Area Restaurant Manager jobs in Swindon

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced, commercially driven and passionate Business Development Manager to support the continued growth and development of The Lamb Inn, a food-led country pub with boutique accommodation in the heart of the Cotswolds.

This is a hands-on, strategic role requiring a strong understanding of the hospitality industry, with particular emphasis on food and beverage operations, restaurant development, guest experience and commercial performance.

The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new business opportunities, increasing revenue, developing our food and beverage offering, strengthening operational performance and helping establish the business as a leading food-led hospitality destination.

Unlike a traditional business development position focused solely on sales, this role requires a comprehensive understanding of how a restaurant, pub and hotel operate together. The successful candidate must be comfortable working alongside kitchen, front-of-house and accommodation teams to identify opportunities for improvement and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities1. Food & Beverage Business Development

• Work closely with the Head Chef and management team to develop and strengthen the food offering, ensuring it remains commercially viable, competitive and aligned with the business's identity.
• Analyse menu performance, food costs, gross profit margins, pricing strategies and customer spending patterns to identify opportunities for increased profitability.
• Research emerging food trends, changing consumer preferences and competitor offerings to support menu innovation and business development.
• Identify opportunities to increase restaurant covers, average customer spend and repeat visits.
• Develop food-led promotions, seasonal dining experiences, special events and other initiatives to attract new customers.
• Build relationships with local food producers, suppliers and hospitality partners to strengthen the business's reputation for quality and regional produce.
• Support the development of efficient food and beverage operations while maintaining high standards of quality and guest satisfaction.

2. Commercial Growth & Revenue Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy covering restaurant, bar, accommodation and private events.
• Identify new revenue streams and opportunities to increase business profitability.
• Analyse sales figures, occupancy rates, departmental performance and customer trends to support informed commercial decisions.
• Establish measurable financial and operational targets and regularly review progress against agreed objectives.
• Develop strategies to improve traditionally quieter trading periods, particularly weekday restaurant services and seasonal fluctuations.
• Explore opportunities for partnerships with local businesses, tourism organisations, corporate clients and event organisers.
• Prepare commercial reports, forecasts and recommendations for business owners and senior management.

3. Hospitality Operations & Guest Experience

• Work collaboratively with departmental managers to ensure the restaurant, bar and accommodation operations deliver a consistent and high-quality guest experience.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements to service delivery, staffing efficiency and departmental coordination.
• Support the implementation of service standards and operational procedures across the business.
• Analyse guest feedback, online reviews and customer satisfaction trends to identify areas requiring improvement.
• Help develop strategies to encourage repeat business, increase guest loyalty and strengthen the establishment's reputation.
• Ensure business development initiatives are achievable within existing operational capabilities and resources.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in business development, commercial management or senior hospitality management, preferably within a food-led restaurant, gastropub, boutique hotel or similar establishment.
• Strong professional knowledge of restaurant and food and beverage operations, including menu development, food costing, pricing and profitability.
• Demonstrable experience identifying commercial opportunities and implementing strategies to increase revenue.
• Sound understanding of hospitality financial performance, including gross profit, labour costs, budgeting and revenue forecasting.
• Ability to analyse operational and financial data and translate findings into practical business improvements.
• Experience working collaboratively with chefs, restaurant managers and other hospitality departments.
• Strong understanding of customer experience, hospitality service standards and the commercial importance of food quality.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A genuine passion for food, restaurants and the wider hospitality industry.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within a high-quality, chef-led restaurant or destination dining establishment.
• Experience developing food-led hospitality businesses in rural or tourism-focused locations.
• Knowledge of the UK restaurant market, food trends and regional hospitality competition.
• Experience working within a business combining restaurant, bar and hotel operations.
• Established relationships within the food, hospitality, tourism or events sectors.
• Experience developing new dining concepts, special events or additional revenue streams.

Pay: £44,500.00-£66,120.00 per year

Work Location: In person