At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team, ensuring top-notch service and operational excellence in a contemporary Mexican restaurant.
- Company: Join MJMK Restaurants, known for award-winning dining experiences and innovative culinary concepts.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off meals, free team meals, and up to £500 referral bonuses.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive team culture focused on well-being.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment where your leadership can shine and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior management within quality restaurants and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About FONDA
Fonda is an exciting, contemporary Mexican restaurant, years in the making from chef Santiago Lastra and MJMK Restaurants. Opened in 2024 in Mayfair's Heddon Street, Fonda has showcased regional Mexican cooking through Santiago's unique lens, presented in an elegant, vibrant style, complemented by contemporary design.
In Mexico, a Fonda is a family-owned eatery, serving traditional dishes in an informal setting, each inspired by personal recipes from the generations that came before. Santiago Lastra's Fonda builds on this concept to showcase recipes from across the country. Though seemingly simple, Fonda's dishes draw on the quality and provenance of ingredients, combined with innovative techniques to elicit the flavours of Mexico in a modern way. The warmth and genuine hospitality is at the forefront of how we look after our team and guests, replicating Mexico's traditional family-run Fondas.
We are looking for a confident and experienced Assistant General Manager to support the overall leadership and performance of Fonda. Working closely with the General Manager, you will help drive service standards, team development, and operational efficiency across the restaurant in a fast-paced, quality-led environment.
Assistant General Manager's requirements:
- Proven experience in a senior management role within a quality restaurant environment
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and retain high-performing teams
- Excellent communication skills, with confidence engaging across all levels of the business
- Solid understanding of standards and guest expectations
- Ability to oversee service, operations, and team performance simultaneously
- Commercial awareness, including experience with labour, costs, and service optimisation
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail and consistency
- Experience managing rotas, staffing levels, and day-to-day operations
- Ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure
- Professional, reliable, and highly presentable
- Positive, proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
What we offer to our Assistant General Manager:
- 50% team discount across all MJMK restaurants
- Free team meals while on shift
- Up to £500 team referral bonus
- Opportunity to develop your career with MJMK Restaurants
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after your first year with us
- Extra days holiday every year you're with us, up to 5 extra days
- Wide range of benefits from Hospitality Action - Including: mental health & well-being support, Benefits Hub with retail discounts, wellness podcast, nutrition-focused recipes, digital gym, mindfulness meditation, as well as Employee Assistance Program
- Company sick pay after one year of service
About MJMK Restaurants
MJMK Restaurants own and operate a collection of award-winning restaurants. Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Jake Kasumov and Marco Mendes, our journey began with Casa do Frango. In 2020, we partnered with chef patron Santiago Lastra to open KOL, a restaurant in Marylebone celebrating Mexican cuisine with British ingredients. KOL has since earned a Michelin Star and been named one of the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
In 2024 saw two new ventures: Fonda, a contemporary Mexican concept in Mayfair - our second collaboration with Santiago Lastra - and AngloThai in Marylebone, a debut restaurant from husband-and-wife John and Desiree Chantarasak, blending Thai flavours with British ingredients. Within three months of opening, AngloThai earned a Michelin star.
In the 2025 National Restaurant Awards, AngloThai was named The Square Opening of the Year and ranked 7th in the Top 100 list, followed by KOL at number 50. Luso, a contemporary Portuguese restaurant in Fitzrovia, opened in September 2025.
We'd love to hear from you if you're an experienced Assistant General Manager and you're up for a new challenge and opportunity.
Assistant General Manager employer: Fonda
Fonda is not just a restaurant; it's a vibrant community where genuine hospitality meets exceptional culinary artistry. As an Assistant General Manager, you'll thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises team development and operational excellence, all while enjoying benefits like generous discounts, free meals, and opportunities for career advancement. Located in the heart of Mayfair, Fonda offers a unique chance to be part of a family-oriented culture that celebrates the rich flavours of Mexico, making it an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the restaurant industry, especially those who might know someone at MJMK Restaurants. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get that interview, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about how you've inspired teams or improved service standards in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Familiarise yourself with Fonda's menu and values. Being able to discuss their unique approach to Mexican cuisine will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the MJMK family right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When writing your application, let your love for the restaurant industry shine through. Share experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating memorable dining experiences and how you embody the warmth and hospitality that Fonda stands for.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant General Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in senior management roles and showcase your leadership skills, as well as any specific achievements that align with Fonda's values and mission.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, ensuring that we can easily see how you meet the requirements of the role. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for Fonda.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be seen by the right people, and it shows us you're genuinely interested in joining the Fonda family. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fonda
✨Know Your Mexican Cuisine
Familiarise yourself with the unique dishes and cooking techniques that define contemporary Mexican cuisine. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to showcasing these flavours at Fonda, as well as any personal experiences you have with similar culinary styles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop staff, as well as how you've handled challenges under pressure, ensuring service standards are met.
✨Understand Operational Efficiency
Brush up on your knowledge of restaurant operations, including managing rotas, staffing levels, and cost optimisation. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since excellent communication is key for this role, think about how you can engage with different levels of the business and ensure that your passion for hospitality shines through during the interview.