Assistant Restaurant Manager - New Opening - MANA

Ma/Na; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A new fine dining restaurant in Mayfair is seeking an experienced Assistant Restaurant Manager to support the front-of-house team and ensure seamless service. This role requires a background in high-end hospitality, strong leadership skills, and a passion for Japanese culture and cuisine. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the kitchen and bar teams, offer exceptional guest experiences, and contribute to a supportive work environment. Competitive salary and career progression opportunities are available.

Benefits

Competitive salary and service charge

Collaboration with top chefs

Ongoing training and progression

Wellness initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in fine-dining or high-end hospitality environment.
• Confidence in leading teams and managing service flow.
• Ability to work with kitchen and bar teams collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead front-of-house operations for an exceptional guest experience.
• Manage the daily rhythm of service.
• Coordinate between service, kitchen, and bar teams.
• Support staff training and development.
• Ensure high standards of presentation and cleanliness.

Skills

Guest experience understanding

Strong communication skills

Leadership presence

Detail-oriented

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Passion for Japanese culture

Job description

Assistant Restaurant Manager – New Opening – MANA*

Assistant Restaurant Manager – MA / NA*

Location: 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair

About MA / NA *

Opening in early 2026 on Upper Grosvenor Street, MA / NA is born from the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible power – a life‑force shaped by nature and the hands that honour it.

Mana' is the spiritual energy that exists beneath the surface of all things.

It is felt rather than seen – transforming emotion into experience, and a meal into memory.

Guided by this belief, MA / NA offers a seamless blend of restaurant and bar – refined Japanese dishes alongside an exceptional cocktail, wine, and sake list.

Here, cocktails flow effortlessly into dinner, and dinner naturally returns to drinks.

Every element – from design and service to sound and light – is intentional.

Each detail celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.

The Role – Assistant Restaurant Manager *

As Assistant Restaurant Manager at MA / NA, you will support the Restaurant Manager in leading the front‑of‑house team and delivering an experience defined by harmony, precision, and warmth.

You will play a key role in the daily rhythm of service, ensuring that every guest journey – from arrival to farewell – flows effortlessly.

Working closely with the kitchen, bar, and sommelier teams, you'll help cultivate a sense of unity and purpose across all aspects of the restaurant.

You will lead by example on the floor, demonstrating grace, emotional intelligence, and attention to detail – supporting the team to perform with calm confidence and genuine hospitality.

This is a role for a hospitality professional who understands that exceptional service is not only seen, but felt – and who is eager to grow within a flagship opening.

Key Responsibilities *

• Support the Restaurant Manager in leading the front‑of‑house team to deliver seamless, intuitive, and emotionally engaging service
• Take an active role in floor management and daily operations from pre‑service to close
• Assist in coordinating service across restaurant, bar, and reservations to ensure smooth guest flow
• Work closely with the Executive Chef, Head Sommelier, and Bar Manager to maintain cohesion between food, beverage, and service
• Support recruitment, training, and ongoing development of the front‑of‑house team
• Help manage reservations, guest communication, and special requests with care and precision
• Monitor service standards, guest feedback, and operational performance
• Uphold the highest standards of presentation, cleanliness, and professionalism throughout the restaurant
• Step into leadership responsibility in the absence of the Restaurant Manager
• Represent MA / NA with professionalism at events, tastings, and industry engagements when required

What We’re Looking For *

• Experience as an Assistant Restaurant Manager, Senior Supervisor, or similar role in a fine‑dining or high‑end hospitality environment
• Strong understanding of guest experience, service standards, and floor operations
• Confident leadership presence with excellent communication skills
• Passion for Japanese culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and composed under pressure
• Warm, intuitive interpersonal skills and a natural sense of hospitality
• A collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn and grow
• Excitement to be part of one of London’s most anticipated new openings

What We Offer *

• Competitive salary and service charge package
• Opportunity to be part of a flagship opening within the Thesleff Group
• Close collaboration with world‑class chefs, sommeliers, and bar professionals
• Ongoing training, mentorship, and clear career progression
• Staff meals, wellness initiatives, and a supportive, creative working environment

Join the MA / NA Opening Team *

If you are guided by balance, intention, and genuine hospitality – and want to grow within a team where emotion meets precision – we’d love to hear from you.