Restaurant Operations Lead (Deputy Manager)

British Garden Centres; Morpeth; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

British Garden Centres is seeking an experienced Deputy Restaurant Manager to lead a busy restaurant team and ensure exceptional customer service. This hands-on role requires strong organisational skills and proven restaurant or kitchen leadership to support business growth.

You will supervise staff, coordinate rotas, uphold food safety and H&S standards, handle escalated queries, and step in for the Restaurant Manager when required.

Qualifications

• Hospitality experience in a busy, fast-paced venue.
• Food safety knowledge including allergens, HACCP, and Level 2 Food Hygiene.
• Strong communicator who works well as part of a team.
• IT-confident with solid digital and administrative skills.
• Flexible and reliable with the ability to support business needs.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage competing demands.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Friendly and confident with a natural ability to engage customers.
• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to motivate a large team and uphold high standards.

Responsibilities

• Organising rotas, managing absences, and supporting smooth day‑to‑day operations.
• Addressing people issues, monitoring performance, and providing coaching or training.
• Leading and delivering projects within agreed scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Stepping in for absent colleagues and assisting teams to maintain service levels.
• Ensuring all team members follow company policies, food safety rules, and H&S regulations.
• Maintaining a high and consistent level of customer service across the restaurant.
• Upholding legal requirements relating to food safety, allergens, and workplace safety.
• Using Excel, Word, and internal systems confidently.
• Assisting with social media updates where required.

Job description

British Garden Centres is seeking an experienced Deputy Restaurant Manager to lead a busy restaurant team and ensure exceptional customer service. This hands-on role requires strong organisational skills and proven restaurant or kitchen leadership to support business growth.

You will supervise staff, coordinate rotas, uphold food safety and H&S standards, handle escalated queries, and step in for the Restaurant Manager when required.