At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch and success of our vibrant pub and dining room.
- Company: The Muddy Duck, a charming independent pub in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, pension, life assurance, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and create memorable guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in premium hospitality and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
At The Muddy Duck, we are a proudly independent pub and restaurant nestled in the heart of Hethe, just north of Bicester. Our home sits beside the village church, surrounded by Oxfordshire countryside, and we have always believed a great local should feel both familiar and a little magical. Under one roof, you will find a proper pub where you can settle in with a pint and a meal, and a relaxed restaurant serving honest, great-tasting food. We have held onto the charm and character of a true village pub while creating spaces that feel special, welcoming, and full of personality. Our team is local, passionate, and dedicated to making every visit feel like coming home, whether you are here for a quiet drink, a long lunch/dinner, or a celebration!
About the Role: We are looking for a polished, commercially minded Assistant General Manager to help lead the launch and ongoing success of our newly reopened pub and dining room. With a refined food and drink offering, this role calls for someone who understands elevated, detail-driven hospitality while embracing the energy and accessibility of a vibrant, high-performing venue. Working closely with the General Manager, you will be a driving force on the floor, shaping the guest experience, leading service with confidence and warmth, and building a culture defined by precision, consistency, and genuine hospitality. You will play a key role in developing the front-of-house team, upholding operational standards, and contributing to the commercial performance of the business. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in premium environments, loves being guest-facing, and is ready to help establish a standout destination from day one.
Location: Bicester surroundings
Key Responsibilities:
- Guest Experience & Service Excellence: Champion a seamless, high-touch guest journey from arrival to departure; Lead service from the floor with presence, attention to detail, and pace; Drive a culture of intuitive, personalised hospitality; Ensure consistency in standards across all service periods.
- Leadership & Team Development: Support recruitment, training, and development of front of house teams; Inspire a motivated, engaged, and professional service culture; Act as a role model for service, presentation, and communication; Build strong collaboration between front and back of house.
- Operations & Standards: Oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth, efficient service delivery; Maintain exceptional standards in service, cleanliness, and presentation; Implement and uphold SOPs aligned with a premium dining environment; Support stock control, ordering, and inventory management.
- Commercial Performance: Drive revenue through service excellence, upselling, and team engagement; Support management of labour, cost control, and productivity; Contribute to achieving and exceeding financial targets; Work closely with the GM on strategy, reporting, and performance analysis.
What We Are Looking For: We are looking for a confident, guest-focused leader who brings both polish and commercial sharpness to a premium, high-energy environment. The ideal candidate will offer:
- Proven experience as a Deputy General Manager, Assistant GM, or senior restaurant manager within a premium, high-volume setting.
- A background in refined, design-led concepts, whether premium casual or upscale dining.
- A strong floor presence with a hands-on, people-first leadership style.
- Deep knowledge of food, wine, and beverage, with an appreciation for quality and detail.
- Commercial awareness, including experience managing KPIs, driving revenue, and supporting cost control.
- Exceptional attention to detail, presentation, and guest interaction.
- A natural host with charisma, confidence, and an instinct for warm, intuitive hospitality.
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-driven environment, maintaining calm and consistency.
- A leader who balances elevated hospitality with commercial delivery, ensuring both guest satisfaction and business performance.
- A passion for developing teams, building culture, and creating standout guest experiences.
Why Join Absolute Taste? Working with us means joining a fast-growing, innovative company that is redefining culinary and event experiences. You will be part of a supportive, resilient team that values creativity, development, and having fun at work. We offer:
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
- 3% pension
- Life assurance
- Thorough training and ongoing development
- A positive, empowering culture where your growth matters
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
Assistant General Manager employer: Absolute Taste
At The Muddy Duck, we pride ourselves on being an independent pub and restaurant that embodies the charm of a village local while offering a vibrant dining experience. Our supportive and passionate team fosters a culture of creativity and development, ensuring that every employee feels valued and empowered to grow. With competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday, a pension scheme, and a commitment to ongoing training, we provide an exceptional environment for those looking to thrive in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop into The Muddy Duck for a drink or a meal. Familiarising yourself with the atmosphere and service style will help you connect with the team and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you meet the team, let your charisma shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can lead with warmth and confidence, so don’t be afraid to showcase your unique style of hospitality.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven guest satisfaction and revenue in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your commercial awareness and leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team at The Muddy Duck.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Personality:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to inject a bit of warmth and charm into your words. Remember, we’re all about creating a welcoming atmosphere at The Muddy Duck.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Assistant General Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in premium environments and how it aligns with our values. We love seeing candidates who understand what makes us special!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in our industry, so ensure your application is polished and free from errors. This reflects your commitment to excellence, which is exactly what we’re looking for in a leader at The Muddy Duck.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Absolute Taste
✨Know the Venue Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to visit The Muddy Duck. Familiarise yourself with the atmosphere, menu, and overall vibe. This will not only help you understand the brand better but also give you a chance to discuss specific elements during your interview, showing your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Assistant General Manager, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you inspire others to deliver exceptional service, as this aligns perfectly with their focus on guest experience.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Brush up on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the hospitality industry. Be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue and managed costs in previous roles. This will show that you understand the business side of things and can contribute to The Muddy Duck's commercial success.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Hospitality
The Muddy Duck values warm, intuitive hospitality. During your interview, convey your passion for creating memorable guest experiences. Share stories that illustrate your commitment to service excellence and how you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcomed and valued.
