Deputy General Manager – High Volume Contemporary Cocktail Bar
Location: York
Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum + benefits + tips
About the Role
We’re looking for an ambitious, experienced and people-focused Deputy General Manager to join the leadership of a busy cocktail bar operation in York.
This is a hands-on leadership role within a high-volume, branded bar environment. You’ll work closely with the General Manager to lead a large team, deliver exceptional guest experiences and ensure the venue operates to consistently high standards.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, has strong commercial awareness and genuinely enjoys developing people. You’ll be a visible leader on the floor, setting the standard for service, culture and performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the General Manager with the day-to-day operation and overall performance of the venue.
- Lead, motivate and develop a large team creating a positive and high-performing culture.
- Take responsibility for the venue in the General Manager’s absence.
- Maintain consistently high standards across guest experience, service, drinks quality, cleanliness and presentation.
- Drive sales and commercial performance through effective leadership and strong operational standards.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching and performance management across the team.
- Work closely with the management team to deliver company standards, procedures and brand initiatives.
- Manage staffing levels, rotas and deployment to ensure the operation is appropriately resourced.
- Monitor key operational and commercial KPIs and take action to improve performance.
- Ensure licensing, health & safety, food safety and company compliance standards are consistently maintained.
- Help manage stock, ordering, wastage and cost control.
- Build strong relationships with both guests and the wider team, acting as a positive ambassador for the brand.
- Support the delivery of events, promotions and key trading periods.
About You
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Previous experience in a Deputy GM, Assistant GM, Bar Manager or senior management role within a busy bar, restaurant, late-night or hospitality environment.
- Experience managing and developing a large team.
- Strong leadership skills and the confidence to take ownership of a busy operation.
- A genuine passion for cocktails, drinks and hospitality.
- Excellent communication and people-management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of sales, labour and cost control.
- The ability to remain calm, organised and hands-on during busy trading periods.
- A proactive approach with excellent attention to detail.
- The confidence to lead from the front while also supporting and developing other managers.
What We Offer
- Salary up to £35,000, depending on experience.
- Tips in addition to your salary.
- Company benefits package.
- The opportunity to work within an established and growing brand.
- A supportive management team and strong career development opportunities.
- Training and development to help you progress within the business.
- The opportunity to make a genuine impact on a large, busy operation.
- A dynamic, social and people-focused working environment.
The Opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced hospitality manager who is ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in leading a large, high-energy cocktail bar operation in York.
If you’re commercially minded, passionate about hospitality and enjoy building great teams and delivering memorable guest experiences, we’d love to hear from you.