Garden Centre Assistant Restaurant Manager

Hillier Nurseries Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading garden centre in England is seeking an Assistant Restaurant Manager to oversee their busy restaurant operations. You will support daily kitchen and service activities, ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols. This full-time, permanent position offers a salary of up to £30,000 annually, along with benefits such as full training, life assurance, and employee discounts. The role requires experience in hospitality management, strong communication skills, and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Benefits

Life assurance at 4 x annual salary

Enhanced group pension plan

Employee discount of 20%

31 days annual leave

Free onsite parking

Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory or management role within hospitality.
• Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification required.
• Knowledge of HACCP and allergen management.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations across kitchen and service areas.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and hygiene.
• Ensure compliance with food safety protocols.
• Assist with stock control and minimising wastage.

Skills

Experience in a supervisory or management role within hospitality

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong kitchen experience

Ability to uphold health & safety and compliance standards

Education

Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about hospitality and ready to take the next step in your career? Hillier is looking for an Assistant Restaurant Manager to help lead our busy restaurant at our Hillier Garden Centre in Aldermaston, ensuring exceptional food, service, and team performance every day. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager, you’ll play a key role in both front and back of house operations, supporting the smooth running of the restaurant and enhancing the customer experience. When the Restaurant Manager is away, you’ll step up to take full responsibility, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and seamless delivery. Flexibility is key – you may also be asked to support other Hillier restaurant locations, showcasing your collaborative approach. This is a full-time, permanent position working 37.5 hours per week averaged over a two-week rota, with some weekend working, offering a salary of up to £30,000 per annum depending on experience.

Responsibilities

• Supporting daily operations across kitchen and service areas
• Maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene
• Ensuring compliance with Hillier brand standards, food safety, and health & safety protocols
• Assisting with stock control, ordering, and minimising wastage
• Coordinating staff rotas and leading by example on the restaurant floor
• Supporting till operations, cash handling, and banking procedures
• Contributing to staff training, inductions, and performance reviews
• Acting as duty manager, including opening and closing the site securely
• Identifying opportunities for operational improvement and cost efficiency
• Creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for customers and staff

Requirements

• Experience in a supervisory or management role within hospitality
• Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification
• Knowledge of HACCP and allergen management
• Strong kitchen experience and ability to step in operationally when needed
• Proven ability to uphold health & safety and compliance standards

Personal qualities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Calm, confident, and solutions-focused under pressure
• Highly organised with strong time management skills
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and committed to team success
• Professional, flexible, and forward-thinking approach
• Passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to foster a positive team culture

The Offer

• Salary of up to £30,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Full-time, permanent role – 37.5 hours per week averaged over a two-week rota, with some weekend working
• Life assurance at 4 x annual salary
• Option to join enhanced group pension plan
• Sociable hours
• Full training and access to our Online Learning Hub
• Employee discount of 20%
• 50% discount on restaurant menu whilst on shift
• 31 days annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family, including free counselling on health, financial, legal, and personal / family matters
• Company Christmas gifts (eligibility based on start date)
• Free solo entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, plus deals at other gardens nationally

You will be joining a renowned and established family business of over 150 years, working in a fun and friendly environment with an amazing bunch of people. We also place great value on all our team members and how they contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our Company.

Please note that we will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right to work status.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion / belief, sexual orientation, or age.