El Gato Negro Tapas
General Manager
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Position: General Manager
Location: El Gato Negro Tapas, Manchester
Reports to: Operations Manager
El Gato Negro is an award-winning, contemporary Spanish tapas restaurant renowned for exceptional food, warm hospitality, and vibrant dining experiences. We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and commercially minded General Manager to lead our Manchester restaurant, inspire our team, and ensure every guest enjoys an outstanding experience.
As General Manager, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the restaurant, driving financial success while maintaining the highest standards of service, food quality, and team engagement.
Leadership and People
- Recruit, develop, motivate, and retain a high-performing management and front of house team.
- Lead, coach, and support departmental managers to achieve operational excellence.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback and development.
- Create a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment.
- Ensure staffing levels are appropriate to meet business demands.
Guest Experience
- Deliver exceptional customer service and ensure consistently high hospitality standards.
- Build strong relationships with guests and respond professionally to feedback and complaints.
- Maintain the restaurant's reputation for quality, service, and atmosphere.
- Drive initiatives that enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty.
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Finance Performance
- Manage restaurant P&L and deliver agreed financial targets.
- Maximise sales while controlling labour, food, and operating costs.
- Analyse business performance and implement strategies to improve profitability.
- Monitor KPIs including sales, labour percentage, GP, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Operations
- Ensure smooth day-to-day restaurant operations.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with company standards and operating procedures.
- Oversee stock control, ordering, and inventory management.
- Work closely with the Head Chef to ensure excellent communication between front and back of house.
Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, licensing, health & safety, and employment legislation.
- Maintain accurate records and complete all required audits.
- Promote a safe working environment for employees and guests.
Business Development
- Support local marketing initiatives and community engagement.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue and improve operational performance.
- Work collaboratively with senior leadership on strategic initiatives and business growth.
Skills And Experience
Essential
- Proven experience as a General Manager or Senior Restaurant Manager within a high volume, premium hospitality environment.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and P&L.
- Outstanding leadership and people development skills.
- Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
- Passion for hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiences.
- Experience managing large teams across multiple departments.
- Strong understanding of labour management, stock control, and cost management.
- Knowledge of UK food safety, licensing, and health & safety legislation.
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Desirable
- Experience within premium casual dining or quality restaurant brands.
- Knowledge of Spanish cuisine, tapas, or Mediterranean hospitality.
- Personal Licence Holder.
- WSET or hospitality-related qualifications.
Personal Attributes
- Inspiring and approachable leader.
- Positive, energetic, and resilient.
- Hands-on with a strong presence on the restaurant floor.
- Commercially focused with attention to detail.
- Calm under pressure and solutions-oriented.
- Passionate about developing people and creating a positive team culture.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Performance-related bonus scheme.
- Opportunities for career progression.
- Employee discounts.
- Ongoing training and leadership development.
- Company pension.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
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