Food & Beverage Events Assistant Manager
We have an exciting opportunity to join our growing team at The Square, set within the UK's number 1 zoo. As part of the Food and Beverage team, the Assistant Manager will be responsible for the daily management of the events team in this unique event space, ensuring an outstanding experience for every guest. This is a fantastic chance to work in a truly special environment, where you’ll help deliver exceptional food and drink service in the heart of Chester Zoo.
The Role
As an Assistant Manager at The Square, our stunning wedding and event space set in the heart of Chester Zoo, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the front of house operations. You’ll work closely with our Head Chef and wider food and beverage team to deliver exceptional service, maintain high standards, and ensure our guests have a memorable experience every time they visit
You will:
Oversee the daily management of The Square, ensuring smooth service and an exceptional guest experience at all times
Lead, motivate, and develop the events, supporting recruitment, training, and performance management to uphold service excellence
Manage all food and beverage systems including EPOS, stock control, cash handling, and health and safety compliance
Utilise sales and performance data to inform decisions, set clear goals for the team, and react quickly to trading trends to drive results
Maximise revenue and profitability by monitoring payroll and spend, encouraging upselling, and minimising waste and shrinkage
Ensure all team members adhere to policies and procedures, including food safety standards, health and safety legislation, and licensing laws
Support the delivery of occasional events held within The Oakfield, ensuring they are integrated seamlessly with regular pub operations
This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone with previous experience in a management role in hospitality, who thrives in a high-quality, guest-focused environment.
The Package
You’ll be working a variety of shifts, including days and evenings for events such as weddings and corporate functions. Contract hours are 40 hours per week, 5 days out of 7 on a rota basis including weekends and bank holidays.
Permanent contract
£30,750 per annum based on 40 hours per week
33 days annual leave
Annual holiday buy/sell scheme
Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
Cycle to work scheme
Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
Discounted gym membership
Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
Our Requirements
Experience operating in a high-volume business, at a management level.
Exceptional guest service skills within a guest focused environment
Experienced people manager who is able to lead and inspire a team in a range of disciplines
Awareness of current food & beverage and event trends with the ability to benchmark against competitors and able to present ideas for improvement to introduce best practice ahead of the game
In depth knowledge and experience of Health & Hygiene Safety legislation processes
Good practical knowledge of budgets, forecasting and setting targets
Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to liaise to people at all levels
Computer literate with working knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft products
Knowledge of balancing guest requirements and service capabilities with the need to return a profit
Knowledge of effective performance monitoring systems
Although not essential, the following would be desirable
Experience of food & beverage in a leisure or visitor attraction environment
Experience of delivering events.
Hold a relevant vocational qualification in food & beverage
