At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the restaurant and wine programme, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and team development.
- Company: Join Hawksmoor, a certified B Corp known for ethical practices and award-winning hospitality.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid overtime, free meals, early wage access, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and a supportive work environment await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values inclusivity, sustainability, and high standards.
- Qualifications: Experience in restaurant management or wine expertise with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Restaurant and Wine Manager
Since 2006, Hawksmoor has been the UK’s home of ethically sourced, grass-fed beef, cooked over charcoal and paired with award-winning wines and cocktails. We’re proud to be a certified B Corp, one of the most sustainable restaurant groups in the industry, and to have been recognised as one of the Best Companies to work for year after year.
As Restaurant and Wine Manager at Hawksmoor, As Restaurant & Wine Manager at Hawksmoor, you’ll be a key member of the leadership team, supporting the successful day-to-day running of the restaurant while taking ownership of the on-site wine programme.
This is a senior, hands-on role combining confident floor leadership, exceptional guest service, team development and commercial awareness with genuine wine expertise. You’ll maintain a strong presence during service, inspiring the team to deliver knowledgeable, memorable hospitality while ensuring our wine offering performs exceptionally in both quality and profitability.
You’ll work closely with the General Manager, Bar Manager, kitchen team and wider leadership team to maintain Hawksmoor standards and support the restaurant’s operational and commercial success.
What You’ll Do
Guest Experience and Floor Leadership
- Confidently lead all areas of the restaurant and manage busy services
- Maintain a visible and influential presence on the floor, engaging with guests and supporting the team
- Deliver genuine hospitality and help turn first-time visitors into regular guests
- Recommend and passionately describe dishes, drinks and wine pairings
- Role-model Hawksmoor’s Steps of Service and opening and closing procedures
- Oversee large-group dining, private dining and special events
- Work closely with the kitchen and expo teams to ensure every guest receives the highest standard of food and service
- Respond to guest feedback and manage complaints with empathy, confidence and professionalism
- Drive guest satisfaction by setting clear standards and holding the team accountable for delivering exceptional hospitality
Wine Leadership
- Act as the restaurant’s on-site expert for all things wine
- Lead and develop the restaurant’s wine programme in line with Hawksmoor standards and guest expectations
- Deliver engaging wine training, tastings and service briefings for both FOH and BOH teams
- Inspire the team to confidently recommend, sell and serve wine
- Maintain a high-level presence during service, supporting guests and the team with wine selection and pairings
- Manage supplier relationships and identify sourcing and tasting opportunities
- Oversee wine purchasing, stock control, margins, wastage and overall financial performance
- Drive wine revenue through education, guest engagement and commercially focused initiatives
Team Engagement and Culture
- Champion Hawksmoor’s values with a proactive, positive and inclusive leadership style
- Support recruitment, onboarding, probation reviews and the ongoing development of the team
- Coach and develop junior managers and team members through regular, constructive feedback
- Create and follow up on clear development plans
- Deliver engaging and impactful training sessions and team briefings
- Build a strong feedback culture by consistently recognising success and addressing opportunities for improvement
- Inspire the team to create memorable hospitality moments for every guest
Operational and Commercial Standards
- Support the management of rotas while achieving labour targets set by the General Manager
- Coach the management team on effective labour deployment and rota planning
- Manage complimentary items and promotions in line with agreed budgets
- Control training costs and ensure investment remains within budget
- Review operational mistakes and guest feedback, identifying actions that improve both the guest experience and the wider business
- Maintain excellent standards across restaurant setup, cleanliness and daily operations
- Work collaboratively with the senior team to achieve restaurant sales, service and profitability targets
Health and Safety
- Make the safe handling of allergens a clear priority and act as a point of contact during service
- Ensure allergy, cleanliness, food safety and hygiene procedures are consistently followed
- Maintain required training standards across food safety, health and safety and allergen awareness
- Support the management of attendance, lateness and absence procedures
Purpose, Sustainability and Inclusion
- Create an inclusive and respectful working environment where everyone is treated with empathy
- Embed diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within team briefings, training and everyday leadership
- Support Hawksmoor’s charity partnerships and sustainability commitments, particularly around food and restaurant waste
- Understand the provenance of our ingredients and how this influences the menu and guest experience
- Understand and confidently communicate what it means for Hawksmoor to be a B Corp
Who You Are
- An experienced Restaurant Manager with strong wine knowledge, or a Wine Manager or Head Sommelier with broader restaurant leadership experience
- Confident leading restaurant operations and delivering high-level wine service
- Passionate about wine education and developing the confidence and knowledge of others
- A strong and visible floor leader who genuinely enjoys engaging with guests
- Commercially aware and confident managing labour, margins, stock and financial performance
- Experienced in coaching, developing and motivating high-performing teams
- Organised, detail-focused and calm under pressure
- Ambitious, collaborative and aligned with Hawksmoor’s values
Our Values
Welcome Everyone - We create warm, inclusive spaces where people feel genuinely welcome.
Work Hard and Be Nice to People - We set high standards and treat each other with kindness and respect.
Hit Hawksmoor Standards - We care deeply about quality and consistency every day.
Keep Evolving - We stay curious, open to feedback and always looking to improve.
Benefits
- Paid overtime on salaries
- Tronc paid for every hour you work, including holidays and breaks
- Free team meals on shift
- 50% off food at Hawksmoor for you and your loved ones
- Income protection and death in service cover
- Paid annual volunteer days
- Stream early wage access and financial wellbeing tools
- Referral bonuses from day one
- Exclusive savings on travel, shopping and experiences
- Restaurant welfare budget for snacks, drinks and support
- Full training and development with clear progression pathways
We’re building a team that reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve. At Hawksmoor, we welcome everyone and believe in creating a workplace where individuality is celebrated, kindness is key and high standards are met together. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, please apply anyway. You might be exactly who we’re looking for.
Restaurant and Wine Manager - Hawksmoor Knightsbridge employer: Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor is an excellent employer that values teamwork and inclusivity, making it a fantastic place for individuals looking to grow in a fast-paced kitchen environment. With benefits like tronc pay, free team meals, and exclusive discounts, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises their well-being and development. Join us in Greater London, where you can thrive in a role that not only offers training but also fosters a sense of belonging within a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant and Wine Manager - Hawksmoor Knightsbridge
✨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 Hawksmoor. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hawksmoor
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hawksmoor 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 and Wine Manager - Hawksmoor Knightsbridge
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 Hawksmoor 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 Hawksmoor
✨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!
