Basking in the glory of its numerous accolades, Winslade Manor stands as a beacon of excellence and sophistication. Nestled in an idyllic setting, the manor is celebrated for its timeless charm and unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience. As we embark on a new chapter, we are in search of a proactive and hands-on Restaurant Manager to lead our team and uphold the highest standards of service.
Job Overview
As Restaurant & Events Operations Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring consistently excellent standards across our food, beverage and guest experience.
You will lead the day-to-day restaurant operation, taking ownership of everything from rotas and ordering through to service standards, bookings and team performance.
Alongside this, you will work closely with our Events Team to deliver a programme of high-quality events, with particular responsibility for the operational delivery of larger dining events. This will include coordinating front-of-house teams, managing casual staff and ensuring that every detail is delivered to the standard our guests expect.
We are looking for someone who is equally comfortable planning behind the scenes and leading from the front.
Key Responsibilities
Restaurant Operation
- Take day-to-day operational responsibility for the restaurant and bar service.
- Create and manage staff rotas, ensuring appropriate staffing levels for both normal service and peak periods.
- Lead, motivate and develop the front-of-house team, creating a positive and high-performing culture.
- Manage casual and temporary staff, ensuring they are properly briefed and supported.
- Maintain consistently high standards of service, presentation and guest experience.
- Oversee restaurant bookings, reservations and table planning.
- Manage food, beverage and operational ordering within agreed budgets.
- Monitor stock levels, wastage and cost control.
- Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure smooth communication between front and back of house.
- Play an active role in menu development, providing input based on customer feedback, operational practicality and commercial performance.
- Handle guest feedback professionally and proactively, ensuring issues are resolved quickly.
- Ensure all relevant licensing, health & safety, food safety and operational procedures are followed.
- Events Operations
- Work closely with the Events Team to plan and deliver large dining events, private functions and other experiences at Winslade Manor.
- Take operational responsibility for the restaurant and front-of-house element of events from planning through to delivery.
- Build and manage event staffing plans, including the recruitment, briefing and deployment of casual staff.
- Lead event teams on the ground, ensuring everyone understands their role and the required service standards.
- Coordinate closely with chefs, kitchen teams, event managers, suppliers and other partners.
- Ensure event spaces are set up, staffed and ready to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
- Maintain the high standards of event delivery that Winslade Manor has become known for.
- Carry out post-event reviews and identify opportunities to improve future events.
- Support the continued growth of the events business by helping develop efficient, scalable operational processes.
About You
You will ideally have experience managing a busy restaurant, hospitality venue, events operation or similar environment and be comfortable taking responsibility for both people and operational performance.
Most importantly, you will be:
- An experienced hospitality operator with a genuine passion for food, drink and great service.
- A natural leader who can inspire both permanent and casual teams.
- Highly organised, calm under pressure and able to juggle multiple priorities.
- Commercially aware, with an understanding of staffing, stock, margins and operational efficiency.
- Confident managing busy services and large-scale events.
- A great communicator who enjoys working collaboratively with chefs, event teams and the wider business.
- Hands-on and willing to get stuck in when required.
- Someone who notices the details that make a guest experience exceptional.
- Positive, energetic and solutions-focused.
- Comfortable working evenings, weekends and during busy event periods.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary and performance-based incentives
- Opportunity to work in one of Devon’s most prestigious hospitality venues
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
Opportunities for growth and development within an ambitious and expanding business