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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic restaurant team and create memorable dining experiences for customers.
- Company: Join Otter Garden Centres, a leading independent garden centre group in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company pension, employee discounts, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused company with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Shape the dining experience in a vibrant atmosphere while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: 3 years of catering management experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Company Description
Founded in 1964 as Otter Nurseries in Ottery St Mary, East Devon, Otter Garden Centres has grown into one of the leading independent garden centre groups in the UK. The group operates 7 thriving garden centres across the South of England and 3 well‑established growing nurseries. With a focus on quality products and exceptional customer service, Otter Garden Centres has built a reputation for offering an enjoyable shopping experience. The company values its community roots while continuously expanding its operations and offerings.
Overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Restaurant Manager to lead our catering team of over 120 colleagues at Otter Garden Centre Ottery St Mary. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the dining experience for our loyal customers – from morning coffees and cakes to hearty lunches, our large, professional and well‑equipped kitchen and large dining area provides the opportunity to create an excellent dining experience for all our visitors.
Duties
- Oversee daily restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional customer service and high food standards.
- Lead and motivate a friendly front of house and kitchen team.
- Work closely with the Head Chef to deliver exceptional food.
- Manage rotas, stock control and budgets effectively.
- Handle customer enquiries and complaints with professionalism, ensuring customer satisfaction at all times.
- Ensure compliance with health regulations and food safety standards within the kitchen and dining areas.
- Adopt a hands‑on approach in all areas of the restaurant, ensuring you can support your team both Front of House and in the kitchen.
- Act as a duty manager and key holder for the garden centre as per the needs of the business and to be an important and leading role within the management team at Ottery St Mary.
Experience
- Proven experience in a restaurant management role or similar position within the hospitality industry.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience with a focus on team management and leadership skills.
- Previous experience in food production or catering environments is essential.
- Excellent communication skills with a strong ability to build rapport with staff and customers alike.
- A passion for hospitality, coupled with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Join us in creating memorable dining experiences while leading a talented team in an exciting restaurant atmosphere!
Job Types: Full‑time, Permanent
Benefits
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On‑site parking
Experience catering management: 3 years (required)
Restaurant Manager – Ottery St Mary employer: Otter Garden Centres
Contact Detail:
Otter Garden Centres Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant Manager – Ottery St Mary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the hospitality industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Restaurant Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening at Otter Garden Centres or elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow Otter Garden Centres on social media and engage with their posts. This not only shows your interest but can also help you get noticed by the hiring team. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any job openings.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of food safety standards and customer service excellence. Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and handled challenges in previous roles. We want to see your passion for hospitality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Otter Garden Centres family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant Manager – Ottery St Mary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for the hospitality industry shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and how you've created memorable dining experiences in the past.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Restaurant Manager role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in team management and food production, to show us you're the perfect fit for our vibrant restaurant environment.
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we want to see your professional side, don’t forget to let your personality come through! Use a friendly tone in your application to reflect the welcoming atmosphere we strive for at Otter Garden Centres.
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 to lead our catering team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Otter Garden Centres
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Otter Garden Centres. Understand their history, values, and what makes them unique in the garden centre industry. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to align with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Restaurant Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully motivated and managed a team. Highlight your ability to handle conflicts and ensure exceptional customer service, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Hospitality
Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry during the interview. Share stories that reflect your love for creating memorable dining experiences and how you thrive in fast-paced environments. This passion can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding customer complaints or kitchen operations. Think of specific scenarios where you've handled challenges effectively, and be ready to discuss how you would approach similar situations at Otter Garden Centres.