General Manager - Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo, is looking for an experienced operational General Manager to lead our food and beverage operations, for both the Zoo’s day visitors and conferencing & events customers.
On site retail outlets include;The Gannet Restaurant – sourcing the very best of Scottish produce, leading in sustainable initiatives while ordering via digital systems
Grasslands Restaurant – Offering the latest high street food trends as well as family favourite dishes
Penguins Café and Parlour – Premium coffee, ice cream, hot food to go, homemade bakes and cakes, salads and sandwiches
Multiple kiosks located throughout the zoo.
The General Manager will lead the onsite conference and events sales team and oversee the operations team delivering weddings, conferences, dinners and bespoke Zoo events in the spectacular Mansion House as well as a number of industry leading spaces across the venue
This is a fast-paced seasonal environment with a peak trading customer up to 5000 (daily). We are seeking an experienced General Manager with a flexible approach to grow the business to the next level and support in delivering all KPI’s for key stakeholders.
Full financial accountability of this prestigious contract will sit with the General Manager.
Ability to lead a team of up to 70 in the peak season and consistently delivering exceptional service in the quieter periodsThis role offers a good work/life balance with the opportunity to grow within the business. As the General Manager you will be responsible for the following areas:

• Meet the client’s vision and goals across the business
• Hold daily briefings with team to engage them on key messages and encourage discussion
• To ensure a 5* service is always delivered
• Oversee rotas in line with budget and business needs, making sure that we are not over or understaffed.
• Action plans are completed following customer feedback/ mystery shopper survey
• Training, develop and upskill the team with focus on our bespoke guest experience programme

• Operational experience in a restaurant or catering environment
• A team player and able to support the team in the daily operation as and when required
• The ability to be equally proactive and reactive when required using a business mindset to consider all possible outcomes using business base thought processes
• Knowledge of P&L that you want to build upon for your own personal development
• Experience managing multiple outlets
• Eye for detail
• Computer literate
• Strong communication skills to both management, team members and customers.
• Strong organisational skills
• Ability to work to strict pressured deadlines
• Flexible working hours including weekends, bank holidays
• The ability to thrive and strive in a fast paced, ever changing dynamic environment