Restaurant Cocktail Bar jobs in York

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.

Please note: Hesketh James are the recruiting agency for this role

Pay: Up to £36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person