At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations at The Social, ensuring top-notch service and customer experience.
- Company: Join SPACE St Andrews, a vibrant community redefining student accommodation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the chance to innovate and engage with the local community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in hospitality while shaping a popular community destination.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality management and a passion for exceptional customer service.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
SPACE St Andrews is redefining student accommodation, offering an exceptional living experience with outstanding facilities, a vibrant community and a genuine focus on hospitality. At the heart of our development is The Social, our food, beverage and retail destination, bringing together a café, bar, casual dining and convenience store. Designed to be much more than somewhere to grab a coffee or a bite to eat, The Social is a place for students, residents and the wider St Andrews community to come together.
We are now looking for an ambitious, commercially minded Assistant Operations Manager (Food & Beverage) to take ownership of The Social and help us realise its full potential.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced hospitality professional who enjoys being hands-on, leading from the front and making a genuine difference to a business. You will take responsibility for the day-to-day operation and commercial performance of The Social, overseeing our food and beverage offering, retail operation, team performance and overall customer experience.
We are looking for someone who thinks like a business owner, understands the importance of delivering an exceptional customer experience and is equally comfortable reviewing a P&L, developing a new promotion or jumping behind the bar during a busy service. You will have the autonomy to bring forward ideas, challenge how we do things and play a key role in shaping the future of The Social.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the daily operation of The Social, ensuring consistently high standards across the café, bar, kitchen and retail store.
- Drive revenue, increase footfall and identify new commercial opportunities across all areas of the business.
- Manage labour costs, stock control, purchasing, gross profit margins and operational expenditure to deliver agreed financial targets.
- Lead, motivate and develop the team, creating a positive, accountable and customer-focused culture.
- Ensure exceptional standards of presentation, cleanliness, merchandising and service throughout the operation.
- Work closely with our sales, marketing and resident experience teams to develop promotions, events and initiatives that encourage engagement and repeat visits.
- Oversee food safety, licensing, health and safety and all relevant operational compliance.
- Review sales performance, understand customer trends and proactively adapt the offering to improve profitability.
- Build relationships with residents and the wider St Andrews community, establishing The Social as a destination in its own right.
About You
We are looking for someone with a genuine passion for hospitality, strong commercial instincts and the confidence to take ownership of a diverse operation. You will ideally have:
- Experience in a management role within hospitality, ideally across food, beverage or a multi-outlet environment.
- A strong understanding of hospitality financial performance, including P&L management, labour productivity, stock control and gross profit.
- A proven ability to lead teams, maintain standards and deliver results.
- A proactive, entrepreneurial approach, with the confidence to introduce new ideas and challenge existing ways of working.
- Excellent organisational skills and an eye for detail.
- A willingness to be hands-on and support the team wherever needed.
- A genuine enthusiasm for creating memorable customer experiences.
If you are passionate about hospitality and have the experience and drive to lead one of our fantastic venues, we’d love to hear from you.
Assistant Operations Manager (Food & Beverage) in St Andrews employer: Scotsman Group
Scotsman Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture across its diverse venues, including restaurants and hotels housed in beautifully restored buildings. As a Pastry Commis Chef, you'll benefit from a supportive team environment that prioritises high standards of food quality and hygiene, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within the culinary field. Join us to be part of a dynamic kitchen team where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Operations Manager (Food & Beverage) in St Andrews
✨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 Scotsman Group. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Scotsman Group
Don't be shy about reaching out to Scotsman Group 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 Operations Manager (Food & Beverage) in St Andrews
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 Scotsman Group 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 Scotsman Group
✨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!
