The Vine House is an independent restaurant and wine bar in Brighton, with a 60-cover restaurant, a large garden and space for private events. We are looking for an experienced and capable Assistant Restaurant Manager to join our team and play an important role in the day-to-day running and continued development of the business.
This is not simply a position for someone to supervise a shift. We are looking for someone who takes genuine ownership, leads from the front and wants to be part of building something special.
The Role
Working closely with the Restaurant Manager and owners, you will help run the restaurant to a consistently high standard across food, wine, service and hospitality.
You will:
- Take responsibility for the smooth running of service and act as Duty Manager when required.
- Lead, motivate and support the front-of-house team, setting high standards and leading by example.
- Ensure guests receive warm, attentive and knowledgeable service throughout their visit.
- Help manage rotas, staffing levels and the day-to-day organisation of the team.
- Work closely with the kitchen to ensure smooth communication and excellent service.
- Maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness and organisation throughout the restaurant, bar and garden.
- Deal confidently and professionally with guest feedback and any issues that arise during service.
- Assist with training and developing team members.
- Help oversee private events and larger bookings.
- Support stock control, ordering, opening and closing procedures and other operational requirements.
- Identify problems before they become problems and take responsibility for getting things done.
- Contribute ideas and improvements as the restaurant continues to develop.
Who We're Looking For
We are looking for someone with previous experience in a quality restaurant, wine bar, hotel or similar hospitality environment.
You should be:
- An experienced supervisor, senior waiter, duty manager or assistant manager ready to take the next step.
- A confident and natural leader who is comfortable taking responsibility.
- Passionate about hospitality and genuinely interested in giving guests an excellent experience.
- Organised, calm and capable of making good decisions during busy services.
- Someone who notices the details and takes pride in the condition and presentation of the restaurant.
- A strong communicator who can work effectively with both the front and back of house teams.
- Commercially aware and interested in how a successful restaurant operates.
- Reliable, hands-on and willing to get stuck in wherever needed.
Wine knowledge would be an advantage, but enthusiasm and a genuine interest in learning are equally important.
What We Offer
- £30,000–£33,000 per year + tronc
- A genuine opportunity to take responsibility within an independent Brighton restaurant.
- The opportunity to work closely with the owners and have a real influence on the development of the business.
- A varied role covering restaurant service, wine, events, the bar and our garden.
- The opportunity to develop your career as the business grows.
If you are an ambitious hospitality professional who wants more responsibility than simply running a shift, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £28,000.00-£33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
