Restaurant Team Leader

Dobbies Garden Centres; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading garden centre retailer is seeking a Restaurant Team Leader in Bury St Edmunds to deliver exceptional customer experiences. This role involves coaching staff, ensuring compliance with operational procedures, and maintaining restaurant cleanliness. Ideal candidates will have customer-facing supervisory experience and a passion for hospitality. Benefits include generous leave, discounts, and development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

50% off in Restaurants

Access to financial wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in a customer-facing role with supervisory experience.
• Relevant food safety qualifications are advantageous but not essential.
• Ability to thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Supporting and coaching staff while deputising for management.
• Providing excellent customer service across the restaurant.
• Maintaining cleanliness and upkeep of the restaurant.

Skills

Customer service

Supervisory experience

Food hygiene knowledge

Teamwork

Proactive attitude

Job description

Our Restaurant Team Leaders play an essential role in delivering an exceptional customer experience across our Restaurants — delivering tasty food, ensuring food hygiene, and mentoring our Restaurant Customer Advisors whilst supporting the management team.

Responsibilities

• Supporting and coaching other members of staff and deputising for management in their absence
• Providing excellent customer service by assisting customers with various transactions across the restaurant
• Working alongside the team to ensure staff efficiency, covering all stations effectively, and maintaining a high level of service
• Driving sales through customer interactions and promoting the benefits of the Dobbies Club membership
• Ensuring compliance with and adherence to the Restaurant Operational procedures, monitoring standards, and ensuring team compliance with company guidelines
• Assisting customers with queries using high-quality product knowledge, including allergies and dietary requirements
• Maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of the restaurant in collaboration with your team
• Some keyholder responsibilities may be required

Who We Are Looking For

• A passion for food and hospitality and delivering a great customer experience, serving everyone with a smile
• Experience in a customer-facing role with supervisory experience and a passion for hospitality
• Relevant food safety qualifications are advantageous but not essential
• Ability to work well within a team, build relationships, and enjoy a positive work environment
• Punctual, well-presented, with a proactive and hardworking attitude
• Eagerness to learn new skills and gain new experiences
• Ability to thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment
• Ability to demonstrate our values: being one team, continuous improvement, bringing a smile, living and breathing gardens, and making it work for our customers

What We Offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement, with holidays flexible around statutory days off
• Uncapped store discounts: 50% off in our Restaurants, 25% off in the Garden Centre, and 10% off in our food halls
• Access to Wagestream for financial wellbeing support, including early earnings access, savings, and financial advice
• Support through Retail Trust: confidential support, virtual GP, free counselling, and retail rewards
• Development opportunities via Dobbies Academy with eLearning and training programs
• A passionate, diverse, and committed team culture focused on customer satisfaction

About Us

Founded in 1865 by James Dobbie, Dobbies is the only garden centre retailer with stores in every UK nation. Our passion for gardens and plants is reflected in our products, services, and community events. Many stores feature a restaurant or coffee shop for relaxed dining. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment and supporting our colleagues to be their best every day.