The Jolly Sportsman is on the hunt for a strong, people-focused
Assistant Floor/Restaurant Manager
to help lead our front-of-house team through a busy and exciting year ahead.
Set in the South Downs, we're a food-led country pub with a reputation for warm service, exceptional seasonal menus, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. If you love hospitality, enjoy working as part of a tight-knit team, and care deeply about creating brilliant guest experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
This is an
ideal opportunity for someone ready to take the next step in their hospitality career
, with tailored training and support provided to grow into a full manager role over time.
What the role involves:
As Assistant Floor Manager, you'll support the GM and management team in running smooth, well-organised shifts and leading by example on the floor. You'll help make sure every guest feels looked after -- whether they're joining us for Sunday lunch, a special occasion, or a relaxed pint in the garden.
Some of the day-to-day responsibilities include:
Supporting the GM and senior team during busy services
Leading shifts and setting the tone for professional, friendly service
Helping train and develop FOH staff through coaching and feedback
Taking ownership of cleanliness and presentation across all service areas
Assisting with rotas, staffing levels, and recruitment when needed
Managing guest feedback and reviews with confidence and care
Liaising with the kitchen team on menus, specials, and service timings
Supporting compliance (licensing, first aid, fire marshal duties, etc.)
Who we're looking for:
This role would suit someone with solid floor experience who's ready to take on more responsibility - or someone already in a supervisory or assistant manager role, looking to develop further. You don't need to have run a site before, but you should be confident leading a team and passionate about brilliant hospitality.
You'll be a good fit if you:
Are confident running sections and supporting a team during service
Are eager to learn and grow into a full manager role over time
Love building relationships with guests and regulars alike
Take pride in attention to detail -- from polished cutlery to warm welcomes
Understand what great service looks like and how to train it in others
Are comfortable with basic admin, ordering, till systems, and compliance
Work well under pressure and keep your cool on busy shifts
Genuinely care about food, wine, and hospitality
What we offer in return:
Starting rate of 13.50ph + an equal share of a healthy tronc (circa 7k per year)
Wellness allowance of 25/month to be put towards gym memberships, therapy, massages etc
Flexible full-time hours (including evenings & weekends)
Meals on shift + team socials
Supportive management and a great team culture
Training and development (including WSET and leadership coaching)
A clear path to progress into a full management position
The chance to grow within a respected, independent pub
Sound like you?
Hit apply with your CV and a short note about why you're interested. We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so don't hang about.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From 13.50 per hour
Expected hours: 35 - 45 per week
Additional pay:
Tips
Benefits:
Additional leave
Company events
Company pension
Discounted or free food
Employee discount
Free parking
Gym membership
Health & wellbeing programme
On-site parking
Sick pay
Schedule:
10 hour shift
12 hour shift
8 hour shift
Day shift
Holidays
Monday to Friday
Night shift
Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:
Lewes BN7 3BA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
Restaurant: 2 years (required)
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person