Assistant Restaurant Manager

Join the ALTA Team Assistant Restaurant Manager & Wine Lead £48,000+ per annum (Depending on experience)
ALTA brings the lively spirit of asador (grilled meat) restaurants and San Sebastins vibrant Basque bars to the heart of Sohos iconic Kingly Court. Renowned Head Chef, Rob Roy Cameron, formerly of elBulli (Barcelona) and Rodero (Pamplona, Basque Regio n) , brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the kitchen.
As the Assistant Restaurant Manager & Wine Lead at ALTA, youll be responsible for :
As the Assistant Restaurant Manager & Wine Lead, you will combine your expertise in wine with strong leadership abilities to ensure exceptional guest experiences. This role is crucial to the smooth running of the floor operations. As an Assistant Restaurant manager, you must be able to step in and act as the Restaurant Manager in their absence. This is a dual role, you will jointly oversee the restaurants wine programme while also leading the front-of-house team in delivering smooth and efficient service.

Perks & Benefits:
50% staff dining discount across MOI, ALTA & DOMU

Extra holidays, kicks in after 2 years in the company, 1 day of holiday extra for each year completed. Up to 33 days max!

Cycle to work scheme, save on a new bike or Lime / Forest bike subscription

Fantastic Supplier trips & training

Generous opening Referral Bonus, Hourly staff referral - £350, Salaried staff - £700


Wellness, mental health, and healthcare perks

Delicious meals provided on shift

Opportunities for growth and professional development within an expanding restaurant group
What we Look for:
A passion for hospitality and delivering outstanding guest experiences

A natural outgoing hospitality professional who loves to interact with people

Excellent communication and organisational skills

Ability to multitask and thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment

Prior experience in a busy, high-end restaurant or similar setting

Ability to represent our restaurant with pride and professionalism.

Flexibility to respond to a variety of different work situations

Approachable, reliable, enthusiastic, and a true supportive team player across all departments including kitchen and bar staff, to ensure smooth operations

An appreciation of Basque cuisine and culture is a plus, but not essential

Ambassador of our brand through exceptional food and wine knowledge, and a genuine enthusiasm to share this with our guests. Maintain a deep knowledge of the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods.
Restaurant Supervision
Support the Restaurant Manager in overseeing daily operations, ensuring the seamless flow of service from front-of-house to the kitchen

Supervise the front-of-house team during service, addressing challenges and maintaining high standards of efficiency and professionalism

Assist in scheduling, training, and mentoring front-of-house staff to build a motivated and knowledgeable team

Conduct pre-service briefings, communicating key information about the menu, wine list, and special events to the team

Step into the Restaurant Managers role when required , ensuring consistency in leadership and service delivery

Wine Programme Management
Work under the guidance of the Beverage Manager to jointly curate and manage the restaurants wine list, ensuring a diverse, balanced sel ection th at complements the menu and aligns with the restaurants concept to deliver a fluid, exciting and complete culinary experience

Source high-quality wines from reputable suppliers, maintaining relationships to secure exclusive selections and competitive pricing

Monitor wine inventory and oversee stock rotation, ordering, and storage to minimise waste and maintain quality

Conduct regular staff training on wine and sake knowledge, service, and pairing recommendations to elevate team expertise

Stay informed about industry trends, new wine regions, and emerging producers to keep the wine list fresh and exciting

Operational and Financial Management
Monitor beverage sales and contribute to strategies to maximise revenue through upselling and thoughtful recommendations

Track and analyse key performance metrics, such as wine sales, inventory turnover, and guest feedback, to optimise the beverage programme and service operations

Assist in managing the restaurants budgets, contributing to cost control and profitability targets

Compliance and Standards

Ensure compliance with UK licensing laws and health and safety regulations in wine storage and service

Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and presentation in the wine storage and service areas
Set an example for the team by upholding the restaurants values, standards, and service ethos

Experience
At least 35 years of management experience in a high-end, fast-paced restaurant environment

Proven ability to manage daily operations while delivering outstanding results, ideally in central London or a similar market

Financial Management
Manage budgets and control costs, including labour, food, and beverage, to achieve financial targets

Monitor and evaluate sales performance, developing strategies to maximise revenue and minimise waste

Liaise with suppliers to ensure consistent quality and cost-effective procurement of goods

Team Development
Recruit, train, and mentor team members to build a motivated and high-performing team

Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback to encourage growth and accountability

Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued

Guest Experience
Deliver an exceptional guest experience by ensuring consistent, high-quality service at every touchpoint

Engage with guests to build strong relationships, resolve concerns promptly, and incorporate feedback into service improvements

Act as the face of the restaurant, representing the brand in the local community and at industry events

About ALTA:
Our menu is a tribute to the bustling streets of San Sebastin bold flavours, innovative twists, and shared plates designed to bring people together. Think mouthwatering pintxos , succulent grilled meats, and fresh seafood, all paired with an eclectic selection of Basque wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails.
ALTA is part of the MAD Restaurants Group , where we celebrate the differences within our team, believing they enrich the culture and character of our restaurants. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environmentembracing all ages, genders, identities, races, sexual orientations, and ethnicitieswhere everyone feels welcome, no matter their background.

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