Assistant Restaurant Manager

ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER – HAUTE DOLCI LEICESTER

Store: Haute Dolci Leicester
Location: Leicester City Centre, LE1
Role Type: Permanent
Reports To: Area Manager / Franchisees
Relocation: No financial relocation package is available; however, practical support with relocation may be provided where possible.

ABOUT HAUTE DOLCI

Haute Dolci is a premium hospitality brand recognised for high-quality desserts, food, drinks and exceptional guest experiences.

We are looking for an experienced, commercially minded and hands-on Assistant Store Manager to join our Leicester operation and help us develop a high-performing team while driving sales, service standards and operational excellence.

⭐ EVENTS MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE – A STRONG ADVANTAGE

Candidates with previous events management, private dining, functions, weddings, corporate events or hospitality events experience will be viewed particularly favourably.

We are especially interested in candidates who understand how to:

• Coordinate and manage events or large group bookings.
• Communicate professionally with event organisers and guests.
• Plan staffing and operational requirements for events.
• Coordinate food, service, timings and guest requirements.
• Upsell packages, menus and additional services.
• Deliver events smoothly while maintaining excellent guest service.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Events experience is not essential, but it will be a significant advantage when selecting candidates for interview.

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Store Manager will support the Store Manager, Area Manager and Franchisees across all aspects of store operations, team management, administration, customer experience and commercial performance.

You will be expected to be highly visible on the floor, lead by example and actively support both front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) operations.

The successful candidate will help develop the team, improve sales, maintain brand standards, control labour and operating costs, support marketing initiatives and provide management cover whenever required.

There may also be opportunities to support events, special functions, promotional activities and future store openings.

1. OPERATIONS & COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE

• Support the achievement of daily, weekly and monthly sales and performance targets.
• Drive consistently high standards of product quality, cleanliness, service and presentation.
• Deliver an exceptional guest experience and actively improve customer retention.
• Support both FOH and BOH teams whenever required to ensure smooth store operations.
• Maximise Average Transaction Value (ATV) through effective team coaching, upselling and commercial awareness.
• Support local marketing activities, promotions and brand campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to increase footfall, repeat business and overall store revenue.
• Maintain excellent performance across delivery platforms.
• Help maintain Google and TripAdvisor ratings above 4.7, actively encouraging genuine customer feedback and responding appropriately to service concerns.
• Ensure opening and closing procedures are completed correctly.
• Ensure the store, equipment and team are always professionally presented.
• Identify maintenance or equipment issues and ensure they are reported and followed through to resolution.
• Ensure company procedures, operating standards and policies are consistently followed.
• Maintain maximum menu and product availability throughout trading hours, including full availability at opening wherever reasonably possible.
• Learn and understand all key aspects of food preparation and production and work alongside the team when required.
• Identify operational weaknesses and implement practical improvements.
• Handle customer complaints professionally, promptly and commercially.
• Work within agreed labour and Cost of Sales (COS) budgets.
• Take responsibility for food safety, health & safety, security and operational compliance.

2. TEAM LEADERSHIP, TRAINING & RECRUITMENT

• Lead by example and create a positive, professional and accountable working environment.
• Train and coach employees across all relevant areas of their roles.
• Develop a flexible, multi-skilled and high-performing team.
• Monitor individual and team performance and address areas requiring improvement.
• Ensure training records are properly completed and regularly updated.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee files and associated administration.
• Support recruitment, interviewing, onboarding and induction of new team members.
• Support staff development and identify employees with potential for progression.
• Ensure clear and effective communication between team members and senior management.

3. EVENTS & LARGE BOOKINGS

Where required, the Assistant Store Manager may support events, celebrations, group bookings and other special functions.

Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting enquiries and event planning.
• Coordinating operational requirements before an event.
• Planning appropriate staffing levels.
• Liaising with kitchen and FOH teams.
• Ensuring menus, products and equipment are prepared in advance.
• Managing guest expectations and special requirements.
• Supporting upselling and revenue opportunities.
• Supervising the event on the day.
• Ensuring excellent service from arrival through to completion.
• Resolving any issues quickly and professionally.

Previous experience managing hospitality events, weddings, private functions, conferences, corporate events or large bookings would therefore be a major advantage.

4. STOCK MANAGEMENT

• Maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Ensure stock is stored safely, securely and correctly.
• Minimise waste, shortages and unnecessary stockholding.
• Carry out weekly stock checks.
• Investigate stock discrepancies and take appropriate corrective action.
• Support accurate ordering and inventory management.

5. FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support all store financial and operational administration.
• Monitor stock, cash, payroll, labour and inventory controls.
• Ensure store records are accurate, compliant and up to date.
• Complete daily and weekly paperwork accurately and within required deadlines.
• Action instructions and communications from senior management promptly.
• Report daily end-of-day performance figures to senior management.
• Take responsibility for store keys, safes and security procedures where required.
• Investigate cash shortages and other discrepancies.
• Ensure till and safe floats remain within authorised limits.
• Support accurate labour planning and rota management.

6. FOOD SAFETY, HEALTH & SAFETY

• Maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene at all times.
• Follow all company Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure required compliance checks and records are completed accurately and on time.
• Identify and escalate food safety, health & safety or operational risks.
• Promote a strong culture of cleanliness, safety and compliance throughout the store.
• Ensure the safety and security of employees, guests and company property.

7. GENERAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide management cover whenever reasonably required.
• Attend management meetings and training courses.
• Be available to support the business in emergencies where reasonable.
• Maintain a professional image when dealing with guests, employees, suppliers and external partners.
• Support new initiatives, projects, promotions and potential future store openings.
• Carry out other reasonable duties requested by senior management.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in restaurant, café, dessert, casual dining or hospitality management.
• A strong and confident team leader.
• Commercially aware and comfortable working with sales, labour and cost targets.
• Highly organised and able to manage several priorities simultaneously.
• Comfortable working hands-on alongside FOH and BOH teams.
• Passionate about delivering exceptional customer service.
• Confident dealing with complaints and challenging situations.
• Able to coach, motivate and hold employees accountable.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible regarding evenings, weekends and peak trading periods.

Particularly Desirable

Previous events management experience will be a major positive, particularly experience involving:

• Weddings and celebrations
• Private functions
• Corporate events
• Conferences
• Large group bookings
• Premium hospitality
• Banqueting or private dining
• Event sales and upselling
• Event planning and coordination

FLEXIBILITY

This job description is not exhaustive. As part of a growing hospitality business, managers are expected to demonstrate flexibility and assist other areas of the operation where reasonably required and where appropriate training has been provided.

We place a strong emphasis on teamwork, accountability, commercial performance and delivering an outstanding experience for every guest.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: £12.71-£14.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Gym membership
• Store discount

Application question(s):

• Are you able to provide two referees to verify your experience?
• Are you currently resident in the UK?

Experience:

• Hospitality: 2 years (required)

Language:

• fluent English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• food safety certification (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person