At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to deliver exceptional customer experiences in a vibrant visitor destination.
- Company: Join One Garden Brighton, a unique and exciting place for food, drink, and events.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
One Garden Brighton is seeking an experienced, confident and customer‑focused Assistant Manager to support the leadership and day‑to‑day delivery of our retail and hospitality operations across this unique visitor destination. This is a hands‑on leadership role within a fast‑paced, high‑footfall environment, ideal for someone with supervisory or assistant management experience in hospitality and/or retail who is passionate about exceptional service, people development and commercial performance.
About the Role
As Assistant Manager, you will play a key role in delivering an outstanding visitor experience across all the outlets within One Garden Brighton’s offer; One Café, One Market, our pop‑up and visiting food and beverage provision and working closely with the team at the new Sussex Butterfly Gardens. Reporting to and supporting the Retail and Hospitality Manager, you will help oversee daily operations, drive sales performance and maintain high standards of service, presentation and compliance. You will deputise for the Manager when required and act as a visible, supportive leader across front‑of‑house and retail environments. You will champion a culture of “exceptional service, every time, for everyone” while supporting One Garden Brighton’s ambition to be a leading destination for food, drink and events.
You will:
- Drive hospitality sales through confident selling and excellent customer engagement
- Maintain high standards of visual merchandising, product presentation and stock control
- Support seasonal ranges, pop‑ups and new product launches
- Deputise for the Manager, overseeing daily front‑of‑house and retail operations
- Deliver a consistently welcoming, knowledgeable and high‑quality customer experience
- Handle customer feedback and complaints professionally
- Open and close operations on a rota basis in line with procedures
- Supervise, motivate and support retail and hospitality team members
- Lead daily briefings, allocate duties and support smooth service delivery
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety and licensing requirements
- Support EPOS use, cash handling, reporting and event delivery
- Work collaboratively with kitchen, retail and wider College teams
You will also contribute to maintaining the ethos, reputation and commercial success of One Garden Brighton as a high‑quality visitor destination.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and professional leader who enjoys working in a customer‑facing environment and takes pride in delivering high standards through their team.
Essential:
- Supervisory experience within hospitality
- Experience supporting or supervising small to medium‑sized events (e.g. weddings, corporate functions)
- Proven ability to drive retail sales and deliver excellent customer service in a high‑footfall setting
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong IT, literacy and numeracy skills
- Relevant Food Hygiene / Food Safety qualification (Level 3)
- Positive work ethic with a flexible and proactive approach
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays
Desirable:
- Personal Licence to sell alcohol (or willingness to work towards this)
- First Aid qualification
- Full UK driving licence
You will be confident, adaptable and people‑focused, with a strong commitment to service excellence, operational standards and team development.
Working Hours
This role is 40 hours per week, worked across 5 out of 7 days. Hours are annualised, with increased hours during busier summer periods and reduced hours in quieter winter months. One Garden Brighton operates 08:00–18:00, seven days per week, all year round. Some flexibility is required to support evening functions, events and College promotional activities.
Why Join Us?
At Plumpton College, we live our values—Ambitious, Professional, Enterprising, Passionate, Supportive and Progressive—in everything we do. You’ll benefit from:
- A competitive salary
- 22 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (with TOIL applied where bank holidays are worked)
- Automatic enrolment into the NEST Pension Scheme
- Access to Continuous Professional Development opportunities
- Free onsite parking
- A supportive team environment within a unique visitor attraction
New colleagues benefit from a structured induction and ongoing support from their line manager, helping them to succeed and develop in their role.
Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding
Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to eliminating unfair discrimination. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Plumpton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff to share this commitment. This role involves regular work in an establishment mainly for children and therefore requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We reserve the right to interview or close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are encouraged.
Assistant Manager - One Garden Brighton employer: Plumpton College
One Garden Brighton offers a vibrant and supportive work environment, perfect for those passionate about hospitality and retail. As an Assistant Manager, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, including 22 days of annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a strong team culture focused on exceptional service. Located in a unique visitor destination, this role provides the chance to lead a dedicated team while contributing to a memorable experience for all visitors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager - One Garden Brighton
✨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 Plumpton College. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Plumpton College
Don't be shy about reaching out to Plumpton College 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 Assistant Manager - One Garden Brighton
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 Plumpton College 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 Plumpton College
✨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!
