Join Our Team at Zen Group – Elevate Your Career at Zen in Durham!
Who We Are…
At Zen Group, we’re redefining dining in Durham City, offering everything from mouthwatering sandwiches and burgers to exceptional Asian fusion cuisine across our beloved venues. As a locally owned and rapidly growing hospitality group, now is the perfect time to join us. We are behind four of Durham’s most iconic spots – Zen, Tango, The Rabbit Hole, and Whitechurch – and we’re continuing to evolve and expand. With exciting recent developments, including the relocation of Tango to a new venue and the renovation of The Rabbit Hole, we’re investing in both our venues and our incredible team.
Zen, our flagship venue, is at the heart of it all – a vibrant hub serving up to 1,800 covers per week with a focus on high-energy Asian fusion dining and exceptional guest experiences.
What We Need…
We are seeking a dynamic, driven, and passionate Assistant Restaurant Manager to join our Zen team in Durham. If you’re an experienced hospitality professional ready to support senior leadership, drive operational excellence, and help shape the future of one of Durham’s top dining destinations, this is your opportunity.
You’ll bring a keen eye for detail, be adaptable, and thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment. As Assistant Restaurant Manager, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Restaurant Manager, overseeing daily operations, leading shifts, and ensuring our guests receive unforgettable experiences. You’ll manage teams during peak times, handle high-volume service, and contribute to training and development – all while maintaining our commitment to excellence.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Is proactive and always pushing for the best in team performance and guest satisfaction.
- Has a genuine passion for hospitality, customer service, and Asian fusion cuisine.
- Is comfortable in a high-volume, full-service restaurant environment.
- Can lead, develop, and motivate a team while supporting senior management.
- Is eager to learn, grow, and advance within a company that’s on the rise.
In return, we offer:
- A competitive salary of £32,000 per year, plus TRONC/service charge on top.
- Heavily subsidised meals during shifts.
- Discounts across all Zen Group venues.
- A clear and achievable pathway for career growth, with opportunities to progress to Restaurant Manager or beyond in our expanding group.
Why Zen Group?
At Zen Group, we believe in the potential of our people. We are committed to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity and individuality. Whether you're a seasoned assistant manager or stepping up from a supervisory role, we value your skills and experience. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and if there’s any way we can make the recruitment process easier for you, don’t hesitate to let us know at [email protected].
The Perks of Joining Zen Group:
- Competitive salary of £32,000 plus performance-based bonuses and TRONC/service charge.
- Subsidised meals during shifts.
- Discounts across all Zen Group venues.
- Access to exciting company events.
- Opportunities for career growth and progression in a dynamic, growing group.
- On-site parking and flexible scheduling to support work-life balance.
The Role:
- Job Types: Full-time
- Salary: £32,000 per year, with potential for performance bonuses, TRONC/service charge, and tips.
- Expected Hours: 40–45 hours per week.
- Additional Pay: Bonus scheme, performance bonus, tips.
- Schedule: Flexible shifts (including 8-hour, 10-hour, or 12-hour options) with day shifts, Monday to Friday, and weekend availability required.
Requirements:
- 2+ years of supervisory or assistant management experience in hospitality (required).
- 2+ years of restaurant experience, ideally in a high-volume or full-service setting (required).
- Previous experience in restaurant management or Asian fusion cuisine (preferred).
- Strong customer service skills and the ability to handle high-pressure situations (required).
- Driving Licence (preferred) for occasional group-wide support.
How to Apply:
To apply, simply email your CV and a brief cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for Assistant Restaurant Manager at Zen to [email protected]. We can’t wait to meet you and see how you can make a difference at Zen Group!
Our Commitment to Diversity:
We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all individuals. We encourage those who may need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to reach out to us.
We look forward to seeing how you’ll grow with Zen Group!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £32,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Durham: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Language:
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: Zen Assistant Manager
