How much autonomy should I include in a Restaurant Assistant Manager job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Restaurant Assistant Manager Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a thriving restaurant serving 200+ covers daily with emphasis on operational excellence, team development, and exceptional guest experiences. Our assistant manager works closely with the general manager to lead restaurant operations, supporting strategic initiatives while managing daily service delivery. This senior role combines strategic thinking with hands-on management, overseeing multiple departments while developing systems and processes that drive business success. You'll work in a dynamic environment managing complex operations including staff development, financial performance, and guest relations. The position offers excellent career advancement opportunities including general manager, multi-site management, and regional leadership roles within our expanding restaurant group, with involvement in business development and strategic planning.
• Support general manager in strategic planning, operational improvements, and business development initiatives • Lead comprehensive staff management including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and development planning • Oversee daily operations across all departments ensuring service quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction • Manage financial performance including revenue optimization, cost control, and budget management • Develop and implement operational procedures, service standards, and quality control systems • Handle complex guest relations including complaint resolution, VIP management, and reputation management • Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and service providers to maintain operational excellence • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements including health and safety, licensing, and employment law • Lead staff meetings, training sessions, and performance management programs • Manage inventory control, purchasing decisions, and supply chain coordination • Support marketing initiatives, promotional activities, and guest loyalty programs • Handle administrative responsibilities including reporting, documentation, and system management
Essential Skills: Extensive restaurant management experience with demonstrated ability to lead large teams and complex operations; strong business acumen including P&L management, financial analysis, and strategic thinking; exceptional leadership capabilities with experience in staff development and performance management; comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations, service standards, and quality control; excellent communication skills for stakeholder management and team leadership; advanced problem-solving abilities for operational challenges and business optimization. Preferred Qualifications: 5+ years progressive restaurant management experience with multi-departmental responsibility; business or hospitality management degree; experience with restaurant technology, POS systems, and operational software; advanced financial skills including budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis; wine and beverage program management experience; multi-unit or regional management experience; marketing and customer relationship management knowledge.
We're looking for accomplished restaurant management professionals with minimum 5 years progressive management experience, demonstrating ability to lead complex operations and drive business results. You should have comprehensive understanding of restaurant business including financial management, operations, and strategic planning. Candidates must possess proven track record in team leadership, operational improvement, and business growth, gained through hands-on management roles with increasing responsibility. The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability to manage large teams, implement systems improvements, and achieve ambitious performance targets. This senior role offers significant influence over business direction, involvement in strategic planning, and potential advancement to general manager or regional management positions within our growing restaurant portfolio.
We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with operational excellence, leading through vision while ensuring exceptional execution across all business areas. You should possess natural ability to develop systems and processes, with skill in building high-performing teams and sustainable operational improvements. The ideal candidate will have analytical mindset for business optimization, creative approach to problem-solving, and commitment to continuous improvement. You should be results-focused yet people-centered, able to balance business objectives with team development and guest satisfaction. We value innovative thinking, collaborative leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit, seeking someone who contributes to business growth while maintaining operational excellence and building strong team culture.
Competitive management salary of £35,000-£42,000 annually plus substantial performance bonus structure based on operational KPIs, guest satisfaction, and financial performance (potential additional £5,000-£8,000 annually). Comprehensive senior management benefits package includes: 30 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays and professional development time; health and dental insurance including family coverage options; management car allowance or transport benefits. Executive development opportunities including senior leadership training, industry conferences, and strategic planning involvement. Potential equity participation in business growth, advancement to general manager roles, and involvement in new venture development within our expanding hospitality group.

When writing a job description for a Restaurant Assistant Manager, it's important to clearly define the level of autonomy they will have. This helps set clear expectations and ensures that candidates understand the scope of their decision-making power. Typically, you should allow autonomy in daily operational decisions, while strategic decisions should be aligned with senior management.

Common misunderstanding: Autonomy means making all decisions without input.

Autonomy in a management role doesn't mean operating independently at all times. It involves making informed decisions within the framework of the restaurant's policies and goals, often consulting with higher management on major issues.

Common misunderstanding: More autonomy always leads to better job performance.

While autonomy can enhance job satisfaction and efficiency, too much autonomy without appropriate support and guidance can lead to inconsistencies and errors. It's crucial to balance autonomy with clear guidelines and regular check-ins.

How do you balance between leadership and team collaboration?

Balancing leadership and team collaboration involves empowering the Assistant Manager to lead while ensuring they remain an integral part of the team. Encourage them to make decisions and lead initiatives, but also to seek input and collaborate on broader team goals. This fosters a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Common misunderstanding: Leadership means always directing and instructing.

Effective leadership in a restaurant setting isn't just about giving orders; it's about guiding the team and facilitating a collaborative environment where ideas and feedback are valued and encouraged.

Common misunderstanding: Collaboration dilutes leadership.

Collaboration doesn't weaken leadership; instead, it strengthens it by building trust and respect, which are crucial for effective team management and achieving common goals.

What responsibilities demand autonomy versus those requiring team input?

Responsibilities that typically require autonomy include daily operational decisions, such as handling unexpected staff absences or resolving minor customer complaints. Responsibilities that should involve team input include strategic planning, significant changes in procedures, or decisions that affect the entire team, like shift scheduling or menu changes.

Common misunderstanding: Operational tasks do not require team input.

While operational tasks often need quick, autonomous decisions, input from the team can provide insights that lead to better outcomes and more efficient processes.

Common misunderstanding: Strategic decisions should be made independently to save time.

While making strategic decisions independently might seem faster, involving the team can ensure that all aspects are considered and can increase buy-in and compliance with the decisions made.