Front of House Manager Kiln, Ouseburn, Newcastle £40,000 - £45,000 + tips (£50,000–£55,000 realistic total) ·
Full-time Kiln started in 2017 in a broken old garage in Ouseburn — a pottery studio that served coffee on the side, until the food and the ceramics became inseparable. Nine years on, we're a Modern Middle Eastern kitchen, bar and café built on fire, craft and warmth, still serving off plates thrown a few metres from where you're sitting. In 2025, the Financial Times described Kiln as a “live gallery.”
This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll run the room in person, lead from the front, and set the standard by example. You'll lead the floor across the café, the bar and the restaurant, working as an equal partner to the Head Chef — neither of you reports to the other; both of you report directly to our Founder.
We have real systems here: a documented floor plan, defined sections, a written steps of service, and clear commercial metrics for every zone. Your role is to run them, protect them, and make them better.
Roles & Responsibilities
Lead the floor team across café, bar and restaurant, with Assistant Supervisor support to help you run it.
Run service in person, on the floor.
Own the commercial numbers for your zones: café volume and loyalty, bar spend per head, restaurant table turnaround.
Hire and develop your own team, including delivering every new starter's induction yourself. Work closely with the kitchen on pace and standards.
Who We're Looking For A hands-on leader who leads from the front and by example. Someone who genuinely enjoys being a warm host, and enjoys running what is, at heart, a family restaurant.
A real interest in Kiln's history and craft.
A genuine interest in Ouseburn itself — a place built on community and creativity — and in the arts that shape it.
An understanding that Kiln sits at the meeting point of two food cultures: Middle Eastern and Northumbrian. We take produce from the land and sea around the UK and exchange it with a Middle Eastern spice ladder — za'atar, sumac, dukkah. The two cultures share the same instinct: food placed in the middle of the table, eaten together, by hand, with bread to mop up the sauce.
Proven management experience in a quality-casual or fine-dining restaurant, bar or café. Comfortable owning commercial numbers, not just service standards.
What We Offer £45,000 base, plus tips — realistically £50,000–£55,000 total.
A structured three-month onboarding period, with direct support from our Founder.
Staff meals, staff discount, and access to our ceramics studio.
Equal standing with the Head Chef, both reporting directly to the Founder.
A business investing in this role to build a lasting team.
Apply Send your CV and a few honest lines about why Kiln appeals to you to [email protected].
At Kiln, everyone is welcome. We're committed to an inclusive workplace and encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply
Pay: £40,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
