Restaurant Manager
Restaurant Manager
JOIN A LEGACY OF HOSPITALITY
Welcome to Hastings Hotels, a family-owned business that owns and operates six hotels in Northern Ireland including 893 bedrooms, 21 quality apartments, 1 luxury lodge, a standalone gastropub, and a luxurious spa.
For more than 60 years, we have built a reputation for placing quality at the heart of everything we do. But it’s not just about the products; it’s our people who bring the Hastings experience to life.
With personalities, attention to detail, and a desire to grow, our staff are at the core of what makes us stand out in a crowded marketplace. If this sounds like you, we welcome you to apply for the position of Restaurant Manager at Vespers.
As one of the areas finest restaurants, Vespers is located in the luxurious setting of the five-star Culloden Estate & Spa. Winner of Good Food Ireland’s Food Lover’s Choice Award 2024 and two Rosettes for Culinary Excellence from The AA in 2025, Vespers offers a gastronomic journey through Northern Ireland’s finest produce.
Under the inspiring leadership of our General Manager, Cormac Fadden, you will lead and motivate your team to achieve success and deliver a fabulous experience to our guests. The successful candidate will have worked in a high-quality hospitality environment, and have a genuine passion for their craft. You will support your team to create memorable dining experiences from breakfast, to afternoon tea, to dinner, and foster a culture of teamwork and professionalism.
You can expect to work 45 hours per week (excluding breaks), five days out of seven. As a Head of Department within the Hotel, you should have a flexible approach to working hours which will include days, evenings, and weekends as required.
We place a great emphasis on recruitment, induction, and integrating our staff into their department, hotel, and the wider Group. We believe that the right behaviours and attitudes are more critical than every last qualification – we can help you attain those – and offer an extensive range of learning and development opportunities.
We’re committed to working with you to help develop your career with us, and we promise to do everything we can to support you on that journey.
In addition to a competitive salary, aligned to your experience, Hastings Hotels offer a range of benefits including:
Complimentary meals when on duty.
An exclusive, preferential room rate across our entire portfolio of hotels.
20% Discount on food at our restaurants.
Retail discounts and perks.
Free parking at selected sites.
29 days’ holiday increasing with service, plus your birthday.
Access to an extensive health and wellbeing programme.
The company reserves the right to apply enhanced short-listing criteria.
To find out more about Hastings Hotels and what our company offers please visit https://www.hastingshotels.com/careers/life-at-hastings/
Hastings Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
About this role
To manage the outlet for the greatest enjoyment of our guests, and maximum profit contribution to the Culloden Estate & Spa.
To manage and motivate employees through effective communication, training, and development, in accordance with company policies and relevant employment legislation, ensuring HR procedures are followed.
To promote and contribute to a harmonious working environment where all employees are treated with respect and dignity.
To support the General Manager with the department budget and forecasting, putting in place appropriate mechanisms to effectively manage costs and support the financial performance of the Restaurant.
To ensure Hastings Hotels quality standards and procedures are fully understood, implemented, and regularly reviewed, and that formal and informal feedback is used to ensure continual improvement for the team.
To ensure company policies relating to stock management and stock ordering are implemented and monitored, taking appropriate action to resolve problems.
To ensure all employees receive appropriate training, coaching and development, and provide effective and efficient service in line with Hastings Hotels standards.
To ensure the team are knowledgeable about the facilities and services within the Estate and are proactive in the sale of these to guests.
To ensure you and the team assist guests with any reasonable request for services and are proactive in the promotion of these to guests.
To ensure you and the team respond appropriately to feedback and complaints and find suitable solutions in line with Company policy.
To maintain effective communication and relationships with other hotel departments, suppliers and agencies, to maintain an effective operation and ensure guest satisfaction.
To ensure the restaurant areas, fixtures, and equipment are properly maintained and presented to Hastings Hotels standards.
To ensure that the security of storage areas and stock is maintained at all times.
To ensure a safe environment is maintained in compliance with health, safety, fire, hygiene, and security legislation and company policies and procedures.
To continuously develop your knowledge relating to the industry sector and competitor activity, provide input into future plans and activities, and maintain and enhance market position.
To assist with the recruitment, selection and utilisation of employees to achieve the optimum use of resource in line with business peaks and troughs.
To contribute to the wider running of the Culloden Estate & Spa, attending daily and weekly meetings, and working as part of a team of Department Heads to contribute to the Estate’s overall success.
To ensure the hotel's compliance with all matters relating to licensing laws, Customs and Excise Regulations and all other relevant legislation.
To carry out the role of Duty Manager for the Hotel as required.
Any other duties required by the Senior Management Team which are commensurate to the level of the role or which present an opportunity for development.
What you will need
Required criteria
- Right to Work in the United Kingdom
- Educated to Level 2 (GCSE Grades A-C) or the equivalent in English and Mathematics
- A passionate hospitality professional
- A minimum of 1 years' experience at a similar, senior level
- Ability to deliver an exceptional standard of customer service
- Ability to lead and motivate a team to achieve success
- Experience managing staffing levels, rotas, wage costs, and departmental budgets
Desired criteria
- Previous experience within a 5-star hotel environment.
- Educated to Level 6 (Undergraduate Degree) or the equivalent in a relevant field such as Tourism and Hospitality Management.
- Experience in a Michelin Guide, AA Rosette, or equivalent quality-led operation.
- WSET qualification or extensive wine knowledge.
Skills needed for this job opportunity
Team Management
Food Service Skills
Exceptional Customer Service Skills
Reservation skills
Attention to detail
