James Connelly Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Hambleden, England, United Kingdom

As Deputy General Manager at The Stag and Huntsman, I oversee daily operations, focusing on both our hospitality services and accommodation offerings, including 10 guest rooms and 2 cottages. My responsibilities encompass ensuring a seamless guest experience, from check-in to check-out, by maintaining high standards of service and presentation. I manage room turnovers, housekeeping coordination, and stock control to ensure rooms are ready on time and to the highest quality.I lead the front-of-house, bar, and housekeeping teams, ensuring efficient staffing through rota management to balance service quality with labor costs. My HR duties include recruiting, onboarding, staff development & inductions, and performance reviews, as well as addressing disciplinary matters and promoting staff welfare, creating a supportive and motivated work environment.Financial oversight is a key aspect of my role. I monitor and manage the P&L for both accommodation and beverage services, ensuring financial targets are met. This involves rigorous cost control, revenue tracking, and adjusting operations as necessary to maximize profitability. I manage procurement and stock levels, negotiating with suppliers to secure the best products at competitive prices.I am also responsible for the coordination and execution of major events, such as weddings and festive celebrations, ensuring smooth operations and delivering memorable experiences for guests. Additionally, I oversee guest relations, handling inquiries and resolving any issues to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.Health and safety compliance is another key area of focus, with responsibility for monitoring through digital systems to ensure all regulations are followed. In the absence of the General Manager, I take full operational control, ensuring continuity in service standards and operations across all areas of the business.

Henley-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom

I spearhead the creation of innovative, on-trend cocktail menus that harmonize with our seasonal food offerings, while managing the entire beverage program to ensure financial targets are met by overseeing P&L and GP for the department.I curate and maintain a sophisticated wine list featuring over 140 SKUs, with a focus on fine wine management, including rotating premium stock such as a rare 1994 Chateau Siran double magnum. I leverage strong relationships with key UK drinks distributors—Mangrove, Tenlocks, and Proof Drinks—to secure top-tier products at competitive prices.

I take a proactive role in operational management, including staff scheduling, inventory control, and cost management, ensuring efficiency and profitability across all service areas. I work closely with department heads to optimize guest experiences, contributing to seamless coordination between front-of-house and kitchen teams.I lead the front-of-house team, maintaining high service standards through ongoing training and performance management, while also overseeing bar staff recruitment, training, and procurement. I maintain the site’s health and safety protocols, using digital monitoring systems to manage compliance, chemical ordering, and stock of disposables.Additionally, I manage large-scale events like the Henley Royal Regatta, where footfall exceeds 200,000, through meticulous forecasting, revenue analysis, and resource allocation to maximize sales while minimizing waste. My involvement extends to daily financial reporting, managing payroll, and collaborating with the General Manager to shape business strategy, marketing initiatives, and customer retention plans.As a key support to the General Manager, I am responsible for stepping in during their absence, ensuring the smooth operation of the venue, resolving guest issues, and addressing any unexpected challenges to uphold the high standards of Hart Street Tavern.

Henley-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom

General Manager in a brand new exciting independent craft beer bar serving a rotation of different traditional ales, IPA’s, lagers, stouts, cider. Alongside creating a modern customised and seasonal takes on a cocktail menu with classic techniques and localised ingredients whilst maintaining a eye on profitability. Increasing overall bar GPM to a minimum of 72% with an over 20% increase on average through new supplier negotiations and sourcing. Managing the site with the necessary qualifications including cellar management, food safety level 3, first aid in workplace, high level of knowledge, stock management, supplier negotiation and experience in the management of a high throughput bar. Also creating events and promotional material, increasing social media engagement by over 9,000% and launching Apres Ski lodge events and Halloween etc with accompanying specially themed menus.

Henley-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom

Bachelor Of Science - Bsc, International Development And Economics

Politics, Business Studies, Sport Science (A*,A,A)

Activities and Societies: Diana Award Anti Bullying Ambassador/ Athletics Captain/ Head of House/ Togetherband Ambassador/.

Education record

Education record