Assistant Manager

Ideal Collection; Southampton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair pay & tips sharing

Local meals & discounts

Well-being support (EAP)

Job summary

Ideal Collection is seeking an Assistant Manager (training toward Deputy General Manager) who leads with heart and purpose in our community venues.

You will embody our values, deliver WOW daily, and develop teams through courageous leadership, honest communication and a resourceful mindset.

We offer fair pay, real food and local perks, well-being support, growing career pathways, free parking and lively team events.

Responsibilities

• You don’t just serve; you deliver WOW. You lead with courage and communicate clearly to your team.
• You’ll manage shifts with heart, ensuring high standards of hospitality and teamwork.
• You’ll develop people, mentor teammates, and drive local community engagement.

Job description

Help us become the heart of our community

To reach our ambitions and truly earn our place in the hearts of our neighbours, we’re looking for anAssistant Manager(training towardDeputy General Manager) who leads with heart and purpose.

At our core, we are a values-driven business. We don't just "run shifts"; we live by values that puts people first and focuses on delivering wow on a daily basis.

What success looks like here:

• Helpful & Impactful: You don’t just serve; you deliver "WOW." Your goal is to be the best part of someone’s day, whether they are a guest or a team member.
• Courageous Leadership: You have the integrity to simply do the right thing—even when it’s hard. You lead from the front, earning the high level of trust that defines our teams.
• Honest Communication: You support your team to succeed by speaking to them on a human level—the way you’d want to be spoken to. You ensure service is highly organised so everyone feels confident and clear on direction.
• Resourceful Mindset: You maximise what we have to drive financial success, but you know our cause is more than money. You’ll lead actions that help improve our planet and our local environment.
• Self-Aware & Mindful: You understand that your well-being is our well-being. You take responsibility for yourself and encourage the team to do the same, ensuring we all stay healthy and balanced.
• Wholeheartedly Positive: You make the workplace a fulfilling, happy part of the day. You work mindfully, knowing your team on a personal level and celebrating their unique strengths.

Why you’ll love it here:

We are a human-led business, completely devoid of corporate fluff. We want to do the right thing by you.

• Fair Pay & Transparent Tips:Competitive salary plus an equal share of all tips, distributed through TIPJAR weekly.
• Real Food & Local Perks:No "soggy sandwiches"—we provide fresh meals using the same local produce we serve our guests. Plus, friends and family discounts across our 5 venues.
• Your Well-being First:Access to theHospitality Rewards App, providing a private GP, Mental Health support (EAP), and shopping discounts.
• Growth & Adventure:28 days holiday (increasing with service), amazing supplier trips, and clear career pathways for your development.
• A Place to Belong:Free parking, epic staff parties, and a team of "really quite lovely" people who genuinely care.

Ready to lead with us?

If you are a courageous, postive leader with a background in hospitality and a passion for community, we would love to hear from you.