At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant team in a beautiful country inn, managing everything from service to events.
- Company: Charming independent country inn near Bath, offering a unique hospitality experience.
- Benefits: Up to £35,000 salary, service charge, meals on duty, and genuine progression opportunities.
- Other info: Perfect for ambitious individuals looking to progress towards General Management.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and work closely with the owner to shape your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and strong guest engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and hands-on Assistant Manager to join a beautifully restored independent country inn in Somerset, within easy reach of Bath and Frome. Combining a quality restaurant and bar with boutique bedrooms, the inn offers warm, characterful hospitality within a relaxed countryside setting. This is a particularly varied management opportunity.
Working directly alongside the owner, you'll become involved in virtually every aspect of running the business — from leading front-of-house service and looking after hotel guests through to staffing, reservations, payroll and helping develop the venue's growing weddings business. For an ambitious hospitality manager who ultimately wants to progress towards running their own property, this offers the opportunity to gain genuinely rounded operational experience within a supportive independent environment.
The Role
This is very much a hands-on management position. You'll be visible within the operation, leading from the floor while also taking responsibility for many of the behind-the-scenes elements required to keep a successful restaurant and rooms business running smoothly. Working closely with the owner, your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the overall day-to-day management of the inn
- Leading restaurant and bar service
- Welcoming hotel guests and overseeing check-ins
- Managing hotel reservations through eviivo
- Managing restaurant reservations through OpenTable
- Creating and managing staff rotas
- Supporting recruitment, training and development of the team
- Assisting with staff management and day-to-day HR matters
- Supporting and managing payroll administration
- Maintaining excellent standards of guest service throughout the property
- Handling guest enquiries and resolving issues where required
- Supporting the organisation and delivery of weddings and events
- Helping proactively develop and grow the weddings side of the business
- Working alongside the owner to identify opportunities to improve and develop the operation
About You
We're looking for someone who enjoys being involved in the whole business rather than simply managing restaurant shifts. You could currently be an:
- Assistant Manager
- Restaurant Manager
- F&B Manager
- Hotel Duty Manager
- Strong Supervisor ready to take the next step
You'll ideally have:
- Previous experience within a quality restaurant, country inn, boutique hotel or restaurant with rooms
- Strong front-of-house and restaurant service experience
- Excellent guest engagement skills
- Confidence supervising and developing a hospitality team
- Good administrative and organisational ability
- Experience creating rotas and managing staffing requirements
- A proactive and hands-on approach
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- An interest in weddings and events
- The ambition to take on increasing responsibility as the role develops
- Experience with eviivo, OpenTable or similar hospitality systems would be advantageous, although this isn't essential for someone with the right operational background.
Working Pattern
- 5-day working week
- 40+ hours per week
- Some weekend working required
- Full-time, permanent position
- Varied operational and management shifts
The Package
- Salary up to £35,000, depending on experience
- Service charge in addition
- 5-day working week
- Meals whilst on duty
- Work directly alongside the owner
- Varied exposure across restaurant, rooms, events and business administration
- Genuine opportunity to take on increasing responsibility
- Excellent experience for someone looking to progress towards General Management
- Beautiful countryside location within reach of Bath and Frome
Why This Role?
This isn't an Assistant Manager position where you'll simply spend every shift running the restaurant floor. You'll become the owner's right hand within the operation, gaining hands-on experience across restaurant service, boutique accommodation, staffing, payroll, reservations, weddings and the wider commercial running of an independent hospitality business. For someone who wants to become a well-rounded hospitality manager and ultimately progress towards General Management, it's a genuinely strong opportunity to take that next step.
Assistant Manager in Somerset employer: Knekt Hub
Join our dynamic team as a Pastry Chef in Hook, Hampshire, where you'll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary skills in a 2AA Rosette standard kitchen. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that encourages creativity and professional growth, offering benefits such as gym access, swimming pool facilities, and generous discounts. With a focus on teamwork and excellence, we provide a rewarding environment for passionate chefs looking to make their mark.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager in Somerset
✨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 Knekt Hub. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Knekt Hub
Don't be shy about reaching out to Knekt Hub 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 Assistant Manager in Somerset
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 Knekt Hub 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 Knekt Hub
✨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!
