Find your place in the field of good food

Our goal is to connect good people with good food. We advertise sustainable food jobs and training opportunities to help jobseekers and employers find each other.

Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Job description

ABOUT GROW

GROW opened in 2014 and is an independent and grassroots cultural space based in Hackney Wick. It is part of a studio ecosystem called Grow Studios.  The venue hosts events which span genres and celebrate diverse cultures from around the globe to down the road. The venue includes a busy indoor, outdoor bars, a kitchen & large canalside garden terrace, a mezzanine and indoor space from which people enjoy good food, drinks and a cultural/community programme.  Since its establishment, Grow aims to operate as an experiment in ethical and sustainable business and strives to create & nurture an environment in which its customers and audiences can explore creativity, culture and ecological and social sustainability. In 2025, we plan to be one of the first grassroots music venues powered by solar panels.

WHAT CAN WE OFFER?

• A genuine opportunity to see us through a huge period of growth and development
• Opportunity to contribute to a period of significant growth and development.
• Close collaboration with the founding directors and a friendly core team.
• Free access to music and live events, plus staff discounts at the bar and kitchen.
• Commitment to a work-life balance, with fair and reasonable working hours.
• Grow is an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all individuals.
• Meal on shift when open, plus 20% off food and drink when not on shift

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

As the General Manager, your role is pivotal to the organisation. You will ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the venue while delivering exceptional customer service and maximising business potential. You will be responsible for leading and motivating a diverse team, optimising operational systems, managing finances, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety. 

Your role involves effective communication, stakeholder engagement, event management and environmental sustainability. By demonstrating strong leadership, commercial awareness, and attention to detail, you will contribute to the overall success and growth of the business.

You will work with the directors, and Marketing and Events Manager to help develop, steer and deliver the wider operational plan to drive the business forward in line with Grow’s values; explore and implement new ways to generate income to support our cultural programme. You will bring in, and manage, large bookings and negotiate with key suppliers and collaborate with partners.

The role would suit someone who has had this role in another venue but is looking to be in an environment driven by its commitment to grassroots cultural events and sustainability to help take your experience and career to another level.

This post requires flexible working including evenings and weekends. This is a full-time role. Grow recognises the need for work-life balance and this is factored into the rota 

 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Operational Management

• Lead, develop, and train the venue team to deliver the highest standard of customer service.
• Oversee staff scheduling, recruit new team members, and ensure all training programs are delivered effectively.
• Manage relations with security, cleaning contractors, the audio team and other service providers.
• Ensure all Point of Sale systems, including ‘order at table app, are up-to-date and functioning effectively
• Maintain compliance with health and safety regulations, including risk assessments and fire safety
• Manage stock control, ordering, and cost management to minimise wastage.

Financial management

To carry out a full range of financial duties and responsibilities including:

• Preparation and checking of daily financial returns for bar, kitchen and events, investigating variances and shortages (working with Duty Managers, Head Chef, Events and Marketing Manager)
• Ensuring financial data/information is reported to strict deadlines and in an agreed format for our financial system (Xero), including for tax purposes and VAT
• Analysing sales data in comparison with industry trends and sales history to inform promotional decisions and maximise future sales
• Work towards clear targets for financial performance, customer satisfaction, staff retention, and successful event outcomes
• Identify best-value suppliers of bar stock and setting retail sale prices, whilst maintaining our values of working with ethical suppliers
• Monitoring ticket sales and managing large group booking financials
• Explore options with new income-generating opportunities or saving money by streamlining systems and/or negotiating contracts
• Supporting directors with financial activity relating to funding/grants 

Events

• Use Grow’s event management system to effectively manage and deliver events
• Collaborate with the Events and Marketing Manager for smooth event operations, providing regular feedback
• Manage relationships with promoters, artists, and corporate clients whilst on site
• Address audio issues by coordinating with the Sound Engineer on duty
• Enhance customer experience by providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere and championing our sustainability initiatives
• Act as the Shift Manager when on shift, ensuring all events run smoothly.

Customer Service/Bookings

• Optimise opportunities/leads, managing large groups, corporate and private hire
• Ensure the Team is knowledgeable and trained to give great customer service, advocate Grow’s ethical/sustainability activities and exciting cultural programme of events to give each customer an experience they will want to return to and recommend

Working with other departments

• Work with Marketing and Events Manager to collaborate on promotions and other marketing tactics, as well as ensure events are operational as agreed
• Work with the Head Chef and Kitchen Team to ensure smooth operations, in particular in regards to the quality of customer service and H&S standards
• Work with the Lead Sound Engineer and Marketing and Events to support with smooth operations of the audio provision

Application information

Please email a CV and a cover letter to let us know your interest in the role and your relevant skills and experience to jordanna@growhackney.co.uk

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