Garden Centre Restaurant Manager

Hillier Nurseries Limited; Hampton in Arden; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known garden centre in Hampton in Arden is seeking an experienced Restaurant Manager to oversee its restaurant operations. The role requires leading a dedicated team, ensuring high customer service and food quality standards, and managing costs effectively. Ideal candidates will have significant hospitality management experience, kitchen knowledge, and strong interpersonal skills. This full-time position offers competitive remuneration and a supportive work environment within a family business with over 150 years of history.

Benefits

Salary of up to £30,000 per annum

Sociable hours, daytime only

Enhanced pension scheme

Full training and online learning opportunities

Employee discount of 20%

Free on-site parking

31 days annual leave (pro-rata if part-time)

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality management for both front and back of house.
• Ability to support in kitchen operations as needed.
• Thorough understanding of allergens and health regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the restaurant.
• Ensure high standards of customer service and food quality.
• Lead and train a dedicated team, managing stock and controlling costs.

Skills

Management in hospitality

Kitchen experience

Health and Safety knowledge

Strong communication skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Job description

Our Hillier Garden Centre at Hampton in Arden is a well‑established and popular destination for gardening enthusiasts, offering a wide range of plants, gifts, and outdoor living products. Our on‑site restaurant is a key part of the experience, providing customers with delicious, freshly prepared meals, light snacks, cakes, and beverages.

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Restaurant Manager to oversee the daily operations of our restaurant. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of customer service, food quality, and operational efficiency. You will lead a dedicated team, manage stock and supplies, control costs, and work closely with the Garden Centre Manager to maximise the restaurant’s success.

This is a full‑time, permanent position, working 37.5 hours per week. Hours are scheduled on a rota basis and averaged over a two‑week pattern.

We offer:

• Salary of up to £30,000 per annum
• Sociable hours (daytime only)
• Alternate weekend working
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Full training
• Online Learning Hub
• Employee discount of 20%
• Discount of 50% on restaurant menu whilst on shift
• 31 days annual leave (pro‑rata if part‑time)
• Free on‑site parking
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for both you and your immediate family, including free counselling on health, financial, legal and personal/family matters
• Company Christmas gifts (eligibility based on start date with company)
• Free access to exclusive retail discounts, deals and coupons, plus extra cashback on your Amazon and food shop
• Free solo entry to the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey and deals at other gardens nationally

We are looking for a candidate with the following skills and experience:

• Worked in hospitality at management level for both front and back of house
• A good level of kitchen experience and food knowledge with the ability to ‘step in and support’ if and when required
• Thorough understanding of allergens
• Knowledgeable in maintaining and monitoring Health and Safety in the department
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to deal with employees at all levels, as well as external contacts
• Able to be responsive to challenges and demonstrate a ‘can do’ approach
• Remains calm under pressure
• Effective time management
• Eager to support and contribute to the wider team
• Work with energy, pace and passion
• Good organisation and prioritisation skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and forward‑thinking ethos
• Demonstrate a professional, enthusiastic and flexible approach
• Able to promote excellent teamwork to achieve exceptional customer experience

You will be joining a renowned and established family business of over 150 years, working in a fun and friendly environment with an amazing bunch of people. We also place great value on all our team members and how they contribute to the ongoing success and growth of our company.

Have we captured your interest, and would you like to know more? Then please apply and we will be in touch with you soon.

Please note that we will only consider candidates who are already located in the UK and have right to work status.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.