male chef smiling at assistant manager in kitchen

Why assistant managers are the definition of ‘not all heroes wear capes’

Why assistant managers are the definition of ‘not all heroes wear capes’

Rachel Weaver our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 17/08/2021

If we were to write a list of all the skills that make assistant managers the bread and butter of our business, well, we’d be here a very long time. So instead, we’re going to run you through just some of the top reasons why assistant managers are our heroes.

They’re pros when it comes to thinking on their feet

Assistant managers are known for thinking on their feet. You might think they’re at risk footigue, but don’t worry, they know how to make the right decisions.

You’ve probably heard the expression time and time again, but for assistant managers, no two days are alike. So it’s all about being ready for whatever is around the corner and prepared to swoop in a save the day. Now do you see what we mean when we say assistant managers are superheroes?

The fast-paced nature of the job is just one of the top reasons to love working in hospitality, and if you can show the leadership team that you can take it all in your stride, a promotion might just be in store for you.

They make every experience great

When the general manager isn’t around, the assistant manager is there to step up. They lookout for the team’s safety, make sure the guests have everything they need, and ultimately, check that everyone is having a great time.

As an assistant manager in hospitality, you get to be front and centre, welcoming people into the pub or restaurant, and getting to know the locals. Our assistant managers are here to make sure the guests have a memorable experience and feel a part of the M&B family. So our guests don’t just come back because they know they can expect great food and great service, but because they get an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. After all, it’s our teams and the people that make our businesses so great.

They lead the business

When we spoke to some of our colleagues at M&B, they told us that the opportunity to make a real difference was one of the top 10 reasons to love being an assistant manager. Assistant managers will often make the day-to-day decisions when the general manager isn’t there. They also have ownership of key business measures, meaning they play a part in the overall success of the business.

This means that even just a few years into their career, assistant managers can be running a multi-million-pound business. That’s a level of responsibility that you’d be hard-pressed to find in other jobs, and while it might sound daunting, with the right training, you’ve got nothing to worry about.

They guide training and development within the team

You’ll be a role model of giving great service and being a team player. Sometimes this might mean doing the jobs that you don’t want to do, like cleaning up the fries the guests have left scattered around – after all, it’s about chipping in.

Assistant managers know all about balancing working hard with having fun, and this is one of the most important things they can show their team. An assistant manager of a high-performing team will know exactly when to motivate their team to power through the work and when they’ve got the time to have a joke with each other and the guests.

Find your next assistant manager job with M&B

If you think you’ve got what it takes to be an assistant manager at Mitchells and Butlers, then what are you waiting for?

With over 1,600 businesses across the UK, we’ve got an enormous range of roles to choose from. Whether you're looking for something that puts you right in the heart of a city, in a coastal spot or nestled in the British countryside, we’ve got what you’re looking for.

Browse our latest assistant manager jobs and find out about our award-winning training.

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