Restaurant General Manager - Mayfair - Japanese

The General Manager (GM) of Mayfair Restaurantoversees all operations, ensuring that the restaurant delivers the refined, high-quality dining experience expected in Londons Mayfair. The GM leads the team in upholding Japanese culinary traditions, contemporary presentation, and exceptional service. They balance luxury hospitality with strong financial and operational discipline, ensuring profitability while maintaining the brands premium reputation.

- Ensure seamless FOH and BOH operations, with emphasis on precision, speed, and presentation of handrolls and sushi.
- Maintain the highest hygiene, food safety, and licensing standards in line with UK regulations.
- Guarantee the restaurants physical environment reflects Mayfair expectations: immaculate, stylish, and comfortable.
- Implement and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for service, kitchen operations, and guest interaction.
- Oversee reservations and guest flow to maximize covers while maintaining exclusivity and guest comfort.

- Drive achievement of revenue, profit, and efficiency targets while preserving the luxury brand image.
- Monitor and control prime costs (food cost %, beverage cost %, labor cost %, and waste).
- Manage purchasing of premium Japanese ingredients and negotiate supplier contracts to maintain quality and margin balance.
- Analyze P&L, forecast sales, and prepare monthly business performance reports for ownership.

- Recruit and train FOH staff to deliver refined, detail-oriented service with knowledge of Japanese cuisine and culture.
- Work closely with the Head Chef to ensure synergy between service and kitchen.
- Manage scheduling to balance guest experience with labor cost efficiency.
- Build a culture of excellence, respect, and continuous learning aligned with Japanese omotenashi (hospitality).
- Conduct staff evaluations, ongoing training in luxury service etiquette, and performance reviews.

- Uphold reputation for authenticity, quality, and exceptional service.
- Engage personally with guests, fostering loyalty among Mayfairs high-value clientele.
- Resolve complaints with discretion and grace, always protecting the restaurants brand image.
- Oversee presentation of dishes, service rituals, music, lighting, and overall ambiance to ensure a refined dining atmosphere.
- Implement and monitor guest feedback systems, responding proactively to maintain a strong reputation.

- Partner with ownership on targeted marketing campaigns, PR, and collaborations relevant to Mayfair clientele.
- Build strong relationships with local businesses, hotels, concierges, and influencers to drive premium traffic.
- Monitor and manage online reputation (Google, OpenTable, Michelin Guide mentions, etc.).
- Support events, private dining experiences, and tasting evenings to expand brand reach.

- Submit weekly performance summaries to ownership covering sales, staff, guest feedback, and operational updates.
- Develop long-term strategies for growth, including premium menu development, beverage pairings, and luxury partnerships.
- Stay ahead of Londons fine-dining trends and competitor activity in Mayfair.

- Proven track record in managing high-end restaurants in London or similar markets.
- Deep understanding of Japanese cuisine, culture, and luxury hospitality.
- Exceptional leadership and motivational skills.
- Financial acumen with experience managing P&L in a premium restaurant environment.
- Polished communication and guest-relations ability suited to Mayfair clientele.
- Strong problem-solving and crisis-management capability.

- Financial: Revenue per cover, food & beverage cost %, labor cost %.
- Guest Experience: Average online review rating, repeat guest rate, VIP guest satisfaction.
- Operational: Service speed, consistency of food presentation, reservation conversion rate.
- Staffing: Staff retention, training completion, mystery diner/secret shopper scores.
- Brand Reputation: Mentions in food press, inclusion in guides (Michelin, Hardens, etc.), partnerships secured.