About Sef Steakhouse
Sef Steakhouse is a modern, premium steakhouse in Cheltenham, offering a theatrical dining experience centred around premium cuts of meat cooked over a charcoal grill, complemented by a carefully selected wine list, cocktails, and a strong drinks offering.
We believe a great restaurant starts with a great team. Our focus is on delivering consistently high standards of food, service, and genuine hospitality while creating a professional and enjoyable atmosphere for both our guests and our team.
Job Overview
We are looking for an experienced and confident Assistant General Manager to work alongside the General Manager and play a key role in the day-to-day management and performance of Sef Steakhouse.
As the General Manager's second-in-command, you will have genuine responsibility for the restaurant's people, service standards, guest experience, and commercial performance.
This is a hands-on leadership position. You will be expected to lead from the floor during service while also taking ownership of the wider operation, supporting the development of the management team and ensuring the restaurant continues to operate consistently at a high standard.
You should be comfortable taking full responsibility for the restaurant in the General Manager's absence.
Role & Responsibilities
As Assistant General Manager, you will work closely with the General Manager to manage the overall operation and performance of the restaurant.
You will take a leading role during service, ensuring the restaurant, bar, and kitchen teams work together effectively and that guests receive warm, attentive, and professional hospitality throughout their experience.
You will take ownership of guest feedback and complaints, making confident decisions and resolving situations at the time wherever possible.
People development will be an important part of the position. You will support recruitment, onboarding and training while coaching and developing existing team members and junior managers. We want someone who can help build a capable, accountable, and consistent team rather than simply manage individual shifts.
Alongside the General Manager, you will have involvement in:
- Rota planning and labour management
- Sales performance and productivity
- Recruitment, training and team development
- Stock control and operational procedures
- Guest satisfaction and complaint management
- Opening and closing procedures
- Cash handling and daily financial controls
- Health & safety, licensing and operational compliance
- Maintaining restaurant, service and presentation standards
- Supporting the continued commercial development of the restaurant
You will be expected to understand the commercial side of the business and contribute towards improving sales, controlling costs, managing productivity, and delivering strong overall restaurant performance.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for an experienced hospitality manager with a strong background in busy, quality-led restaurants.
You may already be an Assistant General Manager, an experienced Assistant Manager ready for the next step, or a General Manager from a smaller operation looking to join a more established premium restaurant.
Essential:
- Previous restaurant management experience
- Strong leadership and people-management skills
- Experience leading high-volume restaurant services
- Excellent guest service and complaint-handling skills
- Experience training, coaching and developing teams
- Understanding of rota planning and labour management
- Good commercial and operational awareness
- Strong organisation and attention to detail
- Confidence making decisions and taking ownership
- Professional, positive and hands-on leadership style
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and peak trading periods
Desirable:
- Steakhouse or grill restaurant experience
- Premium casual or fine-dining background
- Strong wine and drinks knowledge
- Experience managing stock and GP
- Experience with restaurant budgets and financial performance
- Recruitment and performance-management experience
What We Offer
- £45,000 annual salary
- Free staff meals on shift
- Employee discounts
- Company events and a strong team culture
- Training and development in steak, wine, drinks and service standards
- Opportunity to further develop your operational and commercial management skills
- Genuine career progression within a growing restaurant business
Sef Steakhouse is looking for someone who wants to take real ownership of a restaurant operation, develop people, and work alongside the General Manager to continuously improve the performance of the business.
Pay: From £45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
