Job Title: General Manager

Fine Dining Restaurant and Luxury Wedding VenueLocation: The Barn at Great Tey, Brook road, CO6 1JEReports to:OwnershipThe Barn at Great Tey is a premium fine dining restaurant and luxury Wedding venue located in the heart of the Essex countryside near Colchester. It is one of the largest thatched Barns in the United Kingdom and was converted 25 years ago by a premium cruise line architectural company with the aim of combining heritage with a flair of modern design.Position Overview:We are seeking an experienced and driven professional

to oversee the entire business operations. This dual-role leadership position requires a sophisticated understanding of upscale hospitality, strong financial acumen, a sales focus and a passion for delivering world-class guest experiences. The

successful

candidate will be the face of the establishment, ensuring flawless execution of both

la carte dining and high-profile private events.Key Responsibilities:Fine Dining Operations:Lead and manage all aspects of daily front of house fine dining service, including staffing, stock levels, event planning and logistics.Maintain impeccable service standards, ambiance, and culinary presentation in line with the restaurants elevated brand.Collaborate with the Head Chef to ensure menu excellence, staff training and education, event planning and seasonal offerings.Luxury Event Sales and Management:Work with the Events Coordinator and hosts to oversee private events and Weddings with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a seamless guest journey from booking to execution.Partner with clients, planners, and vendors to curate sophisticated, bespoke event experiences.Sell the business for private hire to both corporate and dining guests.Lead tastings, venue tours, and final walkthroughs with VIP clients and ensure flawless event execution.Leadership and Team Development:Recruit, train, discipline and mentor high-performing hospitality professionals who embody luxury service standards.Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching.Foster a culture of excellence, discretion, and professionalism across all departments.Guest Experience Excellence:Serve as the primary liaison for discerning guests, clients, and VIPs.Respond swiftly and gracefully to guest concerns, ensuring complete satisfaction and retention.Maintain a visible presence on the dining floor and during events to uphold service standards.Strategic and Financial Oversight:Develop and manage operational budgets for the restaurant and event space.Analyze financial reports to drive revenue growth and optimize cost control.Work collaboratively with ownership to meet profitability goals and KPIs.Brand and Marketing Alignment:Support brand positioning through participation in promotional initiatives, local partnerships, and exclusive event programming.Ensure the venues public image reflects its prestige through immaculate facility maintenance, visual presentation, and staff demeanor.Collaborate with the sales and marketing team to drive leads and secure high-value bookings.Requirements:2+ years of experience in management or fine dining, luxury hospitality, or high-end event venues.An understanding of service etiquette, food and wine knowledge, and guest relations at a 5-star level.Proven leadership capabilities in managing teams of 25+ across diverse roles.Strong communication skills and a gracious, polished demeanor.Proficiency in POS and event management systems (e.g., OpenTable, Tripleseat, SevenRooms, Resdiary etc.).Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.Preferred Qualifications:Degree.Certified Sommelier or equivalent wine/spirits education (WSET, CMS, etc.).Experience managing Michelin-starred, AAA Four/Five Diamond, or Relais and Chteaux properties.Familiarity with luxury wedding trends and high-touch client service.What We Offer:Competitive base salary with performance-based bonuses.Opportunities to lead in a dynamic, high-end hospitality environment.Access to exclusive industry training, tastings, and networking.To Apply:Please submit your resume and a personalized cover letter detailing your experience in fine dining and luxury event management.

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