Deputy Restaurant Manager

British Garden Centres; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run garden centre chain is seeking an experienced Deputy Restaurant Manager in Hitchin. The role requires excellent organizational and leadership skills to manage daily operations and staff in a busy restaurant environment. Responsibilities include overseeing customer service, handling staff scheduling, and ensuring food safety compliance. Candidates should possess relevant experience in hospitality, a friendly demeanor, and strong communication skills. The position offers flexible hours, no evening work, and various employee benefits, including meal discounts.

Benefits

50% meal discount at any restaurant

20% discount at any BGC store

Discount rates available for Woodthorpe Leisure Park

Qualifications

• Experience as a Deputy Manager in a busy hospitality venue.
• Thorough understanding of allergens and food safety.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staff and ensure smooth business operations.
• Handle escalated customer queries and grievances.
• Organize team schedules and manage staff issues.

Skills

Organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Leadership qualities

Time management

IT skills (Excel and Word)

Customer service skills

Education

Level 2 basic food hygiene

Job description

Deputy Restaurant Manager

Full Time 30 Hours per Week – Fully Flexible – Including Weekends

We are looking for an experienced Deputy Restaurant Manager who has a passion for creating excellent food as well as good organisational skills. You will have proven capabilities for running a successful restaurant/kitchen and promoting excellent customer service. You must be enthusiastic and wish to pro‑actively develop the business. This is a hands‑on role where teamwork and communication are vital.

The main function of the Deputy Restaurant Manager is to oversee staff, ensure that the business operation runs smoothly and handle escalated customer queries and grievances. In addition, you will perform the duties and responsibilities for the Restaurant Manager in their absence.

Candidate needs to have experience as a Deputy Manager.

What we Offer:

• No evening work, split shifts or unsociable hours, year‑round business.
• Security of working in a well‑established expanding family business & the associated benefits.
• Rate of pay negotiable, dependent upon skills and experience.
• 50% meal discount at any BGC restaurant & 20% discount at any BGC store, additionally discount rates available for Woodthorpe Leisure Park.

Requirements of the Role:

• Previous experience working in a busy hospitality venue.
• Thorough understanding of allergens and food safety.
• Excellent communication skills and able to work as part of a team.
• Strong IT & communication skills.
• Flexible in terms of days and hours worked to meet business demands.
• Solid leadership qualities with an ability to engage with a large team to drive service and standards.
• Knowledge of HACCP.
• Professionalism and reliability.
• Remains calm under pressure.
• Good time management.
• Level 2 basic food hygiene.
• Must be friendly & confident for this customer facing role.

Duties Include:

• Organising team schedules, handling staff issues and sick leave.
• Evaluating employee performance and providing training and guidance as needed.
• Managing various department‑specific initiatives and ensuring that these are completed within the scope, time and budget.
• Filling in for absent employees and assisting teams as needed to successfully complete projects.
• Ensuring that employees follow company policies, as well as health and safety regulations.
• Ensuring a high and consistent standard of customer service.
• Business compliance in accordance with Health and safety and food safety laws and regulations.
• Good IT skills – Excel and Word.
• Social media – Facebook.

To apply:

Please send your CV to Louise Pettican, Regional Restaurant Manager, [e-mail].

Applications close – Tuesday 30th December 2025.

If you’re application is successful, someone from the management team will be in touch with you.