Garden Centre Restaurant Manager

Hillier Nurseries Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known UK garden centre is seeking an experienced Restaurant Manager to oversee daily operations. You will deliver exceptional customer service while managing a dedicated team and maintaining high food quality standards. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary up to £36,000 per annum, with sociable working hours. Join a family business with a rich history and enjoy numerous benefits, including enhanced pension, discounts, and more in a friendly environment.

Benefits

Enhanced pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee discount of 20%

31 days annual leave

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Worked in hospitality at management level for both front and back of house.
• Knowledgeable in maintaining and monitoring Health and Safety in department.
• Ability to promote excellent team work for exceptional customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the restaurant.
• Deliver outstanding customer service and high standards of food quality.
• Manage stock, supplier relationships and control costs.

Skills

Experience in hospitality management

Kitchen experience and food knowledge

Communication and interpersonal skills

Strong time management

Calm under pressure

Attention to detail

Job description

Hillier Garden Centre at Sunningdale is a well-established and much-loved destination for gardening enthusiasts, offering an extensive range of plants, gifts, and outdoor living products. Our on-site restaurant plays a central role in the customer experience and has recently undergone a major redevelopment and expansion — creating an exciting opportunity for a talented Restaurant Manager to lead its next chapter.

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic individual to take full ownership of the restaurant’s daily operations. This is a full‑time, permanent role, working 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis, including some weekend shifts. The salary for this position is up to £36,000 per annum, depending on experience.

As Restaurant Manager, you will be responsible for delivering outstanding customer service, maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation, and ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the restaurant throughout the day. You will lead a dedicated team, manage stock and supplier relationships, control costs, and work closely with the Garden Centre Manager to drive performance and customer satisfaction.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a newly enhanced setting, supported by a trusted brand and a committed team.

We offer:

• Rate of pay of up to £36,000 per annum, depending on experience
• 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
• 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 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 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 team work 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.

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.