Restaurant Manager

New Today

40 hours per week/5 days a week (9am5pm typical; 12 evenings per week), Weekend availability required.
About River Cottage
At River Cottage, we live by the philosophy that great food can inspire healthier, happier lives and positive change from the soil to the plate. Founded by TV chef Hugh Fearnley - Whittingstall, our award - winning brand champions seasonal, local, organic, and ethically sourced produce across its cookery school, farm, and dining experiences.
The River Cottage Kitchen offers a relaxed yet vibrant dining destination with indoor and outdoor seating, serving an all - day seasonal menu using ingredients grown on the River Cottage farm and sourced from trusted local growers. Guests come for breakfast, brunch, lunch, drinks, and farm - to - table feasts set against sweeping views of the Axe Valley. The venue seats 40 inside and a further 30 outside and sees around 20,000 visitors a year.
The Role
We are looking for a passionate Restaurant Manager to lead our front - of - house team and uphold the River Cottage values of sustainability, integrity, and exceptional hospitality. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a high - quality, environmentally conscious food environment and is committed to delivering outstanding guest experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, train, and manage front - of - house staff to deliver excellent table service aligned with the companys values.
Oversee daily restaurant operations including service flow, bookings, and table management.
Maintain high standards of food presentation, service quality, and guest engagement that reflect the River Cottage brand.
Work closely with chefs and kitchen staff to understand menus and communicate seasonal changes with customers.
Manage stock recording, ordering and inventory control.
Oversee financial performance including cash handling, reporting, and cost control.
Ensure compliance with health & safety, licensing, environmental, and food hygiene standards.
Manage underperforming team members across both FOH and BOH and address issues in a professional way.
Support marketing initiatives including promotions, events, and community engagement to increase awareness and patronage.
Develop and implement creative initiatives to boost footfall and enhance the guest experience.
Track KPIs and report data to the GM.
Gain a thorough understanding of the broader River Cottage operation to engage confidently with customers, share the story of the brand, and effectively upsell products and experiences.
Successful Candidate Requirement
Proven experience in restaurant management in a high - quality venue.
Excellent leadership, management, communication, and organisational skills.
Strong understanding of customer service and guest experience.
Commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets and financial targets and KPIs.
Flexibility to work weekends and occasional evenings.
Confidence working within a dynamic environment that values sustainability and high - quality hospitality.
Driving license is required.
Confident decision-maker with the ability to use initiative effectively.
Passion and knowledge for seasonal, organic, and locally sourced food.
What We Offer
Competitive salary with performance incentives
A chance to be part of a well - respected, mission - driven hospitality business rooted in sustainability
Opportunities for professional development and cross - functional engagement across the River Cottage organisation
28 days holiday (inc. bank holidays) Increasing with length of service
Company pension
2 free courses per year
Employee and family discount on courses and dining at RCHQ
Free meal every shift
Free on-site parking
To apply, please send a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this role and attach your CV.
River Cottage Mission Statement:
To teach and inspire people to grow, source and cook food in ways that enhance their lives, increase their well-being, and connect them more closely to natural, sustainable, and ethical sources of food.
Company Ethos:
To do all the above in a company guided by principles that are ethical, sustainable, and respectful. To look after our team in a way that is nurturing and that helps to further their life goals.
We love our people just as much as we love our food & its provenance. River Cottage is an equal opportunities employer committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where our employees are comfortable to be who they are, no matter their identity.

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Location:
Axminster
Job Type:
PartTime

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