Job Description

NEW OPENING -NORTHERN QUARTER- ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

PERMANENT 48 WEEKLY CONTRACT.

Welcome to Smaak, where the flavours of

Flanders meet the energy of modern cafe

culture. Rooted in Dutch and Belgian tradition,

our menu pays homage to the iconic fry shops

and beer halls of the region, reimagined for

Mancunian tastes.

We are excited to be hiring for this new position of Assistant General Manager for an exciting new opening in Manchester's Northern Quarter. The new Venue is set to open March 2026. We want the new AGM to assist in the opening of the new venue from hiring, training and setting systems, processes and all H&S and food safety procedures and working closely with the general manager to get operations ship shape before we open our doors.

Please keep reading for full job description:

Job Title: Assistant General Manager

Location: Manchester city centre

Reports To: General Manager

The Assistant General Manager supports the General Manager in overseeing daily operations to ensure excellent customer service, efficient staff performance, and smooth overall functioning of the restaurant. This role involves supervising front-of-house staff, maintaining service standards, handling customer concerns, assisting with staff training and scheduling, and ensuring compliance with health & safety, food safety and company policies. The Assistant General Manager also helps control costs, manage inventory, and contribute to achieving sales targets while creating a positive dining experience for customers.

Key Responsibilities of an Assistant General Manager

Support daily service across front of house and bar, ensuring high standards at all times

Act as duty manager, taking full responsibility in GM's absence

Ensure compliance with health and safety, food safety, licencing and company procedures

Handle guest feedback and complaints professionally, resolving issues in real time

People management

Assist with recruitment, onboarding, training and development of team members

Lead shifts, motivate team and maintain string team moral

Manage rotas, holidays and payroll preparation

Conduct performance reviews and support disciplinary processes where required

Financial & commercial

Support stock control, ordering and supplier relationships

Monitor labour and cost of sales against budget

Assist in driving revenue through upselling, events and local marketing

Support weekly and monthly reporting of sales, labour, margins and KPI's

Standards and culture

Maintain exceptional service standards and brand values

Ensure the venue is always clean, safe and presentable

Lead by example with professionalism, attitude and work ethic

Essential skills and experience

Previous experience as an assistant manager or deputy manager in hospitality

Strong leadership and communication skills

Excellent customer service focus

Good understanding of restaurant and bar operations and compliance

Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends

Desirable

Experience in an independent or a casual dining environment

Knowledge of stock systems, rota planning and basic financial management

Personal qualities

Hands-on, calm under pressure and organised

Commercially aware with attention to detail

Positive, motivating leader who inspires the team

Problem solver with a can-do attitude

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount
Work Location: In person