Assistant General Manager

Assistant General Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant team, ensuring exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
  • Company: Join Ottolenghi, a renowned name in vibrant food and hospitality.
  • Benefits: 30 days annual leave, delicious staff meals, and health support.
  • Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of our exciting new restaurant in Scotland from the ground up.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years management experience in high-quality hospitality settings.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.

At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy, but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest. Ottolenghi Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter for us, our first restaurant in Scotland. Opening in autumn 2026, this will be a vibrant, busy restaurant with a genuine commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability at its heart. We are now looking for a talented Assistant General Manager to join our team and be part of something truly special from the very beginning.

What you’ll do:

  • Lead by example, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere for guests and colleagues.
  • Oversee daily service, from planning to execution, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and warmth throughout.
  • Support the General Manager in driving financial performance, including service standards, cost control, and sales.
  • Collaborate closely with chefs, managers, and front‑of‑house colleagues to maintain the highest quality of food, service, and atmosphere.
  • Take ownership of training and development, helping your team grow and thrive.
  • Handle guest feedback with kindness and professionalism, turning challenges into positive outcomes.
  • Contribute to the long‑term success of the venue by identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.

What we’re looking for:

  • Previous management experience in a high‑quality restaurant or hospitality setting, with a minimum of 2 years in a similar role.
  • A natural leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment while keeping a calm, approachable presence.
  • A genuine passion for hospitality and people, with a hands‑on and collaborative attitude.
  • Confidence in managing both the operational and financial aspects of a venue.
  • Knowledge of food and beverage operations, including menu planning, ordering, and stock control.
  • Enthusiasm for fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
  • Well‑organised, with excellent attention to detail and a strong understanding of health, safety, and hygiene regulations.

Key skills:

  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Confident managing operational and financial priorities simultaneously.
  • Well‑organised with excellent attention to detail.
  • Calm under pressure with a solutions‑focused and collaborative mindset.
  • Comfortable using relevant hospitality management and IT systems.
  • A genuine passion for hospitality, food, and continuous improvement.

What’s in it for you?

  • 30 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays.
  • Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount.
  • Health and well‑being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts.
  • Refer a Friend Bonus: ÂŁ500 for each successful referral.
  • Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses.
  • A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated.
  • Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service.
  • A special birthday treat to celebrate your day.
  • Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen.
  • A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued.

If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.

Assistant General Manager employer: Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen

At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values each team member's contributions. As the first restaurant in Scotland, Ottolenghi Edinburgh offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth, with extensive training programmes and a commitment to sustainability at its core. Enjoy generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, delicious staff meals, and a supportive environment where your passion for hospitality can truly flourish.
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Contact Detail:

Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant General Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company culture before your interview. Check out their social media and website to see what they're all about. This will help you connect with them during the chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or handled a tough situation. This will help you demonstrate your management skills and how you can create that warm atmosphere they’re looking for.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to discuss your passion for hospitality. Share why you love working in this field and how you can contribute to their vibrant environment. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for their team.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant General Manager

Leadership Skills
People Management
Operational Management
Financial Management
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of Food and Beverage Operations
Menu Planning
Stock Control
Calm Under Pressure
Collaborative Mindset
Hospitality Management Systems

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating warm and welcoming environments, just like we do at Ottolenghi.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our vibrant culture and commitment to quality.

Highlight Leadership Experience: As an Assistant General Manager, leadership is key! Be sure to include examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, showcasing your ability to create a positive atmosphere and drive performance.

Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits into our collaborative and creative environment, so show us who you are!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen

✨Know the Company Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into Ottolenghi's ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with what they stand for.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

As an Assistant General Manager, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples of how you've created a welcoming atmosphere in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in fast-paced environments.

✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Be ready to discuss your experience with managing operational and financial aspects of a venue. Bring examples of how you've driven financial performance in past roles, including cost control and sales strategies. This will highlight your capability to support the General Manager effectively.

✨Emphasise Team Development

Ottolenghi values a collaborative team culture, so be prepared to talk about how you've contributed to training and developing your team. Share specific instances where you've turned challenges into positive outcomes, showcasing your ability to handle guest feedback with kindness and professionalism.

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