At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant food and beverage team at a popular family-friendly farm.
- Company: A beloved working farm and visitor attraction in the Surrey countryside.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days' holiday, free lunch, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a fun team with regular social events and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on guest experiences while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in food and beverage management or a strong assistant ready to step up.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity to head up the food and beverage operation at a well-established and much-loved family-friendly working farm and visitor attraction in the Surrey countryside, near Leatherhead. The position offers a fantastic working environment. The farm welcomes more than 260,000 visitors each year and prides itself on delivering an exceptional and memorable experience for families and school groups throughout the year.
During peak periods, you will be responsible for four outlets, serving freshly prepared food across a busy restaurant, popular coffee shop, pizza outlet, and ice cream kiosk. You will be supported by a Duty Manager, three Supervisors, and a team of 14 full-time staff, alongside up to 15 casual team members on busy shifts. There are approximately 90 staff in the hospitality team, many of whom are college or university students, with several in their first jobs. You will work collaboratively with the Directors and management teams across the wider farm operation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ongoing coaching, training, and leadership of a positive, engaged, and customer-centric team.
- Setting clear objectives and communicating effectively, coaching and supporting the team at every opportunity.
- Maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene, health & safety, and licensing legislation.
- Leading, planning, and delivering seasonal food and beverage menus, working closely with suppliers.
- Achieving GP targets, monitoring menu performance, customer feedback, and sales trends.
- Effectively managing rotas to optimise staffing levels, operational efficiency, and labour budgets.
- Identifying opportunities to drive additional revenue through events, promotions, and functions.
- Monitoring stock control, ordering, and minimising wastage.
This position is ideally suited to an Assistant Food & Beverage Manager looking to step up into their first Food & Beverage Manager role, or an existing manager who will thrive in a high-footfall family focused leisure destination. The salary is £36,000–£42,000, depending on experience.
What really sets this role apart are the working hours. You will work a five-day week, Tuesday to Saturday, on a 40-hour contract, typically from 8:30am to 6:00pm. The company hosts regular social events throughout the year and is committed to investing in its people through additional training and development courses. Benefits include 28 days' holiday, a stakeholder pension scheme, free on-site parking, and complimentary lunch during working days. Due to the farm's location, applicants will need to have their own transport. Due to the anticipated high level of interest in this role, only applicants who meet the above criteria will be considered.
Locations
Contact Details:
Leisure People Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food and Beverage Manager in Leatherhead, Surrey
✨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 Leisure People Recruitment. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Leisure People Recruitment
Don't be shy about reaching out to Leisure People Recruitment 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 Food and Beverage Manager in Leatherhead, Surrey
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 Leisure People Recruitment 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 Leisure People Recruitment
✨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!
