Assistant Manager

Cosmo; Southampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Dynamic team environment

Job summary

Cosmo Southampton is seeking an experienced Assistant Manager to oversee daily restaurant operations and support the General Manager in delivering exceptional guest service, ensuring smooth service and consistent brand standards across shifts. You will lead both front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house teams, manage staff training and scheduling, control costs, and ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Join a dynamic, collaborative team and contribute to Cosmo's growing success with your

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Assistant Manager, Supervisor, or in a similar leadership role in hospitality.
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations, including front-of-house and back-of-house.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and support team members.
• Good financial acumen with understanding of managing costs, tracking sales, and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Assist General Manager and Deputy General Manager in daily restaurant operations ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.
• Oversee and support staff to meet service standards and performance expectations.
• Lead staff training, development and performance management to improve skills and culture.
• Manage inventory, ordering, stock levels and waste minimisation to control costs.
• Create staff schedules ensuring adequate coverage and optimized labour costs.
• Ensure food safety and sanitation standards and local regulations are met.
• Handle guest complaints professionally and timely to maintain customer satisfaction.
• Support day-to-day financial operations including sales tracking, cost control, budgeting and forecasting.
• Contribute to promotions, events and marketing strategies to increase traffic and sales.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Customer service

Financial acumen

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling software

Job description

At COSMO Authentic World Kitchen, we don’t just serve food—we’ve redefined the dining experience. As the pioneers of the world buffet concept, we’ve been setting the standard in global dining since 2003. Recognised as the Best Restaurant in 100 Brands by the Savanta Brand Vue Survey, we’ve grown into a household name across the UK and Ireland, with a legacy built on innovation and excellence.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Assistant Manager to join our team and assist in overseeing the daily operations of our restaurant. As an Assistant Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the management team, ensuring that the restaurant operates efficiently, staff is well-trained, and customers receive excellent service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the General Manager and Deputy General Manager in the daily operation of the restaurant, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently.
• Oversee and support the restaurant team, ensuring they adhere to operational procedures, maintain high service standards, and meet performance expectations.
• Assist with staff training, development, and performance management to improve skills and promote a positive working environment.
• Support the management team in inventory management, including ordering supplies and managing stock levels to minimize waste and maximize cost control.
• Assist in creating staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage and optimizing labor costs.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards as well as local health and safety regulations.
• Handle guest complaints and service issues in a professional and timely manner, ensuring customer satisfaction is maintained at all times.
• Assist in managing day-to-day financial operations, including tracking sales, controlling costs, and supporting budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Ensure that the restaurant maintains a clean and safe environment for staff and customers.
• Contribute to the implementation of restaurant promotions, events, and marketing strategies to increase traffic and sales.
• Help in managing operational procedures and ensuring that all daily tasks are completed on time and to the required standard.
• Support management in monitoring restaurant performance and customer satisfaction levels, providing feedback for continuous improvement.
• Assist in recruiting and onboarding new team members, ensuring they receive the necessary training and orientation.
• Lead by example in maintaining a high standard of customer service and hospitality at all times.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as an Assistant Manager, Supervisor, or in a similar leadership role in the restaurant or hospitality industry.
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations, including front-of-house and back-of-house.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and support team members.
• Good financial acumen, with an understanding of managing costs, tracking sales, and adhering to a budget.
• Ability to handle customer complaints and issues in a professional, effective manner.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and local health regulations.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage various tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
• Proficiency with POS systems, scheduling software, and other restaurant management tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Passion for the restaurant industry and commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the restaurant group.
• A dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• The opportunity to contribute to a successful and growing business.

If you're an enthusiastic leader with a passion for the restaurant industry and a desire to develop your career in management, we'd love to hear from you!