality.
• Maintain high levels of guest satisfaction by ensuring consistent service quality and addressing guest feedback promptly.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and implement promotional activities, special events, and marketing strategies to increase visibility and attract a diverse clientele.
• Implement and maintain efficient operational systems, policies, and procedures, to maximise productivity and ensure the smooth running of the restaurant.
• Ensure the restaurant adheres to all health, safety, and licensing regulations, and train staff on emergency procedures and safety protocols.
• Regularly evaluate and analyse the restaurant's performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes to enhance the overall guest experience and operational efficiency.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitor activity to maintain a competitive edge.
• Oversee staff scheduling, payroll, and resource management to optimise operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to ensure seamless coordination between kitchen and front of house.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and Beverage Manager to address guest feedback and update menus regularly.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Mandatory:
• An entrepreneurial mindset to build a great hospitality brand and launch it
• Lawful permanent resident, eligible to work in the UK
• Proven experience as a Restaurant Manager in a luxury or lifestyle high-volume restaurant
• Passion for Food and Beverage, a real London restaurant scene connoisseur
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and financial targets
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing situations
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and food hygiene standards
• Fluent in English

• Preferred:
• Experience with new openings
• Experience working in Japanese cuisine environment

Employment Type & Working Conditions

• Full-time
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays