Restaurant Manager

Summary

Chalk at Wiston Estate whom hasrecently been awarded five stars from William Sitwell at The Telegraph, and holder of a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award, isseeking a dedicated and experienced Restaurant Manage.

The restaurantworks alongside a Multi award-winning winery set in the heart of the South Downs.

The Restaurant Manager will oversee the daily operations of the establishment. The ideal candidate will ensure the restaurant operates efficiently, maintains a high standard of customer satisfaction, and achieves profitability goals. This role involves managing staff, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and creating a welcoming environment for guests

Responsibilities:

People

• Recruit, train, and supervise front of house restaurant staff, ensuring high levels of engagement and performance.
• Responsible for inducting all staff inclusive of mandatory H&S requirements such as e-learning and equipment specific training.
• Schedule shifts for front of house to ensure adequate staffing during peak and off-peak hours.
• To provide leadership, coaching, learning and development across the team and foster a positive work environment.
• Responsible for collating payroll data and sending to Head of People within scheduled payroll dates.
• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, especially the in-house Chef team.

Customer Experience

• To help deliver an exceptional customer experience, in line with the Estate values
• Resolve complaints promptly and professionally
• To continuously look for areas of development and improvement in the guest experience, including monitoring online reviews and implement strategies to enhance customer satisfaction.
• To monitor and develop staff to consistently meet exceptional customer experience
• Work closely with chefs and kitchen staff to keep knowledge relevant and up to date regarding menu/allergens.
• Work with Retail Manager regarding private events within the restaurant.

P&L

• To support in the preparation and delivery of achievable sales budgets
• To engage the team in the weekly sales targets and increasing spend per head with upselling.
• To manage the rota effectively across all operating spaces to deliver target wage costs
• To ensure appropriate levels of all beverage stock are maintained and tracked
• Ensure accurate monthly stock takes with minimum variance between actual and book.

Planning & Operations

• Oversee daily restaurant operations, including opening and closing procedures.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with suppliers for timely replenishment of stock.
• To ensure EPOS system data is clean and accurate at all times
• To support in ensuring all operating spaces meet and achieve 5* EHO compliance and high visual standards.

Statutory

• To ensure legal compliance, health & safety and operating standards are met and enforced across the front of house team
• Coordinate in house maintenance and repairs to ensure a clean and functional dining environment.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Restaurant Manager or similar role in the hospitality industry.
• Strong understanding of restaurant management software, POS systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage quality standards and regulations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Skills & Attributes

• Customer-focused approach with the ability to handle high-pressure situations calmly.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting and profit review.
• Passion for the food and hospitality industry.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to participate in service alongside front of house team
• Ability to guide or inspire others to achieve success