Job Description

We're not just looking for a Hospitality Manager to run a restaurant, we want someone with a genuine passion for food and drink who adores this industry. We are looking for an experienced manager from a food-led environment, who wants a competitive salary, a lovely rent and bill-free apartment near the coast, and an opportunity to put their mark on the North Devon hospitality industry! And all whilst enjoying every moment of doing so...

About Us:

Situated on the North Devon Coast between the harbour towns of Combe Martin and Ilfracombe, The Sawmills offers a wonderful retreat for coast path walkers, campers, holidaymakers, and locals alike. With a tranquil setting in a wooded valley, and a design inspired by its origins as a working lumber-mill, The Sawmills provides a warm atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

One of four businesses owned by The Good Food and Drink Company, The Sawmills is a high volume, food led site with an established reputation for good quality food, drink, and accommodation.

Our restaurant offers a relaxed yet high-quality dining experience featuring fresh, locally sourced produce, whilst our four delightful guest rooms welcome people in from their Southwest Coast Path walks or for short breaks away.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a

Live-In General Manager

to lead our team, uphold our high standards, and become part of the local community.

As the General Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the property, managing staff, delivering outstanding guest experiences, and ensuring smooth operations across front and back of house. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone with both kitchen and front of house experience, who thrives in a seasonal environment and takes pride in hospitality and leadership.

We need you to be an enthusiastic and ambitious

Hospitality Manager

who leads by example from the front. If you're passionate about food, drink, and guest experiences, and you're looking to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & People Management

Lead, motivate, and manage a small team across Front of House and Kitchen operations. Recruit, train, and develop staff, ensuring everyone delivers excellent service and works as a team. Organise rotas and manage staff performance. Generate a positive working culture and a fun place to work. Foster a welcoming environment that staff are truly proud to be part of.

Operations & Guest Experience

Day to day building management, ensuring a smooth and efficient daily service from your team. Monitor food preparation and presentation. Deliver excellent and memorable customer experiences, for our regulars and tourists alike, ensuring efficient service with a smile. Be front and centre when it comes to guest interaction--whether it's recommending a wine or making sure everything's perfect with their meal. Manage customer feedback and resolve issues swiftly and professionally, ensuring a great experience for all. Be a charismatic force that both staff and customers connect with.

Business & Financial Management

Develop new opportunities to drive sales and grow the business, through high standards of consistency, event planning, and improving the products. Monitor stock levels, place orders, and manage supplier relationships. Adhere to budgets and strive to achieve revenue targets. Manage labour costs, control waste, and ensure the site is running profitably. Comply with policies on licensing, cleanliness, hygiene, and health & safety. Support or lead local marketing efforts such as seasonal promotions, social media updates, local events etc.

Ideal Candidate:

Proven experience in a management role within a busy food led environment. Kitchen management experience would be advantageous, or at least the ability to jump in and help the kitchen team. Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills. A proactive, hands-on approach and a calm manner under pressure. A positive individual who embraces every day, and has a genuine passion for our industry, with a love for good food and customer service. An empathetic and approachable leader who can inspire and motivate a team. Strong financial understanding, with experience managing budgets and controlling costs. Knowledge of HACCP principles and Safer Food Better Business management system. A personal licence for the sale of alcohol. Barista training. Computer literacy (will need to acquire proficiency in all of our software systems very quickly).

Perks & Benefits:

Competitive Salary dependent on experience + performance-based bonuses. Live-in accommodation with paid utilities. Free meals. Staff discounts and allowances at our other sites. Opportunities to shape the business and grow with us. A beautiful coastal lifestyle in North Devon.

To Apply:

Please send your CV and a cover letter telling us why you'd be a great fit for this role. We'd like to know all about your experience in hospitality management, your interest in good food, and any background you have working in or with a professional kitchen.

Closing date for applications will be Friday 31st October - Successful candidates will be contacted for the next phase of selection process in Early November, with a potential starting date in December/January.

At The Good Food & Drink Company, we celebrate diversity and promote equal employment opportunities. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other legally protected status. Join us and be part of an inclusive and welcoming team!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 35,000.00-37,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person