At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our busy restaurant, ensuring exceptional food and service every day.
- Company: Join Hillier, a renowned family business with over 150 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, employee discounts, and 31 days annual leave.
- Other info: Work in a fun, friendly environment with great team culture and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Step up in your hospitality career and make a real impact on customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
- Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification
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
Newbury , 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 £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 £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 x annual salary
- Option to join 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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GArden Centre Assistant Restaurant Manager in Hermitage employer: Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Hillier Nurseries Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture at the Eastbourne Garden Centre. With flexible part-time hours, employees enjoy a balance between work and personal life, alongside benefits such as discounts and annual leave, making it a rewarding place to grow and thrive in the hospitality sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GArden Centre Assistant Restaurant Manager in Hermitage
✨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 Hillier Nurseries Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hillier Nurseries Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hillier Nurseries Ltd 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 GArden Centre Assistant Restaurant Manager in Hermitage
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 Hillier Nurseries Ltd 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 Hillier Nurseries Ltd
✨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!
