Assistant Restaurant Manager

About the role

The Assistant Restaurant Manager supports the Restaurant Manager in delivering a high‑quality dining experience across Dobbies’ restaurant outlets. You will help drive commercial performance, maintain food hygiene standards and ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee fast‑paced restaurant operations, covering both kitchen and front‑of‑house activities.
• Lead and motivate a team to provide excellent customer service.
• Ensure strict compliance with health and safety regulations at all times.
• Manage stock levels, minimise waste and guarantee the kitchen is fully equipped.
• Support in‑store events such as seasonal promotions and regular fixtures like Afternoon Teas.
• Communicate with central support teams to streamline operations and provide feedback.
• Collaborate with the wider Garden Centre Management team to maintain a safe, commercially successful environment.

Required profile

• Passion for hospitality with proven restaurant management experience.
• Commercial awareness, understanding of budgets and profitability.
• Ability to manage stock controls and adhere to health & safety standards.
• Strong coaching and training capabilities to develop team performance.
• Adaptability to changing priorities, workload and new regulations.
• Positive attitude when leading change and motivating staff.
• Alignment with Dobbies’ values: teamwork, continuous improvement, customer focus, and love for gardens.

Required skills

• None explicitly listed as technical skills.

What we offer

• Generous annual leave with flexible holiday usage.
• Uncapped employee discount: 50% off restaurant meals, 25% off garden centre, 10% off food halls.
• Access to Stream for financial wellbeing, including early wage access.
• Retail Trust wellbeing platform with virtual GP, counselling and rewards.
• Opportunities for development through Dobbies Academy.