General Manager

New Yesterday

Reports To: Operations Director
Location: Velvet Taco Broadgate Circle
Direct Reports: Assistant Managers, Supervisors, FOH Team, BOH Leads
Employment Type: Full-Time
ROLE SUMMARY
The General Manager of Velvet Taco is the driving force behind the restaurants performance, culture, and guest experience. This role requires a dynamic leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume environments and balances exceptional hospitality with strong commercial and operational focus.
The GM is responsible for delivering the brand to the highest standard: memorable guest experiences, operational excellence, strong team leadership, sales growth, and full P&L ownership.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Leadership & People Management
Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing team across FOH and BOH.
Recruit, train, motivate, and develop all staff in line with Velvet Taco brand values.
Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and maintain accountability across all roles.
Foster an energetic, inclusive, and positive workplace culture that reflects the brand.
Ensure all managers are empowered, capable, and aligned with business priorities.
2. Guest Experience & Brand Delivery
Guarantee an exceptional guest experience at all times.
Monitor and elevate service standards, ensuring consistency across all shifts.
Resolve guest concerns with professionalism, ownership, and brand personality.
Maintain the Velvet Taco atmosphere: fast-paced, fun, and food-driven.
Ensure all food and beverage presentation meets brand standards.
3. Operational Excellence
Oversee all daily operations including opening/closing, cleanliness, and service flow.
Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and licensing regulations.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date operational checklists, procedures, and logs.
Directly support BOH leadership, ensuring kitchen execution remains consistent and efficient.
Ensure tech platforms (EPOS, delivery partners, scheduling, etc.) are used effectively.
4. Sales Growth & Marketing Activation
Maximise sales through strong service delivery, operational consistency, and guest loyalty.
Work with marketing teams to activate local store marketing, LTOs, events, and brand campaigns.
Build partnerships with local businesses, offices, influencers, and community groups.
Use insights to increase AOV, guest frequency, and footfall.
Lead initiatives that differentiate Velvet Taco in a competitive London market.
5. Financial Performance & P&L Ownership
Take full ownership of the restaurant P&L.
Manage labour costs, forecasting, and scheduling to hit financial targets.
Control COGS through accurate ordering, waste reduction, and recipe adherence.
Analyse financial reports and implement actions to drive profitability.
Protect business assets by ensuring strong cash handling and compliance.
6. Training, Development & Compliance
Ensure all team members complete training in food safety, allergens, and service standards.
Maintain top ratings on internal audits and external EHO inspections.
Implement ongoing development plans for key managers and high-potential team members.
Uphold human resources policies and support HR in investigations, performance management, and employee relations.
7. Facility & Equipment Management
Oversee the maintenance and functionality of all equipment and the general premises.
Ensure timely repairs and minimal operational impact.
Conduct weekly building walkthroughs and maintain strong supplier relationships.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
35 years experience as a General Manager in a high-volume, fast-casual or full-service environment.
Proven leadership of multi-level teams (AMs, Supervisors, FOH & BOH).
Experience managing £2m+ annual revenue restaurant(s).
Strong understanding of food safety, allergens, health & safety, and compliance.
P&L management with demonstrable financial performance results.
Ability to operate at pace, balancing brand energy with structured operations.
Desirable
Experience within a chef-driven or menu-innovative brand.
Multi-site or project-based experience.
Strong understanding of the London market and guest behaviour.
Previous US brand or franchise experience (preferred but not required).
KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
Charismatic, hands-on leadership style
Commercially savvy with strong business acumen
Passionate about great food and memorable guest experiences
Excellent communicator and motivator
Highly organised with strong planning skills
Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving ability
Ownership mentality takes responsibility and drives results
WHAT VELVET TACO OFFERS
Competitive salary + performance-based bonus
Clear career progression within a growing international brand
Ongoing training and leadership development
Fun, vibrant working environment
Opportunity to lead one of Londons most exciting new openings

TPBN1_UKCT
Location:
London
Job Type:
FullTime

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