BUSKER BROWNES & KIRBY'S
Cross Street, Latin Quarter, Galway | Est. 1994
General Manager
Senior Leadership | Full-Time, Permanent | Reporting to Owner
Salary: €75,000 + OTE €100,000 (performance-based)
ABOUT US
Busker Brownes & Kirby's is one of Galway's most iconic hospitality venues. Set in the heart of the Latin Quarter on Cross Street, our building has been a meeting place for centuries – from the Tribes of Galway to a Dominican convent, and now one of the city's busiest gastropubs and late bars.
We operate multiple spaces across the venue – Busker Brownes, The Slatehouse Whiskey Bar, The Hall, and Upstairs @ Kirby's – serving food from 10am through to late, with live music and a buzzing atmosphere seven days a week. We are at the centre of Galway's social scene, from the Races to the Arts Festival to Macnas.
Busker Brownes is part of the Westbrowne portfolio of four hospitality properties. This is a flagship venue, and we're looking for a leader who matches its ambition.
THE ROLE
This is one of the most senior positions in the Westbrowne group. We are looking for a General Manager with the energy, drive, and commercial acumen to take full operational ownership of Busker Brownes & Kirby's.
You will lead a large, fast-paced team across food, bar, and events – juggling the demands of a high-volume city centre venue that runs from morning coffee to late-night last orders. This is not a 9-to-5. Late nights, weekends, and key Galway events come with the territory.
You will report directly to the Owner, with significant autonomy to shape operations, drive revenue, and build a winning team. For the right individual, there is genuine opportunity for growth within the wider portfolio.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Operations
- Take full P&L accountability for the venue – own the numbers and deliver results
- Lead, motivate, and develop a large team across F&B, bar, and events
- Set the pace and the standards – be visible, be present, lead from the front
- Manage rosters, recruitment, training, and team performance
- Ensure seamless operations across multiple bars and spaces, from morning service through late night
Commercial & Revenue
- Drive revenue growth through food, beverage, and events
- Maximise key trading periods – Galway Races, Arts Festival, Macnas, and peak weekends
- Control costs, manage GP, and deliver against pre-agreed KPIs
- Identify opportunities for growth and implement commercial initiatives
Guest Experience & Standards
- Champion exceptional guest experiences across every touchpoint
- Maintain the highest standards of food, service, and presentation
- Handle escalated guest issues with professionalism and sound judgement
- Ensure full compliance with licensing, health & safety, and employment legislation
Events & Local Engagement
- Oversee private events, corporate bookings, and party business across all spaces
- Build relationships with local businesses, event organisers, and the wider Galway community
- Position Busker Brownes at the heart of Galway's social and cultural calendar
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Proven track record as a General Manager or senior operator in a high-volume hospitality venue
- Commercial, driven, and results-oriented – you understand P&L and you deliver
- Natural leader with the energy and presence to inspire a large team
- Genuinely passionate about hospitality – this isn't just a job, it's your career
- Hands-on and visible – you lead from the floor, not from an office
- Cool under pressure with sound judgement in fast-paced, high-stakes situations
- Excellent communicator – with your team, with guests, and with ownership
- Knowledge of Galway and the local hospitality scene is a distinct advantage
- Willing to work the hours the role demands – including late nights, weekends, and major events
Pay: €75,000.00-€95,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Galway, County Galway: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Hospitality management: 5 years (required)
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
