Garden Centre Restaurant Manager

Hillier Nurseries Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Full training

Employee discounts

31 days annual leave

Free on-site parking

EAP & counselling

Job summary

Hillier Garden Centre at Syon Park is seeking an experienced Restaurant Manager to lead the on-site restaurant and coffee shop, delivering exceptional customer service and high-quality food. You will manage a skilled team, control stock and costs, and work closely with the Garden Centre Manager to drive overall dining performance.

Role is full-time, 37.5 hours per week on a rota, with a welcoming, family-run environment and generous benefits package designed to reward dedication and initiative.

Qualifications

• Experience managing hospitality operations and staff.
• Strong understanding of allergens and food safety.
• Excellent communication with team and external contacts.
• Ability to lead a busy front-of-house and back-of-house team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the restaurant and coffee shop.
• Lead a dedicated team and manage stock and costs.
• Ensure high standards of customer service and food quality.
• Collaborate with Garden Centre Manager to maximise success.

Skills

Hospitality management

Front & back of house

Food knowledge

Allergens awareness

Health and safety

Team leadership

Communication

Time management

Organisational skills

Job description

Our Hillier Garden Centre at Syon Park is a well-established and popular destination for gardening enthusiasts, offering a wide range of plants, gifts, and outdoor living products. Our on-site restaurant and coffee shop is a key part of the experience, providing our customers with delicious, freshly prepared meals, light snacks, cakes, and beverages.

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Restaurant Manager to oversee the daily operations of our restaurant and coffee shop. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of customer service, food quality, and operational efficiency. You will lead a dedicated team, manage stock and supplies, control costs, and work closely with the Garden Centre Manager to maximize the restaurant’s success.

This is a full‑time, permanent position, working 37.5 hours per week. Hours are scheduled on a rota basis and averaged over a two‑week pattern.

We offer:

• Salary of £32,000 to £34,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• Sociable hours (daytime only)
• Enhanced pension Scheme
• Life assurance
• Full training
• Online Learning Hub
• Employee discount of 20%
• Discount of 50% on restaurant menu whilst on shift
• 31 days annual leave (pro-rata if part time)
• Free on-site parking
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for both you and your immediate family, including free counselling on health, financial, legal and personal/family matters.
• Company Christmas gifts (eligibility based on start date with Company)
• Free access to exclusive retail discounts, deals and coupons, plus extra cashback on your Amazon and food shop
• Free solo entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey and deals at other gardens nationally

We are looking for a candidate with the following skills and experience:

• Worked in hospitality at management level for both front and back of house.
• A good level of kitchen experience and food knowledge with the ability to ‘step in and support’ if and when required.
• Thorough understanding of allergens.
• Knowledgeable in maintaining and monitoring Health and Safety in department.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to deal with employees at all levels, as well as external contacts.
• Able to be responsive to challenges and demonstrate a ‘can do’ approach.
• Remains calm under pressure.
• Effective time management.
• Eager to support and contribute to the wider team.
• Work with energy, pace and passion.
• Good organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and forward-thinking ethos.
• Demonstrate a professional, enthusiastic and flexible approach.
• Able to promote excellent team work to achieve exceptional customer experience.

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.