General Manager Food & Beverage and Marketing

About the Woodstock Arms

The Woodstock Arms is a charming, family-run traditional Irish pub with bed & breakfast accommodation, located in the picturesque village square of Inistioge, County Kilkenny. Nestled beside the River Nore and close to Woodstock Gardens, we offer a warm, authentic welcome, quality bar food, comfortable en-suite guest rooms, and a genuine community atmosphere. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to oversee daily operations and drive business development in this beautiful tourism spot.

Job Purpose

To lead the overall management of the pub and B&B, ensuring exceptional Food & Beverage (F&B) service, high standards of guest care, and profitable operations. You will play a key role in marketing and developing the business to increase footfall, room occupancy, food and drink sales, and online visibility while maintaining the welcoming character that guests love.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & F&B Management

• Oversee day-to-day running of the bar, food service, and guest accommodation.
• Maintain high standards of food and beverage quality, presentation, and service.
• Manage inventory, stock ordering, supplier relationships, and cost control (aiming for strong gross profit margins).
• Ensure compliance with all health & safety, food hygiene (HACCP), licensing, and RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) regulations.
• Handle staff scheduling, training, motivation, and performance management.
• Manage cash, banking, and basic financial reporting.

Marketing & Business Development

• Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract more local and tourist customers (social media, website updates, partnerships with local attractions like Woodstock Gardens, tourism boards, and Kilkenny tourism).
• Create promotional events, seasonal packages (e.g., stay-and-dine deals, garden walks, music nights), and targeted campaigns to boost room bookings and F&B sales.
• Manage online presence (Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Facebook, Instagram) including reviews, photos, and content creation.
• Identify growth opportunities such as expanding food offerings, private events, or tourism tie-ins.

Guest Experience & Leadership

• Deliver outstanding customer service and resolve any issues promptly.
• Build strong relationships with regulars, visitors, and the local community.
• Report directly to the owners and collaborate on strategic decisions.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inviting environment throughout the premises.

Requirements & Qualifications

Essential

• Proven experience in Food & Beverage management (bar, pub, or small hotel/restaurant) – minimum 3 years at supervisory or managerial level.
• Strong marketing skills, ideally with hands-on experience in digital marketing, social media, and promotions for hospitality venues.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills – ability to train, motivate, and manage a small team.
• Knowledge of Irish licensing laws, food safety standards, and hospitality best practices.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to work behind the bar or in service when needed.
• Strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for Irish hospitality and a friendly, positive attitude.

Desirable

• Experience in a similar small pub-with-rooms or guesthouse setting.
• Familiarity with tourism in County Kilkenny or the south-east region.
• Proficiency in basic accounting/software (e.g., stock control systems, social media tools).
• Full clean driving licence (useful for local supplier runs or events).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: (depending on experience) plus performance-related bonus and tips.
• Assistance with accommodation option (subject to agreement).
• Opportunity to shape and grow a characterful independent business in a stunning location.
• Support from the owners with a hands-on yet empowering approach.
• Staff discounts and a friendly working environment.

Working Pattern

Full-time role, including evenings, weekends, and some bank holidays (flexibility required in line with trading hours).Based in Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny (R95 AX61).

Key skills/competency

• General Management
• Food & Beverage Operations
• Hospitality Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Team Leadership
• Customer Service
• Inventory Management
• Business Development
• Event Planning
• Budget Management