Buffets Assistant Manager

Butlin's; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Butlin's is seeking an Assistant Manager for the resort food court to support daily operations across multiple outlets. You will lead shift teams, ensure service standards, and drive guest satisfaction while managing costs and safety protocols.

The role requires experience in high-volume food service, strong leadership, and a proactive, guest-focused approach in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume food service environment.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Flexible to work shifts including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operation of the food court and all outlets within it.
• Ensure service areas are fully prepared and staffed for trading periods.
• Monitor service flow and resolve operational issues.
• Maintain cleanliness, presentation and food safety standards.
• Assist with peak service periods and high guest volumes.
• Coach team members to deliver excellent service and efficiency.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training.

Skills

High-volume service

Leadership experience

Organisational skills

Food safety standards

Fast-paced environment

Problem-solving

Evenings & weekends

Education

Food safety qualification (Level 2/3)

Job description

Description

To support the day-to-day management of a high-volume resort food court in the dining section, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality service across multiple outlets. The Buffets Assistant Manager helps lead teams, maintain standards, control costs and deliver a positive guest dining experience in line with brand and operational expectations

KPIs

• Guest satisfaction scores
• Service speed and efficiency
• Food safety audit results
• Labour cost vs budget
• Team retention and engagement
• Stock and waste control
• Cleanliness and presentation standards

General Duties & Key Accountabilities

Operational Management

• Support daily operation of the food court and all outlets within it.
• Ensure service areas are fully prepared and staffed for trading periods.
• Monitor service flow and step in to resolve operational issues.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation and food safety.
• Support peak service periods and high guest volumes.
• Assist with queue management and guest flow to enhance experience.
• Coordinate with kitchen and outlet teams to ensure smooth service.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and support supervisors and team members on shift.
• Lead shift briefings and ensure clear communication.
• Support rota planning aligned to demand and budget.
• Coach team members to deliver excellent service and efficiency.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training.
• Address day-to-day people issues and escalated where appropriate.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and safety-first culture.

Guest Experience

• Ensure a welcoming and efficient service for all guests.
• Handle guest queries and complaints professionally.
• Support improvements based on guest feedback.
• Maintain accessible and family-friendly service standards.
• Be visible and proactive on the floor during service.

Financial & Stock Control

• Support labour cost control and efficient staffing.
• Assist with stock ordering, control and rotation.
• Monitor waste and support cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure accurate cash handling and compliance.
• Support delivery of promotions and upselling opportunities.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Support allergen and dietary requirement processes.
• Ensure safe systems of work are followed.
• Support audits and inspections.
• Maintain accurate records and checks.
• Ensure all team members hold required training and certifications.

Collaboration

• Work closely with other F&B venues, kitchens and operations teams.
• Support resort-wide events and peak periods.
• Liaise with cleaning, maintenance and supply teams.
• Deputise for the Food Court Manager when required.

Essential

Key Knowledge/Experience & Qualification Requirements

• Experience in a high-volume food service environment
• Supervisory or team leadership experience
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Good problem-solving skills
• Flexible to work shifts including evenings and weekends

Desirable

• Experience in holiday parks or resorts
• Food safety qualification (Level 2/3)
• Personal licence (where applicable)
• Experience managing rotas and staffing levels
• Cash handling and stock control experience

About Butlin's

Did you know Billy Butlin was the first person to introduce dodgems to the UK? That's right, 'fun' is in our DNA, and we've been delighting guests for almost 90 years. Ask any of our team, past and present, and one of the best things they'll say about working at Butlin's is our culture.

As The Home of Entertainment, we pull out all the stops to provide our guests with an 'Altogether More Entertaining and Fun Break', from all-action family holidays to adult-only Big Weekenders, brought to life through our three mighty values. So, if you're looking for a role where you can Create Smiles, where you aren't afraid to Get Stuck In and where the team genuinely Care For Each Other, we think you'll fit right in!