About the Role
Smoke BBQ Ltd is looking for an experienced, energetic and hands-on Front of House (FOH) Manager to lead our front-of-house team and deliver a consistently excellent experience for every guest.
The FOH Manager is responsible for the smooth day-to-day running of the restaurant floor, leading and developing the team, maintaining high standards of service, and supporting the commercial performance of the business.
This is a hands-on management position. We are looking for someone who is comfortable leading from the floor, setting the pace during busy services and creating a positive, accountable and welcoming environment for both guests and the team.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Service
Lead the FOH team to deliver friendly, efficient and consistently high-quality service.
Maintain a strong presence on the restaurant floor, particularly during peak periods.
Ensure guests are welcomed, seated and served promptly.
Handle guest feedback and complaints professionally and find appropriate solutions.
Maintain excellent knowledge of the food and drinks menu and ensure the team can confidently communicate this to guests.
Create an atmosphere that reflects the Smoke BBQ brand and encourages guests to return.
Team Leadership
Lead, motivate and support the FOH team during every service.
Assist with recruiting, onboarding and training new team members.
Provide regular coaching, feedback and development to employees.
Conduct pre-shift briefings and ensure the team understands daily priorities, bookings, menu changes and targets.
Set clear expectations around performance, behaviour, attendance and presentation.
Support performance management and disciplinary processes where required.
Build a positive team culture based on communication, teamwork and accountability.
Restaurant Operations
Take responsibility for opening and closing the restaurant when required.
Organise sections, staff deployment and breaks to ensure efficient service.
Manage reservations, walk-ins and table allocation effectively.
Ensure FOH areas are clean, organised and ready for service at all times.
Complete opening, closing and management checklists accurately.
Work closely with the kitchen team to maintain effective communication between FOH and BOH.
Ensure equipment, furniture and restaurant facilities are maintained and report issues promptly.
Commercial Performance
Support the General Manager in achieving sales, labour and profitability targets.
Monitor staffing levels and help control labour costs while maintaining service standards.
Encourage appropriate upselling and ensure the team understands sales priorities.
Monitor wastage, discounts, voids and complimentary items in line with company procedures.
Assist with stock management and stock counts where required.
Identify opportunities to improve sales, efficiency and the overall guest experience.
Cash & Systems
Ensure correct use of the EPOS and payment systems.
Complete cashing-up and end-of-day procedures accurately.
Investigate and report discrepancies where necessary.
Ensure discounts, refunds and voids are correctly authorised and recorded.
Maintain accurate operational records and complete required management reporting.
Health, Safety & Compliance
Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety and workplace safety.
Ensure FOH employees follow company policies and operating procedures.
Support compliance with licensing requirements, including responsible alcohol service and age-verification procedures.
Ensure accidents, incidents and hazards are reported and recorded correctly.
Support the management team in maintaining a safe environment for employees and guests.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate will have:
Previous experience in a supervisory or management role within a busy restaurant, bar or hospitality environment.
Strong leadership skills and the confidence to manage a team during high-volume services.
Excellent customer-service and communication skills.
A positive, practical and hands-on approach to management.
Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise under pressure.
Commercial awareness, including an understanding of sales, labour and cost control.
Confidence dealing with guest complaints and challenging situations.
A strong understanding of hospitality standards and health and safety.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required.
What Success Looks Like
A successful FOH Manager at Smoke BBQ Ltd will:
Deliver consistently high guest-service standards.
Build an engaged, knowledgeable and reliable FOH team.
Run organised, efficient and well-controlled services.
Maintain excellent restaurant presentation and operational standards.
Communicate effectively between FOH, kitchen and senior management.
Take ownership of problems and resolve them quickly.
Contribute positively to sales, cost control and overall restaurant performance.
Lead by example and represent Smoke BBQ Ltd professionally at all times.
Working at Smoke BBQ Ltd
We want our managers to take ownership of their restaurant, support their people and create a great experience for every guest. In return, you'll have the opportunity to develop your management skills, take on greater responsibility and play an important role in the continued success of Smoke BBQ Ltd.
Smoke BBQ Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.
Pay: £28,420.00-£34,243.13 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
