Garden Centre Assistant Restaurant Manager

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

Job summary

A leading garden center business in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Restaurant Manager to support daily operations at the restaurant. The ideal candidate will oversee kitchen and service areas, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and assist with staff training. This full-time role offers a salary up to £30,000 per annum and various employee benefits, including discounts and annual leave. Join a friendly team in a vibrant environment focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Benefits

Life assurance at 4x annual salary

Enhanced group pension plan

Employee discounts

31 days annual leave

Free on-site parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Free entry to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a supervisory role within hospitality.
• Strong kitchen experience is preferred.
• Ability to uphold health, safety, and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Support daily restaurant operations in kitchen and service areas.
• Assist with stock control and ordering.
• Coordinate staff rotas and lead by example.
• Support till operations and cash handling.
• Act as duty manager during shifts.

Skills

Hospitality management experience

Food Safety & Hygiene knowledge

Strong communication skills

Time management skills

Team collaboration

Education

Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification

Job description

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 Weyhill, 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.

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

Qualifications

• 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

Salary & Benefits

• Full-time, permanent position – 37.5 hours per week averaged over a two-week rota, with some weekend working
• Salary up to £30,000 per annum depending on experience
• Life assurance at 4x 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 while on shift
• 31 days annual leave
• Free on‑site 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.

We will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right to work status.