Events Restaurants jobs

Role Overview

Following a multi-million-pound investment into our Grade I listed site, The Sherborne is seeking an exceptional Assistant Manager to lead our hospitality service to new heights. This isn't just about managing a floor; it’s about curating an atmosphere that matches our stunning modern pavilion, our restaurant and historic surroundings.

With hospitality revenues already reaching £1.2m, the Assistant Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day excellence of our café and restaurant operations. You will ensure that the "front of house" experience is seamless, sophisticated, and warm, making every visitor feel valued, whether they are stopping for a quick coffee or enjoying a full dining experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Excellence: Lead the daily operations of the restaurant and pavilion café, ensuring a high-standard, consistent service that reflects The Sherborne’s premium reputation.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and inspire a front-of-house team. You will foster a culture of professional hospitality, ensuring staff are knowledgeable about our menus, local provenance, and the history of the house.
• Financial Performance: Work closely with the Head of Hospitality to manage labour costs, maximise spend per head, and drive upselling initiatives.
• Collaboration: Partner with the Head Chef to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen and floor, ensuring dietary requirements are met, and service flows efficiently.
• Customer Relations: Serve as the face of the restaurant, handling guest feedback diplomatically and ensuring every visitor receives a "first-class" experience.
• Health & Safety: Maintain rigorous standards of food hygiene, health and safety, and licensing compliance across all dining areas.
• Event Support: Coordinate with the Events Manager to ensure the hospitality team is perfectly transitioned and prepared for private dinners, weddings, and cultural functions.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven Experience: A successful track record as a Restaurant Manager or Assistant Manager in a high-volume, premium environment.
• Leadership: Ability to lead from the front, remaining calm under pressure while motivating a diverse team.
• Communication: Outstanding verbal communication skills and a natural ability to build rapport with local regulars and new visitors alike.
• Detail-Oriented: A sharp eye for "the little things"—from the polish on the glass to the alignment of the tables.
• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of P&L, stock control, and margin management within a hospitality setting.

Desirable

• Heritage Experience: Prior experience working within a cultural institution, gallery, or Grade I/II listed venue.
• Local Knowledge: An understanding of the South West food scene and the Sherborne community.
• System Savvy: Proficiency with modern EPOS systems, booking platforms (e.g., OpenTable, ResDiary), and staff scheduling software.

About The Sherborne

The Sherborne is a thriving cultural institution located in the heart of Dorset. We have combined a rich historical legacy with a modern pavilion-style extension to create a unique destination for art, culture, and dining. With a loyal visitor base and ambitious growth plans, we provide a stable yet energetic environment for hospitality professionals who want to make a tangible impact.

This is an ideal role for a hospitality leader who has a passion for service excellence and the ambition to help grow one of the South West's most exciting new destinations.

Pay: Up to £34,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Application question(s):

• Are you available to work at weekends?

Experience:

• Hospitality management: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person