Deputy Front of House Manager in Southampton
Deputy Front of House Manager

Deputy Front of House Manager in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 30000 - 35000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead daily operations and create an unforgettable dining experience at a unique rewilding project.
  • Company: Join Knepp, a pioneering estate focused on nature conservation and sustainable culinary excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, tips, wine training, team trips, and staff discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in hospitality while promoting sustainability and engaging with nature.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in hospitality management and a passion for customer service.
  • Other info: Flexible daytime hours with opportunities for career growth and team bonding.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.

Location: Knepp Wilding Kitchen, Dial Post, Horsham, RH13 8NQ

Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 pa plus tips (approx. £8 -10,000 pa)

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

About us: Knepp is a 3,500 acre estate devoted to nature conservation based on pioneering rewilding principles. The new, £4m Wilding Kitchen & Shop combines a Michelin-listed restaurant, courtyard with airstream coffee trailer, market garden (growing our own organic produce) and our shop. The site is primarily daytime only (breakfast and lunch, seven days a week), with occasional evening events.

About the role: This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic, enthusiastic, talented and passionate manager looking for a new challenge and to make a difference to the planet. Working alongside a team of expert chefs, growers, butchers, stockmen and ecologists, they will lead the creation of a unique restaurant at the heart of one of the UK's pioneering rewilding projects.

Responsibilities:

  • Overseeing & managing day to day operations of our 160 cover site in absence of manager
  • Maintaining high quality service across two private dining spaces, main restaurant and our courtyard airstream
  • Maintaining consistent customer experience
  • Resolving complaints promptly and professionally
  • Clear and precise daily communication to the front and back of house team
  • Monthly stock takes & weekly stock ordering
  • Communicating with suppliers as and when needed
  • Completion of daily administrative tasks; emails, etc
  • Managing team; rotas, daily skills, sickness
  • Ensuring health & safety protocols are kept in place

About you:

Essential Experience:

  • Minimum 2 years in a respectable hospitality establishment
  • Minimum of 2 years managing a team, rotas and day to day running of shifts
  • Door host and Sevenrooms booking system (or equivalent)
  • Complaint handling
  • Bar trained (hot and cold drinks; cocktails etc)
  • Ordering and stock taking
  • Back office operations of till systems
  • Driving licence essential

Desirable:

  • To act as a role model to your team
  • To work with higher management to build the team into the best people for the right roles
  • To develop, train and coach your team
  • To bring fun and positive energy to the workplace and ensure a happy, motivated, and focused team
  • To offer guidance to your team

Customer experience:

  • To ensure high customer experience and promote our ethos
  • To champion swift, efficient, knowledgeable and engaging restaurant service
  • To ensure compliance by the team of standard operating procedures
  • To engage with the wider Estate team in the delivery of events

P&L:

  • To manage the rota effectively to deliver target wage costs
  • To assist in engaging the team in the weekly targets

Operation:

  • To ensure the restaurant environment is well maintained and meets internal brand standards
  • To continuously manage FOH stock
  • Working during service hours to ensure high levels of organisation and standards
  • Weekends 1 day (flexibility to cover holidays)

Employee perks benefits:

  • Wine training/tastings
  • Fixed days off
  • Team trips, safaris of the rewilding project, and annual parties
  • Share of tips
  • Primarily day time hours (9am-5pm)
  • Staff discounts across Knepp Estate

Please click on the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role. Overseas candidates will NOT be considered for this role. We are not sponsoring Visas at this time, so please refrain from applying unless eligible to work in the UK.

Deputy Front of House Manager in Southampton employer: Knepp Swallows Ltd

Knepp Wilding Kitchen offers a unique opportunity to work in a pioneering rewilding estate, where sustainability and exceptional culinary experiences come together. With a vibrant work culture that promotes teamwork and personal growth, employees enjoy benefits such as wine training, team trips, and a share of tips, all while contributing to a meaningful conservation project. Located in the picturesque countryside of Horsham, this role not only provides a rewarding career but also allows you to be part of an exciting journey towards creating one of Britain's most sustainable dining destinations.
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Contact Detail:

Knepp Swallows Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Front of House Manager in Southampton

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Knepp Wilding Kitchen and its ethos. When you walk in for an interview, show that you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their mission of rewilding and sustainability.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. It’s all about making those connections!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for situational questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to customer service and team management. Practising these responses can help you stand out during the interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Front of House Manager in Southampton

Team Management
Customer Service
Complaint Handling
Communication Skills
Stock Management
Bar Training
Operational Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Booking System Proficiency
Administrative Skills
Event Coordination
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for hospitality and sustainability shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about being part of our unique rewilding project and how you can contribute to our mission.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in managing teams and delivering excellent customer service. We love seeing how your past roles align with what we do at Knepp, so don’t hold back on those details!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. This helps us get a quick grasp of what you bring to the table.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Knepp Wilding Kitchen!

How to prepare for a job interview at Knepp Swallows Ltd

✨Know the Knepp Story

Before your interview, dive into the history and ethos of Knepp. Understand their rewilding principles and how they impact the culinary experience. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the role and the estate.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Deputy Front of House Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed a team, resolved conflicts, or improved service standards. Be ready to discuss how you can bring positive energy to the workplace.

✨Familiarise Yourself with the Menu

Get to know the types of dishes and ingredients that Knepp Wilding Kitchen focuses on, especially their organic produce and award-winning meats. Being able to discuss the menu confidently will show your enthusiasm for the culinary aspect of the role and your commitment to high-quality customer service.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions about handling complaints or managing busy service periods. Think through potential scenarios you might face in the role and how you would address them. This preparation will help you articulate your problem-solving skills and your approach to maintaining a high-quality customer experience.

Deputy Front of House Manager in Southampton
Knepp Swallows Ltd
Location: Southampton
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