Cafe Lunette - Assistant Manager

Cafe Lunette; Halifax; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive extended Health & Dental

Learning & growth opportunities

Gym access

50% transit reimbursement

RRSP contributions

Uniform and dining allowance

Employee Assistance Program

Referral bonus program

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Cafe Lunette, part of Freehand Hospitality, is seeking an Assistant Manager to oversee daily restaurant operations alongside the General Manager. You will manage staffing, budgeting, payroll, and inventory, while leading service excellence and guest satisfaction.

Ideal candidates bring experience in high-volume hospitality, strong leadership, and a passion for premium beverage and fine dining experiences. This role offers growth within a collaborative team in Halifax.

Qualifications

• Experience in a high volume, fast paced hospitality environment.
• Post-Secondary Diploma/Degree in Business or Hospitality is considered an asset.
• WSET Intermediate Wine Certificate or comparable is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day restaurant operations under the General Manager.
• Staffing, budgeting, administration and active floor management during service.
• Conduct recruitment, training, coaching and performance management.
• Track sales, invoicing and inventory; ensure payroll accuracy.
• Lead health and safety initiatives and WSIB compliance.
• Collaborate with Marketing to attract new business and build vendor relations.
• Ensure premium beverage offerings and five-star service standards are met.
• Create memorable guest experiences through personalized service.

Skills

Staff management

Budgeting

Cost controls

Recruitment

Event management

Customer service

Leadership

Payroll

Vendor relationships

Health & safety

Education

Post-Secondary Diploma/Degree in Business or Hospitality

Job description

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 2:00 a.m.

Assistant Manager at Café Lunette with Freehand Hospitality

About Freehand Hospitality Rooted in chef-led creativity, our team is passionate about bringing people together with bold flavours, thoughtful ingredients, and warm, welcoming service. We celebrate diverse culinary styles—from upscale Maritime dining to classic French fare—paired with genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish tells a story, and every experience celebrates connection, community, and a true sense of place in Halifax.

Café by day, bistro by night, we proudly play host to morning coffee and viennoiserie, breezy business lunches, weeknight rendezvous, lazy Sunday brunches and everything in between. Our menus feature a greatest hits list of timeless French classics — from traditional onion soup and steak tartare, to comforting boeuf Bourguignon and seafood bouillabaisse. On weekends, we invite our guests to rise and shine for a rich variety of pastries, crêpes, galettes and breakfast sandwiches.

Job Description

Under the direction of the General Manager, we are looking for an Assistant Manager at Café Lunette who will be accountable for the day-to-day operations of the restaurant including staffing, cost controls, staff training, budgeting, administration and active floor management during service.

What you will be doing as a Assistant Manager:

• Communicating the vision to all team members and leads by example;
• Reinforcing the values daily and inspires the team with his/her exciting vision for the future;
• Regularly monitor and achieve the points of technical service and points of details;
• Build and maintain relationships with guests, team members and senior management alike;
• Following bar, beverage and wine control procedures exactly;
• Providing general administrative support for the restaurant;
• Showing leadership in creating a culture that revolves around the experience and enjoyment of food and wine;
• Demonstrating high personal integrity, business ethics and takes every opportunity to promote the venue;
• Conducting recruitment and selection and training and development initiatives as well as performance management and employee coaching;
• Using conflict resolution and problem-solving skills;
• Assisting with the tracking of sales, invoicing, and managing inventory;
• Conducting briefings with event service staff prior to each function;
• Ensuring accuracy and timeliness of payroll records;
• Striving for maximum efficiency and continual improvement of staff productivity;
• Participating on the Health & Safety Committee, ensuring that the Occupational Health & Safety Act and WSIB procedures are being followed;
• Ensuring the facility is well maintained, repaired and spotless at all times;
• Working with Marketing to design and implement a strategy to attract new business;
• Building relationships with vendors and suppliers;
• Such other related duties and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

The person we are looking for has:

• A Post-Secondary Diploma/Degree in Business or Hospitality is considered an asset;
• Experience in a high volume, fast paced hospitality environment;
• Previous experience managing events is considered a strong asset;
• WSET Intermediate Wine Certificate or comparable is considered an asset;
• A strong understanding of Five-Star service standards and ensuring these are consistently met or exceeded;
• The ability to anticipate and fulfill guests' needs before they even ask, ensuring a flawless dining experience;
• A proven track record of managing upscale or fine dining restaurants to understand the complexity of serving guests with high expectations;
• Superior verbal and written communication skills;
• The ability to demonstrate extreme organization in a fast-paced environment while acting as a team player;
• Skills in addressing and resolving guest complaints or concerns with tact, ensuring a positive outcome without compromising the guest experience;
• Familiarity with premium beverage offerings, including fine wines, cocktails, and specialty coffees, to complement the dining experience;
• The ability and a passion to create memorable guest experiences through personalized service, remembering preferences of frequent diners, and making guests feel like a VIP.

Why join us and what's in it for you?

• Comprehensive extended Health & Dental benefits
• Integrated learning environment with room to grow
• Access to our gym and fitness facility
• 50% reimbursement of monthly transit pass
• Company RRSP contributions
• Uniform and dining allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Eligible for company referral bonus program
• Working along side a collaborative team of likeminded individuals

A member of The Armour Group Ltd, Freehand Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value our employees and their well-being. If you would like to join an organization with which you can have a work-life balance, career growth, long term job stability, and an opportunity to positively contribute to the community, this position may be for you!