Assistant Manager (Wine Jobs: Management & Administration)

Managed by: General Manager

Department(s): Five Arrows & The Bow Location: Waddesdon

The Bow is a newly renovated Grade II listed pub set to open in September/October 2024 in Waddesdon. We are looking to appoint key roles now in order to invest time in training and preparation for this exciting new opening in the village. A sister venture to the well-established Five Arrows Hotel, The Bow will provide another opportunity for dining andentertaining for locals and visitors to Waddesdon Manor.

Waddesdon Manor is a Rothschild House and Gardens set in the Buckinghamshire countryside just outside Aylesbury. It was created for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s. Now owned by the National Trust but managed by a family trust (the Rothschild Foundation), it remains the epitome of ‘Rothschild style’.

The Assistant Manager is to be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the restaurant and bar operation run smoothly on a day to day basis.

The Assistant Manager will need to work closely with the General Manager, Hotel Manager, Pub Manager, and The Head Chefs, to enable The Bow and the Five Arrows Hotel run smoothly. The main objective of the Assistant Manager is to provide an excellent customer experience throughout the F&B operation and ensure that our staff are well trained, engaged and proactive.

We strive to be kind to colleagues and visitors creating and efficient, flexible and happy working environment, fostering individual commitment, enthusiasm and confidence.

Key responsibilities:-

Food Service

•  Ensure the serving of the food produced in the kitchens is consistent with the highest possible standard. This will need close liaison with the Head Chef and agreement as to how he wishes each dish to be served.
•  It will involve checking that tables, chairs, utensils, etc, are clean, that food arrives promptly and with the necessary accoutrements, and that each table is happy with their food.
•  A similar requirement is necessary for the bar area, where the Bar Person is the direct responsibility of the Assistant Manager.
•  Ensuring the smooth running of each individual service across both properties.
•  Maintain service equipment and hygiene standards Bar Service
•  Prepare alcohol or non-alcohol beverages for bar and restaurant patrons
•  Interact with customers, take orders for drinks and food service
•  Assist with front of house staff with customer service when required
•  Access customers’ needs and preferences and make recommendations
•  Mix ingredients to prepare cocktails
•  Plan and present bar menu
• Check customers identification and confirm it meets legal drinking age
• Restock and replenish bar inventory and supplies
• Stay guest focused and nurture an excellent guest experience
• Comply with all food and beverage regulations
• To lead training and take overall responsibility of the bar area

• To monitor and respond to emails on the [email protected] and [email protected] inboxs
• To check in and out hotel guests
• To be available for any guest queries or complaints with regards to rooms
• To be able to take bookings or amend/cancel existing reservations
• To ensure that all guest accounts are settled accurately and on time
• To be able to give guests accurate information on availability and rates Staff
• Work closely with the Hotel, Pub and General Manager to achieve optimum staffing levels throughout the year.
• Lead the training of front of house staff in all skills necessary for the successful completion of their duties; providing both induction training and encouraging the continued occupational development of staff members.
• Support with the motivation and line management of front of house staff to ensure an efficient and happy working environment, fostering individual commitment, enthusiasm and confidence.
• Ensure that all staff under your control read and understand the Waddesdon’s statement of policy for Health & Safety at Work and that they observe all Health & Safety at Work Regulations in accordance with its statutory obligations.
• Ensure the honesty and integrity of all front of house staff, and the early reporting of any possible problems to the Hotel Manager.
• Ensure the highest standards of punctuality, appearance, service, behaviour and politeness.

• Finance
• Ensure that every effort is made to achieve budgeted sales and operational expenses.
• Complying with financial procedures and the completion of returns as requested from time to time by the General Manager and the Accounts Department.
• Supervision of takings and the reconciliation of tills with daily takings. Discrepancies are the responsibility of the assistant manager and must be reported to General Manager within twenty-four hours.

Legal

• Ensure that all front of house staff follow health & safety and hygiene legislation and the Five Arrows Hotel & The Bow Standards of Procedures.

Equipment

• Ensure that all restaurant and bar fixtures and fittings are respected and cared for by all staff.

Supplies

• Ensuring the safety of Restaurant stocks and ordering stock where necessary.

Events

• Liaising with the Events Team to ensure that all those events which are under the Hotels responsibility are staffed, supplied and run efficiently, as per estimates, costings and schedules.

Personal

• You are expected to be punctual, dressed appropriately and adhere to the standards of appearance.

• You are also expected to attend all training sessions and have read all necessary policy documents, Health & Safety, Fire, Hygiene, etc. A knowledge of the Five Arrows Hotel, the Bow, Private Events and Waddesdon Manor and Grounds is expected, and all company policy as laid out in the Manual, Service Standards, Equipment Knowledge, Cleanliness of the Restaurant, Bar and Wash-Up, Disciplinary Procedures, etc.

This list is not exhaustive and additional duties may be required by the management team.

Skills and Experience

• A proven track record of delivering high standards of service and presentation
• Hands on bar and waiting experience in a busy hospitality environment with a minimum of two years’ experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Highly presentable with a proactive approach to maintaining excellent customer service
• Previous experience of managing and training staff in a team leader or supervisor capacity. Ability to inspire a team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
• Previous cash handling and cash reconciliation experience
• Willingness to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with varying schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• Able to follow and influence others to meet guidelines and present food to specified standards
• Intermediate Food Hygiene qualification

• A minimum of two years’ experience in a similar role; preferably in a hotel or banqueting environment.

Terms & Conditions:

Contract Type: Permanent full time

Salary: £28,730 plus a share of the discretionary service charge

Hours: 45 hours per week, on a five day rota to include weekends, evenings and split shifts. Hours of work to suit the needs of the business (exclusive of breaks). If an additional day is worked to your standard rota this will be paid as overtime as your normal hourly rate

Annual Leave: 33 days including public holidays (25 days plus 8 bank holidays).
Rising to 36 days on completion of three full years’ continuous service (including public holidays).
Rising to 38 days after 5 years’ continuous service (including public holidays). And rising to 40 days after 10 years’ continuous service (including public holidays).

Benefits:

• 50% Discount in Food 2 Go Catering, 20% in the Manor restaurant, Wine Shop & Retail Shop. 20% off food and drink at The Five Arrows and The Bow.
• Wellbeing support and a focus on staff engagement. Access to free 1:1 counselling.
• National Trust Staff Card which entitles free entry for two people at all NT properties and discount in their shops and restaurants.
• Matched company pension scheme up to 10% of salary.
• Beautiful location working within the charity and heritage sector.
• Free parking on site at Waddesdon.