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Restaurant Operations & Guest Experience Manager

Oxford, UK

Job Type

Full Time

About the Role

Lead an award-winning BBQ restaurant, inspire a passionate team, and help deliver Oxford's best smokehouse experience.

Contract: Full-time : Permanent

Guaranteed Hours : 40 hours per week.

Additional Hours: Additional hours up to approximately 45 hours per week. Depending on the needs of the business.

Working Pattern: Including evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required by the needs of
the business.

Salary: £32,240 – £36,270 per year, depending on hours worked, plus a generous share of the restaurant's service charge

* Guaranteed Basic Pay: £15.50 per hour plus a share of the restaurant's service charge. Service charge is paid in addition to your basic pay and will vary depending on the amount collected and the Company's service charge distribution arrangements.

Requirements

As Front of House Manager, you will lead by example, creating an outstanding guest

experience while living and promoting the Burnout BBQ Family Ethos. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will work alongside your team, particularly during busy service periods, ensuring every guest receives the high standards of hospitality Burnout BBQ is known for. You will be responsible for leading the Front of House team, ensuring exceptional customer service, maintaining operational standards, supporting team development and ensuring the restaurant operates safely, efficiently and in line with company policies.


Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & People Management

● Lead, motivate and support the Front of House team in line with the Burnout BBQ Family Ethos.

● Recruit, interview and onboard new team members.

● Manage inductions and probation periods.

● Monitor attendance, punctuality and absenteeism, taking appropriate action where required.

● Handle employee queries, concerns and grievances professionally, following company procedures.

● Conduct regular one-to-one meetings with team members and maintain accurate records.

● Complete performance reviews and support career development through progression planning.

● Ensure all team members maintain excellent presentation standards and comply with company uniform policies.

● Build a positive, supportive and high-performing team culture.


Rotas & Shift Management

● Produce and manage staff rotas in line with business requirements.

● Approve annual leave requests.

● Arrange cover for sickness and unexpected absences.

● Ensure all team members clock in and out correctly using company systems.

● Monitor labour costs and staffing levels to maximise operational efficiency.

● Ensure every shift is well organised and fully supported.


Guest Experience & Service

● Deliver and maintain exceptional customer service standards.

● Ensure every guest enjoys a consistent Burnout BBQ experience.

● Lead the team during service, providing support, coaching and direction throughout each shift.

● Resolve customer feedback and complaints promptly, professionally and in line with company procedures.

● Continuously identify opportunities to improve the guest experience.


Bookings & Reservations

● Manage all bookings and reservations efficiently.

● Maintain excellent communication with guests before, during and after their visit where required.

● Maximise table utilisation while maintaining an exceptional customer experience.

● Coordinate large bookings and special events with the wider management team.


Health, Safety & Compliance

● Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation throughout the restaurant.

● Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and company policies.

● Communicate updates to policies and legislation with the team.

● Ensure licensing requirements are always met.

● Support food safety and hygiene standards across the front of house operation.

● Carry out regular checks to ensure all company standards are maintained.


What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

● Has previous management experience within a busy restaurant, hospitality or food-led venue.

● Leads by example and enjoys working on the restaurant floor.

● Has outstanding customer service and communication skills.

● Is organised, reliable and able to work well under pressure.

● Has excellent leadership and people management skills.

● Enjoys developing and supporting others.

● Is passionate about hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.

● Has a good understanding of Health & Safety and licensing requirements within the hospitality industry.


What We Offer

At Burnout BBQ, we're proud to be a growing, family-run business where hard work is recognised and every team member plays an important role in our success.

As part of our team, you'll receive:

● Competitive salary, plus a share of the restaurant's service charge.

● Company pension scheme.

● 5.6 weeks' paid annual leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays)

● Calculated pro rata according to your contracted hours.

● Complimentary meal on every shift.

● Burnout BBQ branded uniform provided.

● Ongoing training and professional development.

● Opportunities for career progression as Burnout BBQ continues to grow.

● 20% staff discount across all Burnout BBQ restaurants and mobile food trucks.

● Annual Christmas and staff celebration events.

● Opportunities to work at festivals, private events and outdoor catering through our mobile food truck operation.

● A supportive, friendly and family-run working environment where your contribution is valued.


What Success Looks Like

● A motivated, engaged and high-performing Front of House team.

● Outstanding guest experiences and consistently positive customer feedback.

● Smooth and efficient daily restaurant operations.

● High standards of cleanliness, compliance and presentation.

● Strong staff retention, development and engagement.

● Consistent delivery of the Burnout BBQ Family Ethos in every guest interaction.


If you're an experienced hospitality leader looking to join a growing independent business with exciting plans for the future, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Company

Burnout BBQ is an award-winning, family-run American smokehouse, proudly serving authentic BBQ in the heart of Oxford. With locations in the City Centre alongside our growing mobile catering and festival operation, we're building a reputation for exceptional food, outstanding service and unforgettable guest experiences.

Known for our low-and-slow smoked meats, award-winning wings and bold American flavours, we're passionate about quality in everything we do. Just as importantly, we're passionate about our people. We believe in creating a supportive, hardworking and enjoyable workplace where every team member has the opportunity to learn, develop and grow with the business.

As Burnout BBQ continues to expand, we're looking for enthusiastic and motivated people who share our passion for hospitality and take pride in delivering exceptional food, drinks and customer experiences. Whether you're serving guests, leading a team or supporting our kitchen operations, you'll play an important role in creating memorable experiences while living the Burnout BBQ Family Ethos.

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