Restaurant Manager in Knutsford

Restaurant Manager – Li~Ly Restaurant, Knutsford

Li~Ly is a young, award-winning tasting-menu restaurant in the heart of Knutsford. We are celebrated for refined food, warm hospitality and meticulous attention to detail.

We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on Restaurant Manager to work closely with hands‑on owners Aiden and Sarah and the wider team, leading front‑of‑house service and helping shape the restaurant as it continues to grow.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who is passionate about genuine hospitality, leads confidently from the floor and understands the impact of every detail. As a young restaurant with significant recognition, Li~Ly offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to its development, culture and future success.

The role

You will oversee the day‑to‑day front‑of‑house operation, ensuring every guest enjoys a polished, personal and relaxed experience from arrival to departure.

Working closely with owners Aiden and Sarah, the sommelier and kitchen team, you will help deliver seamless service, support the team and maintain Li~Ly’s high standards.

This is a four‑day‑per‑week role. The restaurant is closed on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, giving the team a consistent three‑day break each week. There is also a planned five‑week closure each year, and the restaurant does not open over Christmas, allowing the team a guaranteed Christmas break.

Main responsibilities

• Lead lunch and dinner service, setting the tone on the floor.
• Work closely with Aiden and Sarah on the daily running and continued development of the restaurant.
• Deliver warm, knowledgeable and attentive hospitality.
• Manage reservations, guest notes, dietary requirements and special occasions accurately and thoughtfully.
• Brief, motivate and develop the front‑of‑house team.
• Help recruit, train and retain outstanding staff.
• Maintain consistently high standards of presentation, service, product knowledge and sequence.
• Ensure clear communication between front of house, the kitchen and sommelier.
• Respond to guest feedback and concerns with confidence and care.
• Oversee opening and closing, cashing up, stock checks and daily standards.
• Maintain excellent cleanliness, organisation, health and safety, and licensing compliance.
• Assist with rotas, labour control, supplier liaison and stock management as required.
• Foster a positive, supportive and ambitious team culture.
• Contribute ideas and initiative as the restaurant continues to establish its identity and reputation.

What we are looking for

• Previous restaurant‑management or strong assistant‑manager experience in a quality‑led restaurant.
• Experience working to high hospitality standards is essential.
• Warm, confident hosting skills and a natural ability to connect with guests.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to support, train and inspire a team.
• Calm, organised and proactive under pressure.
• Good food and wine knowledge, with confidence discussing a tasting menu.
• Impeccable personal presentation and attention to detail.
• A practical, hands‑on approach—this is a floor‑based role.
• Flexibility to work the restaurant’s service hours across four days per week.
• Enthusiasm for working in a young restaurant and helping shape its future.

What we offer

• A four‑day working week, with the restaurant closed every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
• Five weeks of planned restaurant closure each year.
• No Christmas service—the restaurant is closed over Christmas.
• The opportunity to play a central role in a young, ambitious, award‑winning independent restaurant.
• A close, supportive relationship with hands‑on owners Aiden and Sarah and a small professional team.
• Genuine scope to shape service, team culture and the guest experience.
• The opportunity to help influence the restaurant’s growth and development.
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Staff meals and appropriate holiday entitlement.
• Ongoing development within a restaurant committed to excellence.

#J-18808-Ljbffr