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 learning opportunities and a collaborative culture that celebrates creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new restaurant opening in Scotland and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 2+ years management experience in high-quality hospitality and a passion for people.
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 in Edinburgh employer: Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
Contact Detail:
Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant General Manager in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Ottolenghi's vibe on social media or their website. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their warm and vibrant atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led a team or handled a tough situation. Being able to share these experiences will demonstrate your natural leadership skills and passion for hospitality.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your knowledge of food and beverage! Brush up on menu planning and stock control, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to Ottolenghi's commitment to fresh, seasonal produce during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the restaurant’s goals and team culture. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant General Manager in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for hospitality shine through! Share specific 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 skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our values and the role of Assistant General Manager.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value individuality and creativity, so share your unique approach to leadership and team culture in the hospitality industry.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you as soon as possible. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Ottolenghi's ethos and menu. Understand their commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability. This will show your genuine interest in the brand and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and how you've handled challenges with kindness and professionalism.
✨Be Financially Savvy
Brush up on your knowledge of financial performance in a restaurant setting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed costs and driven sales in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Assistant General Manager position.
✨Emphasise Team Culture
Talk about your passion for fostering a positive and inclusive team culture. Share specific instances where you've contributed to team development and collaboration, as this aligns perfectly with what Ottolenghi values.