Job Description
CLIENT PROFILE
Our client is leading the way for live music venues across the US and UK bridging the gap between meaningful hospitality and live music venues. They operate multiple venues across the US and UK with more in the pipeline over the next few years.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As General Manager, you’re not just running a room—you’re setting the tone, managing the business, and bringing the brand to life every night. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who moves fluidly between service and strategy. You’ll oversee the guest experience, lead the front-of-house team, manage bar operations, and work closely with the Senior General Manager to gain fluency in the financial side of the business. You’ll also partner with a lead host who manages the guest list and pacing, but you’ll play an active role in shaping the feel of the space—ensuring the cocktail lounge continues to attract a vibrant, thoughtful, and creatively minded crowd aligned with its spirit.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Guest Experience & Service Leadership
● Act as the service lead each night, ensuring the team delivers warm, polished, and intuitive hospitality.
● Partner with the Lead Host to help shape the nightly environment, ensuring the space feels intentional, welcoming, and aligned with the tone and community of the brand.
● Address guest concerns with professionalism and care, turning challenges into positive impressions.
● Stay attuned to guest feedback and service trends, and use those insights to coach the team and improve execution
Bar & Operational Management
● Oversee all aspects of bar operations including inventory, ordering, cost tracking, and vendor relationships.
● Manage cocktail execution, product quality, and service timing in collaboration with the bar team.
● Maintain back-of-house systems including POS, inventory tracking, and scheduling tools.
● Ensure compliance with health, safety, and labor standards across all operations.
Business & Financial Growth
● Work closely with the Senior General Manager to support P&L performance, labor planning, and cost controls, including collaborating on annual budget inputs. .
● Assist with monthly reporting, financial tracking, and identification of operational efficiencies.
● Contribute to strategies that increase revenue, guest spend, and repeat visitation.
Team Management & Development
● Lead a high-performing FOH team including bartenders, floor staff, and support.
● Conduct hiring, onboarding, and regular training sessions to uphold the cocktail lounge’s service standards.
● Guide pre-shift meetings and provide ongoing performance coaching grounded in accountability and care.
● Foster a culture of hospitality, professionalism, and pride.
Brand Stewardship & Programming
● Maintain the cocktail lounge’s tone and aesthetic across all elements—from service style and uniforms to ambiance and experience.
● Collaborate on small-scale activations or special nights that enhance the room’s character and drive engagement.
● Support creative and marketing efforts when needed to further reinforce brand positioning or accommodate press-related inquiries.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
● Coordinate with site-wide teams to ensure venue upkeep, staffing coverage, and readiness.
● Engage with broader F&B leadership when needed to share insights and support team-wide initiatives.
● Represent the cocktail lounge in internal planning conversations and contribute to long-term growth efforts.
QUALIFICATIONS & PREREQUISITES
● 4–5+ years of hospitality experience in premium lounge, cocktail, or restaurant environments.
● 2+ years in a management or AGM role with exposure to both service and operations.
● Strong understanding of bar operations, financial tracking, and service flow.
● Curious and eager to grow in the business side of hospitality with the support of senior leadership.
● Familiarity with tools like Toast, SevenRooms, and inventory systems.
● Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
WHO YOU ARE
● A natural host who leads with warmth, clarity, and attention.
● Grounded, calm, and adaptable—especially when the pace picks up.
● Intuitive about people and places—you understand what makes a room feel alive.
● Excited to take ownership and grow in both service and strategy.
Offer
This role is offering a strong remuneration package based on the experience of the candidate.
To learn more about this role, submit your application or contact Ben Fitzgerald at ben@hastingspeople.com
By applying to this role, you are agreeing to the terms set out in Hastings People's privacy policy available at:
https://www.hastingspeople.com.au/privacy-policy
