Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

About Us:

Dave's Bar, situated in the bustling heart of London's historic Square Mile, is a destination for enthusiasts of quality British cuisine and fine wines. Known for our exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere, we offer our guests a memorable dining and drinking experience, blending traditional British dishes with an exquisite selection of wines.

 

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to lead our team at Dave's Bar. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in both front-of-house and kitchen management, ensuring seamless coordination between all areas of the bar. This is a hands-on role that requires a passion for hospitality, exceptional organizational skills, and a commitment to maintaining the high standards that our patrons expect.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management:Oversee and manage all bar and kitchen staff, ensuring efficient and effective operations.Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.Conduct regular staff meetings to communicate goals, updates, and address any issues.Hire, train, and develop staff, ensuring high levels of customer service and food quality.Operational Management:Ensure smooth daily operations, coordinating between front-of-house and kitchen teams.Monitor and manage inventory, placing orders for food, beverages, and supplies as needed.Maintain high standards of hygiene and health & safety in all areas of the bar.Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency.Customer Experience:Ensure an exceptional customer experience by maintaining a high standard of service.Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback professionally and promptly.Engage with guests to ensure satisfaction and promote repeat business.Financial Management:Oversee financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.Manage cost control and profitability, ensuring financial targets are met.Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to increase revenue.Menu Development & Wine Selection:Collaborate with the kitchen team on menu development, focusing on quality British cuisine.Curate an extensive wine list that complements our food offerings.Organize and promote special events, wine tastings, and seasonal menu changes.

Qualifications:

Proven experience as a General Manager or in a similar managerial role within the hospitality industry.Strong knowledge of both front-of-house and kitchen operations.Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and cost management.Passion for quality food and wine, with knowledge of British cuisine and wines being a plus.Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.Opportunities for professional growth and development.A supportive and vibrant working environment.Staff discounts on food and beverages.The chance to lead a passionate team in one of London's most iconic locations.What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs.  Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.

Permanent