Assistant Manager

Wildwood Restaurants; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildwood Restaurants in York is seeking an Assistant Manager to lead high-energy services with genuine hospitality. You will manage the front-of-house team, drive footfall and sales, and handle all people-related aspects from recruitment to wellbeing.

You’ll support stock management and supplier relations while maintaining strict labour and safety standards. The role requires a charismatic, hands-on leader who can balance restaurant and bar operations with attention to detail and a passion for

Qualifications

• Personality-packed with warm, engaging charisma.
• Natural leader who can motivate and inspire a team.
• Hands-on host who works the floor and the pavement.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for perfection.

Responsibilities

• Run slick, high-energy services with genuine hospitality.
• Lead and support the front-of-house team.
• Drive footfall and sales with creative outreach (tasters, engagement, flair).
• Handle people-related tasks: recruitment, training, wellbeing, performance management.
• Manage stock levels, place accurate orders, liaise with suppliers.
• Keep tight control on labour, rotas and productivity.
• Ensure health & safety, compliance, and cash handling are top standards.
• Ensure every guest leaves feeling wowed.
• Represent Wildwood with style, confidence and passion.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Customer service

Attention to detail

Restaurant & bar ops

Job description

Located in the heart of York's historic city centre, this beautiful restaurant is set within one of the iconic buildings on the Shambles, offering a truly unique setting for both guests and the team. With a loyal mix of locals and visitors, it's a well-loved site where quality hospitality and memorable experiences are at the heart of everything they do.

You'll be joining a strong and supportive management team led by Philippa, the General Manager, who has created a positive culture where people are encouraged to develop, work collaboratively, and take pride in delivering exceptional guest experiences. If you're looking for the opportunity to be part of a close-knit team in one of York's most distinctive locations, this could be the perfect role for you.

Here is why you'll love working with us

• Earn up to £38,000 per year (based on a 42-hour, hourly paid contract including tips (and they really add up!
• Because you're paid hourly, every extra hour you work is paid
• Enjoy a healthy work-life balance... no super early starts, no late nights, and closed on Christmas Day
• Work alongside a supportive, experienced, and hands-on General Manager

Who Are We

Wildwood (part of the Bow Street Group) has been doing Italian inspired food, great cocktails, and characterful venues since 2006. Every site has its own look and feel, but one thing stays the same: Casual excellence. Full table service, delivered with flair, confidence, and personality. No scripts. No robotic service. Just great hospitality.

With 30 restaurants and big expansion plans for 2026, there's serious room to grow with us!

We're looking for a personality-packed Assistant Manager

You're confident, energetic, and impossible to ignore in the best way. Whether welcoming guests, leading a buzzing service, or handing out tasters to passersby, you'll embody the Wildwood magic. You'll set the tone with your passion for perfection, ensuring every shift runs flawlessly both front and back of house.

We want someone who demands the best from themselves and their team when it comes to service, cleanliness, presentation, and overall atmosphere. You're not just good; you're meticulous.

What We Need From You

• A people magnet: warm, engaging, and full of charisma
• A natural leader who can motivate and inspire a team
• A hands-on host who works the floor and the pavement!
• Someone with an eagle eye for detail and a passion for perfection
• A pro that can juggle restaurant and bar operations with ease

Your Day-to-day

• Running slick, high-energy services with genuine hospitality
• Leading and supporting the front-of-house team
• Driving footfall and sales with creative outreach (tasters, engagement, flair!)
• Handling all things people-related - from recruitment and training to team wellbeing and performance management
• Managing stock levels, placing accurate orders, and working with suppliers
• Keeping tight control on labour, rotas, and productivity
• Ensuring all operational tasks (including health & safety, compliance and cash handling) are delivered to the highest standard
• Ensuring every guest leaves feeling wowed
• Representing Wildwood with style, confidence, and passion