General Manager

General Manager "The Barn Bistro & Cocktail Lounge"

Bistro & Cocktail Lounge

Location: The Quays Shopping Centre Newry Reports to: Owner / DirectorContract: 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)

About the Role

The Barn Bistro & Cocktail Lounge in Newry is a new exciting late 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.

Key Responsibilities

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

Candidate Profile

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

What We Offer

• 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