Assistant Manager

McMullen & Sons Ltd; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run pub company seeks an Assistant Manager for The Nags Head in Covent Garden, offering career progression towards a General Manager role. Responsibilities include leading a team, managing service standards, and supporting pub operations. A competitive salary of up to £33,617 plus bonuses, discounts, and career development through the GROW Programme make this an attractive opportunity in a vibrant London environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Achievable bonus scheme

Shift flexibility

60% discount on meals

25% discount for friends on day off

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Gratuities share

Career development programs

Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Manager in food- and drink-led pubs is essential.
• Strong background in hospitality and guest experience delivery.
• Organised, calm, and resilient in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Drive guest satisfaction in a busy pub setting.
• Lead and support the pub team in service excellence.
• Assist in managing cash and stock control.
• Support the General Manager with operational duties.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Team Motivation

Hospitality

Stock Control

Job description

If your ambition is to build a long-term career in a successful, family-run business — and to progress towards running your own pub — this could be the perfect next step.

The Nags Head is a lively, well-established pub in the heart of Covent Garden, known for its welcoming atmosphere, quality beer and food, and constant buzz from locals, theatre-goers and visitors alike. As an independent business, we put guests first, never compromise on quality, and genuinely invest in our people. We believe in developing home-grown talent and treating everyone as part of the family — with the support, training and encouragement to help you grow in confidence and capability.

This Assistant Manager role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-profile pub and is motivated to progress towards a General Manager position in the future.

The Role

As Assistant Manager at The Nags Head, you’ll play a key role in the day-to-day running of the pub, leading from the front and helping to drive standards, service and team performance. If you’re passionate about beer and food, love looking after people, and enjoy the energy of a busy central London pub, you’ll feel right at home.

Up to £33, 617 plus tronc and bonus based on performance targets

What we offer

• A competitive salary
• An achievable bonus scheme
• Shift flexibility
• 60% discounted meals when you are working
• 25% discount on food and 20% off drinks for you and your friends on your day off
• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• A share of gratuities
• Fantastic career development through McMullen’s GROW Programme – with over half of McMullen General Managers promoted internally
• A valued role in a progressive company that treats people as a name, not a number

Key Responsibilities

• Exceeding guest expectations every day in a busy Covent Garden setting
• Leading, motivating and supporting the team to deliver outstanding service
• Coaching and guiding new team members to build a confident, capable pub team
• Managing all aspects of cash handling and stock control
• Supporting the General Manager with management duties including bookings and functions, rota planning, cellar management, and deputising in their absence

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for an ambitious, people-focused Assistant Manager who is ready to take the next step in their management career and is excited by the opportunity to progress to a General Manager role.

You’ll be:

• An experienced Assistant Manager with a strong background in busy, food- and drink-led pubs
• Passionate about great hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiences
• A confident, hands-on leader who enjoys developing and motivating a team
• Calm, organised and resilient in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Commercially aware, with a solid understanding of stock control, labour and margins
• Proactive and reliable, happy to take responsibility and step up in the General Manager’s absence
• Keen to learn, develop and make the most of structured training through the McMullen GROW Programme

Previous experience at Assistant Manager level is essential. Further training and development will be provided, making this a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career and move towards becoming a General Manager.

Up to £33, 617 plus tronc and bonus based on performance targets, OTE £36K, live in deduction £4,268