Job Summary
Cavallo Ristorante & Bar is looking for an experienced, confident and hands-on Restaurant Manager to lead our front-of-house team in Pontefract.
You will take responsibility for the smooth day-to-day running of the restaurant, ensuring every service is organised, professional and welcoming. The successful candidate must be a strong leader who can manage a busy restaurant floor, motivate staff, resolve issues calmly and maintain consistently high standards of service.
This is not a purely administrative role. You will be expected to lead from the front, engage with guests and remain actively involved throughout service.
Previous restaurant management experience is essential.
Duties
- Oversee the daily operation of the restaurant and bar.
- Lead, supervise and motivate the front-of-house team.
- Manage busy services and ensure tables are served efficiently.
- Train new and existing team members to Cavallo’s service standards.
- Conduct pre-service briefings and allocate staff responsibilities.
- Welcome guests and ensure they receive friendly, attentive service.
- Manage reservations, table plans and large-party bookings.
- Respond professionally to guest feedback, complaints and special requests.
- Work closely with the kitchen team to maintain smooth communication during service.
- Monitor staff performance, punctuality, presentation and conduct.
- Ensure opening and closing procedures are completed correctly.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and food safety.
- Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering beverages and restaurant supplies.
- Handle cashing up, payments and end-of-day checks accurately.
- Support recruitment, staff development and performance management.
- Ensure licensing, health and safety and company procedures are followed.
- Help develop ideas to improve guest experience, sales and repeat business.
Requirements
- Previous experience managing a busy restaurant is essential.
- Strong leadership and team-management skills.
- Excellent knowledge of front-of-house restaurant operations.
- Confident handling guest complaints and difficult situations.
- Excellent communication and customer-service skills.
- Ability to remain calm, organised and decisive under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and high personal standards.
- Experience preparing rotas and managing labour effectively.
- Commercial awareness, including stock control and reducing waste.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- Knowledge of Italian food and wine would be beneficial but is not essential.
We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys hospitality, takes ownership of their role and understands how to create a warm, memorable experience for every guest.
Pay: Up to £33,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
