Assistant Manager

The Punchbowl; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Punchbowl is seeking an Assistant Manager to oversee pub and restaurant operations, ensuring outstanding service and strong team performance. The role involves working closely with the General Manager, leading Front of House, managing shifts and coordinating bookings to deliver seamless guest experiences.

You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of service, supporting recruitment and training, and ensuring efficient daily operations, cash handling, and compliance with health

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, preferably pubs/restaurants.
• Confident in leading and developing a team.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Good decision-making and guest-focused communication.
• Awareness of labour costs and commercial priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Front of House team and manage shifts.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training.
• Handle cash, banking and daily handovers.
• Oversee bookings, events and room bookings.
• Maintain health, safety and cleanliness standards.
• Assist General Manager to hit sales targets.

Skills

Hospitality experience

Team leadership

Customer service

Organisation

Communication skills

Job description

Assistant Manager – Pub & RestaurantRole Overview

The Assistant Manager supports the General Manager with the day-to-day running of the business, ensuring excellent guest service, strong team performance and high operational standards.

The role requires a hands-on approach, leading by example and taking responsibility for the business when the General Manager is not on site.

Key ResponsibilitiesTeam Management

• Lead, motivate and support Front of House team members.
• Manage shifts and ensure the team is organised effectively.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of new employees.
• Monitor attendance, punctuality, breaks and working hours.
• Assist with rotas and labour control.
• Address performance or conduct concerns appropriately.
• Ensure company policies and procedures are followed.

Guest Experience

• Ensure consistently high standards of customer service.
• Welcome guests and maintain a professional presence during service.
• Handle guest complaints professionally and resolve issues promptly.
• Support the team during busy services.
• Monitor service standards and restaurant presentation.

Daily Operations

• Manage opening and closing procedures.
• Complete daily cash-up and banking procedures.
• Monitor tills and ensure correct cash-handling procedures.
• Complete daily handovers and communicate important information.
• Check and respond to emails and operational communications.
• Ensure maintenance issues are reported and followed through.
• Maintain high standards throughout the restaurant, bar and outside areas.

Bookings, Events & Rooms

• Manage restaurant and accommodation bookings.
• Support private dining, functions and event enquiries.
• Assist with Christmas and other seasonal bookings.
• Communicate with guests regarding reservations and special requirements.
• Ensure bedrooms and guest areas are ready and presented to the required standard.
• Coordinate with housekeeping regarding arrivals, departures and room requirements.
• Support stock management and stocktakes.
• Monitor wastage and ensure it is recorded correctly.
• Assist with ordering and deliveries.
• Monitor labour costs and productivity.
• Support the General Manager in achieving sales and financial targets.

Health & Safety

• Ensure Health & Safety, Food Safety and Fire Safety procedures are followed.
• Complete required daily and weekly compliance checks.
• Report accidents, incidents and maintenance concerns.
• Ensure the team works safely and maintains a clean working environment.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate should be:

• Experienced in hospitality, ideally within a pub, restaurant or hotel environment.
• Confident leading and developing a team.
• Organised and able to prioritise effectively.
• Comfortable taking responsibility and making decisions.
• Guest-focused with strong communication skills.
• Commercially aware and able to understand labour and operational costs.
• Flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends.
• Proactive and able to identify and resolve problems.
• Reliable, professional and accountable.

The Assistant Manager should take ownership of the business while on duty. This means identifying issues, taking appropriate action and following tasks through to completion rather than simply passing them on.

The role is designed to work closely with and support the General Manager while helping maintain consistently high standards across all areas of the business.

Assistant Manager • Solihul, United Kingdom