Assistant Restaurant Manager

We are seeking a confident and passionate Assistant Restaurant Manager to join our Food & Beverage team and support the smooth, day to day operation of our restaurant.

Working closely with the Food & Beverage Manager, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional service, supporting team development, and ensuring consistently high standards across all aspects of the guest experience. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious hospitality professional looking to develop their leadership career within a quality dining environment.

About us

Set on the banks of the River Frome, The Priory Hotel is a Grade II listed country house hotel renowned for its historic charm, tranquil riverside gardens, and exceptional food led hospitality. Located just moments from the heart of Wareham, The Priory offers a refined yet welcoming environment where heritage, quality dining, and genuine service come together.

At the centre of the guest experience is The Garden Room Restaurant, a contemporary, light filled space overlooking the hotel's lawns and riverbank, celebrating modern British cuisine driven by seasonal, locally sourced Dorset produce. The restaurant is widely recognised in respected guides including The Good Hotel Guide and Trencherman's Guide, reflecting the property's ongoing commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the F&B Manager in the daily operation of the restaurant
• Lead by example during service, ensuring a warm, professional, and polished guest experience
• Supervise and motivate the team, maintaining service standards and workflow
• Assist with staff training, coaching, and ongoing developmentSupport rota planning, stock control, and ordering
• Ensure compliance with food safety, health & safety, and licensing regulations
• Handle guest feedback confidently and professionally
• Deputise for the Restaurant Manager when required

About You

• Previous experience as a Supervisor, Head Waiter, or Assistant Restaurant Manager
• Background in a quality restaurant, fine dining, premium casual, or hotel environment
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.
  • Strong time management & organisational skills
  • Strong Leadership & Team Support
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards.
  • Wine, Spirit & Beer knowledge (WSET or Wine Training desirable)
• Service flow & Table Management
• Effective communicator with a guest-first mindset.
  • Able to brief teams effectively and ensure service standards are understood
  • Act as a senior point of contact for resolving complex guest issues or complaints
  • Ensure a smooth and welcoming guest experience across all meal services.
• Committed to training and developing team members.
  • Experience supporting performance management and coaching team members
  • Willingness to grow into greater responsibility and support succession planning
• Professionalism & Presentation.
  • High Standards of personal presentation, conduct & communication
  • Act as a Brand Ambassador for the restaurant & wider property
  • High attention to detail and the ability to lead by example.

What We Offer

• A supportive and professional working environment
• Employee Discount, Sick Pay, Annual Leave, Meals on Shift
• Opportunities for training and career progression
• The chance to be part of a team striving for excellence and industry recognition
• Competitive salary between £30,000 - £33,000 (dependent on experience)

If you are an enthusiastic hospitality professional ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to a high quality dining experience, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to join our team.