Assistant Manager

The Wheatsheaf; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonus scheme

Training and development

Career progression and promotions

30% staff discount across all pubs

Management incentives and socials

28 days holiday

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Referral scheme

Job summary

The Wheatsheaf in London is seeking an Assistant Manager to help run a busy pub with a vibrant community focus. You’ll lead the team on shift, deliver exceptional guest experiences and support the General Manager to drive sales and standards.

With at least two years in a similar role, you’ll bring hands-on leadership, strong communication and a commercial mindset. This fast-paced opportunity offers progression toward General Manager and a supportive development path.

Qualifications

• Two years minimum experience as an Assistant Manager.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Proactive, hands-on leadership with commercial mindset.
• Entrepreneurial flair and drive to develop talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the team during shifts to deliver excellent guest experiences.
• Drive commercial performance and cost control.
• Manage stock, GP, labour costs and P&L to keep operations profitable.
• Oversee bookings and private events to maximise venue turnover.
• Handle recruitment and roster planning for optimal staffing.
• Lead shifts on the floor to maintain high service standards.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Team management

Sales

Job description

Assistant Manager - Award Winning Pub, Bar and Restaurant Group - Quality - London

Welcome to London's biggest independent pub company !
Urban Pubs & Bars was founded in 2014 and has since expanded to an estate of over 67 pubs, bars and restaurants across London.
In 2018, Urban Pubs & Bars was ranked number 28 in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 list, recognising Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing sales. We were then nominated for 2 Publican Awards in 2020, winning the award for ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ on the night. In 2021, Urban was awarded 'Best Food-led Pub Company 2021' at the R200 awards, Urban once again won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ in 2023 and most recently won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ and Best food offering in 2026 and In 2025 & 2026 we were recognised by Sunday Times in the Top 100 Companies to work for.

Urban Pubs, Bars and Restaurants are currently recruiting for a talented and ambitious Assistant Manager with personality & charisma for our expanding group. With an eclectic mix of properties and new openings to suit your personality and style, this really is an exciting time to join a people focused and progressive operations led business.

Assistant Manager – The Wheatsheaf, Tooting Bec

The Wheatsheaf is one of Urban Pubs & Bars’ flagship venues, renowned for its exceptional Sunday roasts, outstanding customer service and vibrant atmosphere. Ideally located in the heart of Tooting Bec, directly opposite the station, we’re a busy, thriving pub at the centre of the local community.

With a consistently in-demand function room, a packed calendar of events and something happening throughout the week, no two days are ever the same. It’s an exciting, fast-paced environment where there’s always an opportunity to make an impact, deliver memorable guest experiences and be part of something special.

We’re passionate about developing our people, with team growth and progression at the heart of everything we do. We believe in nurturing talent, investing in our people and promoting from within wherever possible. As Assistant Manager, you’ll play a key role in inspiring the team, driving high standards and helping shape the continued success of one of our flagship venues, while developing your leadership skills and working towards your next step as a General Manager.

The Role
As Assistant Manager, you’ll work closely with the General Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the venue, ensuring exceptional service, strong team performance and a consistently brilliant guest experience.

You’ll be a hands‑on leader with a strong commercial mindset, helping drive sales, maximise profitability and maintain the highest operational standards. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership, develop your management skills and build the foundations for your future progression to General Manager.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing the team: Recruit, train, motivate and retain great people, creating a positive culture where everyone is supported to grow and reach their full potential.
• Driving commercial performance: Understand the numbers, identify opportunities to grow sales and deliver results through effective cost control and strong commercial decision-making.
• Managing stock and financial performance: Take ownership of stock control, GP, labour costs and P&L performance, ensuring the business operates efficiently and profitably.
• Overseeing bookings and events: Manage reservations and private functions, delivering seamless events and memorable experiences for every guest.
• Recruitment and team scheduling: Build and maintain a strong team, ensuring effective rotas, the right people in the right place and excellent shift coverage.
• Leading outstanding shifts: Plan, lead and execute service with confidence, setting the standard for hospitality, keeping the team energised and ensuring every guest leaves wanting to return.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who leads by example, thrives in a busy environment and is ready to take the next step in their career, with the ambition and support to become a General Manager.

What We’re Looking For

• Wear your heart on your sleeve: Take ownership, be bold and run the business as if it were your own.
• Cool, calm and collected: Manage pressure with ease and stay composed in any situation.
• Proactive, hands-on leadership: Be a visible presence on the floor and lead from the front. We’re looking for operators, not office managers!
• Experience: A minimum of two years’ experience as an Assistant Manager.
• Communication and organisation: Strong communication and organisational skills, with an approachable and supportive manner.
• Exceptional service: Superb customer service and floor management skills.
• Entrepreneurial flair: Bring fresh ideas, spot opportunities and think commercially.
• Passion for people: Love training, mentoring and developing a team, creating a positive culture and, most importantly, having fun!

What's in it for me:

• A competitive salary & bonus scheme
• Training and development
• Career progression and promotion opportunities with regular new openings around the corner
• Get out and about, you automatically get 30% discount across all our pubs, bars and restaurants
• The opportunity to make strategic decisions within your business – take ownership and Be Fearless
• Annual team trips abroad, regular management incentives and socials – a fun, family atmosphere
• 28 days holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Good people know good people - an awesome referral scheme up to £1000 !
• Birthdays are for celebrating, so have the day off on us (Extra day of holiday)
• Cycle to work scheme