Garden Centre Assistant Restaurant Manager

Are you passionate about hospitality and ready to take the next step in your career? Hillier is looking for an Assistant Restaurant Manager to help lead our busy restaurant at our Hillier Garden Centre in Weyhill , ensuring exceptional food, service, and team performance every day.

Working closely with the Restaurant Manager, you\’ll play a key role in both front and back of house operations, supporting the smooth running of the restaurant and enhancing the customer experience. When the Restaurant Manager is away, you\’ll step up to take full responsibility, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and seamless delivery. Flexibility is key – you may also be asked to support other Hillier restaurant locations, showcasing your collaborative approach.

This is a full‐time, permanent position working 37.5 hours per week averaged over a two‐week rota, with some weekend working, offering a salary of up to £30,000 per annum depending on experience.

What you\’ll be doing

Supporting daily operations across kitchen and service areas

Maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene

Ensuring compliance with Hillier brand standards, food safety, and health & safety protocols

Assisting with stock control, ordering, and minimising wastage

Coordinating staff rotas and leading by example on the restaurant floor

Supporting till operations, cash handling, and banking procedures

Contributing to staff training, inductions, and performance reviews

Acting as duty manager, including opening and closing the site securely

Identifying opportunities for operational improvement and cost efficiency

Creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for customers and staff

What we\’re looking for

Experience in a supervisory or management role within hospitality

Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification

Knowledge of HACCP and allergen management

Strong kitchen experience and ability to step in operationally when needed

Proven ability to uphold health & safety and compliance standards

Personal qualities

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Calm, confident, and solutions-focused under pressure

Highly organised with strong time management skills

Energetic, enthusiastic, and committed to team success

Professional, flexible, and forward-thinking approach

Passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences

Collaborative mindset with the ability to foster a positive team culture

The Offer

Salary of up to £30,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Full-time, permanent role – 37.5 hours per week averaged over a two‐week rota, with some weekend working

Life assurance at 4 × annual salary

Option to join an enhanced group pension plan

Sociable hours

Full training and access to our Online Learning Hub

Employee discount of 20%

50% discount on restaurant menu whilst on shift

31 days annual leave

Free onsite parking

Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family, including free counselling on health, financial, legal, and personal/family matters

Company Christmas gifts (eligibility based on start date)

Free solo entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, plus deals at other gardens nationally

You will be joining a renowned and established family business of over 150 years, working in a fun and friendly environment with an amazing bunch of people. We also place great value on all our team members and how they contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our Company.

Please note that we will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right to work status.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

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