- Ensure smooth, consistent service in line with brand standards
- Motivate, support, and lead the Front of House (FOH) team throughout service
- Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for both guests and staff
- Lead by example in professionalism, accountability, and teamwork
- Drive operational efficiency, revenue through upselling, and exceptional guest satisfaction
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES I. Service Leadership
- Oversee day-to-day operations, assuming full responsibility in the absence of the General Manager
- Manage bookings, including phone calls, emails, pre-orders for large tables, and walk-ins; regularly check and action voicemail
- Coordinate and oversee opening and closing procedures to standard
- Lead daily pre-service briefings, communicating menu updates, VIP bookings, service priorities, and team roles
- Set the tone and pace of service, ensuring consistency, warmth, and professionalism
- Address service issues, guest complaints, and escalations with a calm, resolution-focused approach
- Personally engage with guests during service to ensure satisfaction and resolve any concerns promptly
- Ensure smooth handovers and transitions between lunch and dinner service
- Maintain constant, clear communication with Back of House (BOH) during service (e.g. dish availability, ticket pace, delays, VIPs)
- Monitor and adjust music, lighting, and ambience to suit daypart and guest flow
- Uphold allergen management protocols and guest safety standards in compliance with Natasha's Law
- Create and encourage 'magic moments' for guests in line with brand standards, surprising and delighting wherever possible
II. Team Supervision & Development
- Oversee training and development for the FOH team, focusing on steps of service, menu knowledge, and upselling techniques
- Coach, support, and mentor team members to foster a performance-driven and guest-focused culture
- Lead by example with punctuality, appearance, and conduct
- Monitor and address staff performance, timekeeping, and behaviour, providing informal feedback and flagging concerns to the GM
- Support the onboarding and induction of new team members
- Encourage teamwork, accountability, and service consistency across all shifts
III. Operational & Compliance Support
- Ensure full compliance with company policies and local licensing conditions
- Monitor customer service standards and ensure consistency in delivery across all trading periods
- Coordinate and deliver ongoing training on service skills, food and beverage knowledge, and guest experience techniques
- Oversee ordering and stock control processes, including weekly stock takes and supplier invoice management (Marketman)
- Track sales performance and support cost control initiatives to improve profitability
- Uphold attention to detail across the venue, including cleanliness, setup, atmosphere, and outdoor areas
- Collaborate on strategies to improve efficiency, service flow, and guest engagement
- Identify operational inefficiencies and propose practical improvements
IV. Health & Safety / Food Safety Compliance
- Ensure all food safety procedures are followed in line with Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidelines and HACCP principles
- Ensure all team members follow Natasha's Law allergen labelling and verbal disclosure requirements
- Conduct and document daily opening and closing checklists, including food temperature logs, hygiene checks, and cleaning schedules
- Ensure FOH staff adhere to personal hygiene standards and correct use of handwashing facilities
- Monitor COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) practices - ensuring safe storage and usage of cleaning products
- Promptly report and record any incidents or hazards, ensuring the Accident Book is completed and maintained in line with RIDDOR
- Ensure all fire exits are kept clear, and fire safety procedures are understood by the team (including location of extinguishers and assembly point)
- Participate in regular health & safety risk assessments, and work with management to implement and monitor corrective actions
- Ensure staff complete mandatory Health & Safety and Food Hygiene training (Level 2 or higher where appropriate)
- Ensure proper waste management protocols are followed in accordance with local environmental health guidelines
- Be prepared for EHO (Environmental Health Officer) visits, ensuring all documentation, temperature records, allergen signage, and hygiene practices are up to date and in good standing
- Be punctual, professional, and consistently positive - your energy sets the tone
- Remain calm under pressure and approach challenges with a solutions-first mindset
- Be fully knowledgeable about all menus, allergens, and dietary requirements
- Take ownership of your shift - be proactive and lead from the front
- Be hands-on - capable of running a section or floating to support the wider team
- Maintain a clean, safe, team-first working environment
- Continuously look for opportunities to improve systems, uplift morale, and enhance the guest experience