What are the main responsibilities of an Assistant Manager in a pub or restaurant?

So you want to know what it takes to be an Assistant Manager at a pub or restaurant. With over 1,600 businesses dotted around the UK, and many Assistant Managers helping to run these pubs, bars and restaurants, we can tell you a thing or two about the role. A day in the life of an Assistant Manager might look different from one place to the next, but there are a few things that will always ring true. Above all else, they act as a bridge between team members and managing, so everyone knows exactly how to deliver moments that wow guests.

Here are four of the main responsibilities of an Assistant Manager in a pub or restaurant.

1. Get the team g'd up

The best Assistant Managers have a can-do attitude. But why is this eagerness to get things done so important? It's one of the secrets to motivating your team. If you can show the kitchen team, bar and waiting team and other managers that you can handle whatever comes your way on a shift, this attitude will be infectious.

You might not see 'get the team g'd up' in the job description, but you can be sure that any pub or restaurant hiring manager will be looking for this energy in their future Assistant Manager.

2. Support the wider management team

Speaking of fellow managers, you'll be working closely with a few. You'll report directly to the General Manager and help them with the day-to-day running of the pub or restaurant. From time to time, you might have the opportunity to support an Area Manager and get a glimpse into what their role is like.

Remember that it should be a two-way street. If you needed support, lean on your managers or speak to other Assistant Managers. That's one of the great things about working at M&B - there are so many other managers who have walked in your slip-resistant hospitality shoes. All you need to do is reach out.

3. Deliver moments that wow guests

And if you want to bring the wow factor as an Assistant Manager, always be on the lookout for new and improved ways of running things. Just because things have always been done a certain way, there's nothing to say you can't suggest a different step or process.

You can probably hear your former teacher's voice ringing in your ear, saying, 'Think outside the box'. And they're bang on the money. Creativity, especially around new ideas, is one of the most highly demanded soft skills in hospitality. Assistant Managers that can bring new ideas to the table are hot property because they give the business that competitive edge.

To kick your creative mind into gear, why not visit other pubs and restaurants and see how the management team run the show?

4. Develop the future leaders in your team

Ask any manager and they’ll tell you one of the rewarding parts of the job is developing people. Nothing beats seeing a team member flourish and knowing you had a part to play in their development. Whether it's being patient as they learn how to pour the perfect pint , encouraging them to explore apprenticeships or helping them develop the skills they need for that next promotion, you're in the perfect position to keep the team engaged and help them head in the right direction.

Could an Assistant Manager job at M&B be right for you?

So you know some of the main responsibilities of an Assistant Manager in a pub or restaurant. And, hopefully, we've given you an idea of what you can expect from an Assistant Manager role at M&B. But we bet you'd like a bit more information to feast on. Well, all you need to do is check out our latest Assistant Manager jobs. And if there’s a role that takes your fancy, you can use our easy apply process to send over your details in just a few clicks.

Looking to kickstart a career in hospitality management but have no experience?

At M&B, we love nothing more than helping people develop their career. Our award-winning management apprenticeships let you learn the ins and outs of management, all the while earning a salary.