Pub Manager
The Mermaid Tavern
Vacancy listed 19/01/2025
Application deadline 31/03/2025
Details
Role Summary:   
A rare and exciting opportunity that doesn’t come around often. We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven individual to take on the role of General Manager of the Mermaid Tavern, ideally suited to a young family seeking a new start who are keen to integrate into the island community.
 
The position requires an experienced operator with excellent knowledge of fast paced food & beverage operations.
 
Good salary with accommodation, plus on island school for children up to 11 years, and secondary education a 20 minute boat trip.

This position is for those seeking a nice, unique lifestyle with no commute and a stunning environment. Hours can be long in high season, but far less in low season. 
 
 The successful applicant will lead a friendly team focused on providing a fantastic customer experience. As business manager you will have full autonomy and be encouraged to make it your own, bringing your experience to change and improve the business with new and current trends,  new thoughts, and ideas.  Our best advice would be to come with an open mind and work a season to learn the business, the customers, and the current system before implementing change.

WE REGRET THAT ONLY APPLICANTS OF INTEREST WILL BE CONTACTED DUE TO THE VOLUME OF APPLICANTS.
 
CLOSING DATE:  FEBRUARY 5TH, 2025

The Mermaid Tavern is a popular venue for day visitors from Guernsey and island guests.
It comprises approximately 100 covers inside, 300 covers outside and 100 covers on a raised terrace (mostly used for events).

The customer base is mixed including Herm residents and local people from the neighbouring islands of Guernsey, Sark & Jethou (a very mixed audience including all walks of life from fisherman, builders and boaters to corporate bankers, lawyers, and civil servants), plus a constant flow of Herm on-island guests staying at the hotel, cottages and campsites, mostly from Guernsey and the UK but also from all over the world. Plus, the Mermaid has a good market share of events, corporate parties, birthdays, weddings etc.

  • Business hours are generally 11.00am – 11.00pm. We do however have a liquor licence from 10.00am – 12.45am but rarely go that late, especially not in the high season.
  • Stag & hen parties are only allowed after discussion with the organiser. The style of our business does not blend well with rowdy groups and fortunately issues of unsocial behaviour are rare. As with all licenced premises the applicant should have the experience to spot any possible unacceptable behaviour and possess the confidence to approach and discuss. As we all know in the industry, prevention is better than cure.
  • The tavern has a well-stocked bar, including a good selection of draught keg products, real ales, still ciders, aged rums, malt whiskies, and gins. The cellar is compact but functional. 
  • Large events are created at certain times of the year to supplement daily revenue, including:
     Two cider festivals (June & September for 4/5 nights each), 3 or 4 live music events with 500 capacity and numerous smaller events and gigs.
  • The Mermaid has a well-equipped kitchen and the benefit of a competent head chef who is also joining the team this year. 
  • Dining at the Mermaid is popular and generally has excellent customer feedback. The style of food is fairly traditional pub fare in the high season, with chef offering more quality bistro style dishes in the low season.
  • We aim to treat our teams with respect and our younger seasonal staff often need additional support as it can be their first time away from home. As manager, you will need to be mindful of this and be prepared to make time to offer support when needed.
  • Our business ethos is a ‘no blame culture’, preferring to offer support, and recognising that everyone makes mistakes. We encourage open dialogue with questions rather than guessing as well as full staff involvement with weekly team meetings. Nurturing and developing your team will always pay dividends.


General 

  • The role requires a high level of stamina as most days will require you to be on your feet  
  • This role requires a high-level of fitness and the ability to lift and carry large/heavy items 
 
Working within the Health and Safety at Work (General) (Guernsey) Ordinance, the postholder has a legal duty to take reasonable care for Health and Safety both for themselves and others who may be affected by their actions. They are also required to undertake Health and Safety training commensurate with the level required by the post and to take part in risk assessment procedures and the implementation of agreed recommended work practices within the area. 
  
Undertaking other duties not specifically stated which from time to time are necessary without altering the nature or level of responsibility. 
 
In addition to the required key responsibilities, it is expected that every employee acts in a professional manner at all times, including when off duty, as guests and employees use the same facilities, infrastructure and social areas.

About Herm 

The small paradise island of Herm is just off Guernsey in the Channel Islands, which lie in the English Channel between southern England and northern France. 

Herm is a designated tourist island which is reached by a 20-minute ferry journey from Guernsey harbour, and where guests and day visitors enjoy year-round hospitality. 
 
 Guest accommodation includes:
  • The White House Hotel:
    • 40-bedroomed boutique hotel with several family sized and dog friendly rooms.
  • Self-catering Holiday Cottages: 
    • 19 cottages and apartments dotted around the island sleeping between 2 – 7 people.
  • Seagull & Mermaid Campsites: 
    • offering over 130 seasonal pitches rented on an annual basis by Guernsey families, and 23 equipped tents for short-term hire April to September. 
  • Herm also has a range of dining options and facilities including:
    • The Conservatory Restaurant: a 90-cover classic, fine-dining hotel restaurant.
    • The Ship Inn: a brasserie style inn seating 70 inside, and 80 in the courtyard and garden.
    • The Mermaid Tavern: a popular and busy gastro pub which also hosts live entertainment and events throughout the year with a capacity of 500 people.
    • 120-seater marquee for special events in the hotel grounds. 
  • Harbour Village, Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay Cafés: 
    • three outdoor seated cafés, one in the busy Harbour Village and the other two at the most scenic and popular beaches in Herm.
  • The Herm Shop:
    • a busy shop which stocks a host of products from gifts and clothing to beach goods and toys.
 
Working in Herm
 
Working and living in Herm is a truly unique and rewarding opportunity. There are approximately 50 permanent staff with year-round roles with up to an additional 100 seasonal staff.
 
The hospitality teams are supported by several back-office departments including finance, reservations, administration, marketing, and recruitment. The island properties, infrastructure and landscape are maintained by a team of professionals and the island also has its own cargo vessel managed by the Services team.
 
As there are no cars or bicycles in Herm a good degree of fitness is required to negotiate the varied terrain. With no resident doctor or hospital, shortlisted applicants are advised to self-assess their suitability to work on the island. Several residents are trained as community first responders delivering first aid, policing, and fire services.
 
The rewards are plentiful if you are hard-working and motivated by small team collaboration, helping others, delivering a professional service and above all, taking accountability for your role.
 

Vision & Culture
 
Our VISION is to have a sustainable business whilst preserving the unique appeal of Herm Island, including environmental project work. 

Our CULTURE encourages a hard-working, collaborative, team approach focused on accountability, empowerment and ultimately excellent customer and staff experience.




Benefits

Flat 20% Income Tax rate over personal allowance, plus low Social Security rate
Zero VAT
Unfurnished but double-glazed and centrally heated accommodation will be provided with the only charge being for heating, electricity, gas and broadband
Free ferry travel between Herm and Guernsey
Staff discounts on-island
Preferential accommodation rates for Friends and Family outside of Peak Season
Stunning beaches with exceptional sea swimming / kayaking / SUP opportunities
On the job training to include Level 3 Food Hygiene certification

Notes

NOTES: to enable us to consider your application please read the below information before completing the NOTES section in your application

EXPERIENCE: If you have no relevant prior experience, please provide additional information in the NOTES section.

ELIGIBILITY - Please confirm what relevant permissions you possess to work in Herm Island, or whether permissions need to be obtained under the States of Guernsey Work Permit Policy – information on Work Permits can be found here (copy and paste into your browser) https://www.gov.gg/immigration

IMPORTANT - When applying please UPLOAD your CV and a cover letter explaining why you wish to apply for the position.

AVAILABILITY - If you are successful, please let us know when you can relocate.

OTHER - If you are applying as a couple, please state your partner's name.

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