At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to create unforgettable dining experiences in a luxury restaurant.
- Company: Join Hastings Hotels, a family-owned luxury hotel group with a focus on quality and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, employee discounts, 29 days holiday plus your birthday.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and personal development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an award-winning restaurant and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality leadership and a genuine passion for exceptional service.
The predicted salary is between 34250 - 34250 £ per year.
Location: 142 Bangor Road
Hastings Hotels is a family owned, luxury hotel group based in Northern Ireland. We value our people. It's our people who provide the excellent experience we offer to all our guests. When we work together we can do amazing things.
Are you a motivated, proactive person who cares deeply about creating exceptional experiences for your guests? Do you take personal pride in delivering five-star, luxury service? If so, we would welcome you to apply for the position of Restaurant Manager at Vespers.
As one of the areas finest restaurants, Vespers is located in the luxurious setting of the five-star Culloden Estate & Spa. Winner of Good Food Ireland’s Food Lover’s Choice Award 2024 and two Rosettes for Culinary Excellence from The AA in 2025, Vespers offers a gastronomic journey through Northern Ireland’s finest produce.
Under the inspiring leadership of our General Manager, Cormac Fadden, you will lead and motivate your team to achieve success and deliver a fabulous experience to our guests. The successful candidate will have worked in a leadership position in a high-quality hospitality environment, and have a genuine passion for their craft. You will support your team to create memorable dining experiences from breakfast, to afternoon tea, to dinner, and foster a culture of teamwork and professionalism.
You can expect to work 45 hours per week (excluding breaks), five days out of seven. As a Head of Department within the Hotel, you should have a flexible approach to working hours which will include days, evenings, and weekends as required.
In addition to a competitive salary, Hastings Hotels offer a range of benefits including free staff meals, employee discounts, cash and credit cards tips, 29 days holiday plus your birthday, and opportunities for career progression and development. We want to help you to develop your skills and offer an extensive range of learning and development opportunities.
Hastings Hotels is an equal opportunities employer. We reserve the right to apply enhanced shortlisting criteria.
About The Role
- To manage and motivate employees through effective communication, training, and development, in accordance with company policies and relevant employment legislation, ensuring HR procedures are followed.
- To promote and contribute to a harmonious working environment where all employees are treated with respect and dignity.
- To support the General Manager with the department budget and forecasting, putting in place appropriate mechanisms to effectively manage costs and support the financial performance of the Restaurant.
- To ensure Hastings Hotels quality standards and procedures are fully understood, implemented, and regularly reviewed, and that formal and informal feedback is used to ensure continual improvement for the team.
- To ensure company policies relating to stock management and stock ordering are implemented and monitored, taking appropriate action to resolve problems.
- To ensure all employees receive appropriate training, coaching and development, and provide effective and efficient service in line with Hastings Hotels standards.
- To ensure the team are knowledgeable about the facilities and services within the Estate and are proactive in the sale of these to guests.
- To ensure you and the team assist guests with any reasonable request for services and are proactive in the promotion of these to guests.
- To ensure you and the team respond appropriately to feedback and complaints and find suitable solutions in line with Company policy.
- To maintain effective communication and relationships with other hotel departments, suppliers and agencies, to maintain an effective operation and ensure guest satisfaction.
- To ensure the restaurant areas, fixtures, and equipment are properly maintained and presented to Hastings Hotels standards.
- To ensure that the security of storage areas and stock is maintained at all times.
- To ensure a safe environment is maintained in compliance with health, safety, fire, hygiene, and security legislation and company policies and procedures.
- To continuously develop your knowledge relating to the industry sector and competitor activity, provide input into future plans and activities, and maintain and enhance market position.
- To assist with the recruitment, selection and utilisation of employees to achieve the optimum use of resource in line with business peaks and troughs.
- To contribute to the wider running of the Culloden Estate & Spa, attending daily and weekly meetings, and working as part of a team of Department Heads to contribute to the Estate’s overall success.
- To ensure the hotel's compliance with all matters relating to licensing laws, Customs and Excise Regulations and all other relevant legislation.
- To carry out the role of Duty Manager for the Hotel as required.
- Any other duties required by the Senior Management Team which are commensurate to the level of the role or which present an opportunity for development.
Skills Needed
- Managerial / Operational, Hospitality
About The Company
Hastings Hotels owns and operates six hotels in Northern Ireland, with over 1,000 bedrooms, a stand‑alone gastro‑pub, and a luxury spa. From city centre buzz to seaside resort, each outlet has a distinctive personality and market positioning.
For over 50 years this family owned business has successfully established its identity in the market because we place quality and service at the heart of everything we do. Quality in the design of our properties and their upkeep. Quality in the local sourcing of the food and drink we offer our guests... and quality in our people, people with personality, attention to detail, and a desire to develop their careers with us.
Company Culture
Our guests remember the small details. The open fire in the lounge. The supremely comfy beds. The fabulous breakfast... and the interactions they had with our people. It is more important that you have the correct behaviours and attitude than every last qualification... we can help you attain that.
We place great attention on recruitment, induction, and integrating you into your department, your hotel, and the Group. We want you to think about how you want to develop your career with us, and we promise to do what we can to help you on that journey...
Required Criteria
- Right to Work in the United Kingdom
- Educated to Level 2 (GCSE Grades A-C) or the equivalent in English and Mathematics
- A passionate hospitality professional
- A minimum of 1 years' experience at a similar, senior level
- Ability to deliver an exceptional standard of customer service
- Ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve success
- Experience managing staffing levels, rotas, wage costs, and departmental budgets
Desired Criteria
- Previous experience within a 5-star hotel environment.
- Educated to Level 6 (Undergraduate Degree) or the equivalent in a relevant field such as Tourism and Hospitality Management.
- Experience in a Michelin Guide, AA Rosette, or equivalent quality-led operation.
- WSET qualification or extensive wine knowledge.
Closing Date Thursday 20th August, 2026
Contract Type fulltime
Salary Up to £34,250.00 Yearly
Restaurant Manager in Holywood employer: Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland
Hastings Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where respect and dignity are paramount. Located in the picturesque Ballygally Castle, employees benefit from a supportive environment that fosters growth through training and development opportunities, ensuring that every team member can excel in their role. With a commitment to quality and guest satisfaction, working here means being part of a dedicated team that values excellence and collaboration.
Contact Details:
Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant Manager in Holywood
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant Manager in Holywood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
