Are you a natural leader with a passion for hospitality, exceptional customer service and developing high-performing teams?
The Red Lion, Northop is looking for an experienced Restaurant Manager to lead our front of house operation, ensuring every guest receives a first-class experience from the moment they arrive until they leave.
This is a hands-on management role within a busy village pub and restaurant, hosting regular private functions and events throughout the year.
The Role
* Full-time position
* Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
* Closed every Monday
* One additional day off each week (weekday or weekend, arranged on a rota)
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, motivate and develop the Front of House team to deliver exceptional service.
* Work closely with the General Manager, Owners, Head Chef and Kitchen Team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
* Take overall responsibility for the restaurant floor, maintaining high standards throughout every service.
* Build strong relationships with guests and provide a warm, professional welcome.
* Liaise with private function organisers from booking through to the event itself, ensuring every detail is delivered to an exceptional standard.
* Ensure all functions and events run seamlessly alongside normal restaurant service.
* Act as a key holder, opening and closing the premises and carrying out end-of-day procedures.
* Manage staff rotas, daily briefings and service planning.
* Train, coach and support team members, helping them develop confidence and excellent service standards.
* Lead by example during busy service periods.
* Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation throughout the restaurant and bar.
* Handle customer feedback professionally, resolving any issues quickly and positively.
* Monitor stock levels, place orders where required and help control costs.
* Ensure licensing, health & safety and food hygiene procedures are always followed.
* Maintain strong communication between the front and back of house teams to create a positive working environment.
* Assist with recruitment, induction and ongoing performance management of the Front of House team.
Essential Requirements
* Previous management experience within hospitality.
* Cellar experience is essential.
* Excellent leadership and communication skills.
* Passion for delivering outstanding customer service.
* Strong organisational and time management skills.
* Ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure.
* Confident managing busy restaurant services alongside private functions.
* A positive, proactive and “can-do” attitude.
* Flexible and reliable with a willingness to lead from the front.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys hospitality. Someone who notices the little details, inspires their team, builds great relationships with customers and takes pride in creating memorable experiences.
You should be equally comfortable welcoming a table of two for lunch as you are coordinating a 100-guest private function. You’ll understand that outstanding service isn’t just about serving food—it’s about creating an atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary based on experience.
* Regular Monday off, plus one additional day each week.
* A supportive management team with genuine opportunities to influence the business.
* Free on-duty meals.
* Free on-site parking.
* Company pension.
* A varied role with restaurant service, functions and special events.
* Opportunities for progression as the business continues to grow.
If you’re an experienced hospitality professional looking for your next challenge and want to be part of an ambitious, customer-focused team, we’d love to hear from you.
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
