What is a Deputy Restaurant Manager?

Published
27 Jan 2020

27 Jan 2020

Most managers need an assistant or deputy, and the deputy restaurant manager is hired to fill that role. These helpful people assist with the planning, coordination, development and administration or programs and projects. This job often acts as a stepping stone to senior management positions such as a general manager, but if you want to learn how to manage a team without all of the extra responsibility of being a general manager then a deputy restaurant manager position is perfect for you. 

Deputy restaurant managers have varied duties, from setting schedules to developing solutions for problems that arise during operations within the restaurant. They often help with hiring and training, and should be able to handle the day-to-day tasks of the manager if they are absent.

Extensive knowledge of the specific company and hospitality industry is essential, your role will represent the establishment as a whole. Representing not just yourself but your front of house juniors is a huge part of your responsibilities to ensure the business holds its fantastic reputation and customers are satisfied on a daily basis, of course this isn’t easy but when its done right, you will feel the greatest accomplishment.

So What are the Main Responsibilities of a Deputy Restaurant Manager?

Deputy Restaurant Managers usually work for or assist a General Manager (GM). They take over when the GM is not available and share in their responsibilities. They help to motivate staff, handle administrative duties, and perform human resource tasks, such as recruiting and assessing staff performance.

A Deputy Restaurant Manager usually performs many of the following tasks:

  • Implement business procedures
  • Assist General Managers
  • Maintain quality standards
  • Train employees
  • Budget and Control cost or expenditure
  • Prepare reports
  • Attend meetings
  • Present to management and colleagues

As well as the above, a huge part of your job is to have fun. Yes your days are long and can be stressful but above all of this, as a deputy restaurant manager every day will be different, every day consists of new people,  all the dynamics, all the shifting with different responsibilities and the feeling you have when you successfully train your juniors from entry level all the way to management makes your job more than satisfactory at the end of the day.

The Skills Required of a Deputy Restaurant Manager are...

Organisation. The deputy restaurant manager, alongside the general manager must organise the front of house team and the functionality of the restaurant itself monitoring budgets and working with these to manage the restaurants success and development.

Communication. In this role you will need to ability to clearly explain what you require of each staff member and keep up with communication to ensure they are on track to meet the company deadlines. A deputy restaurant manager should give corrections or guidance in a constructive and concise manner. They must also be able to communicate ideas from your management to the kitchen brigade also.

Determination. A deputy restaurant manager often works long hours in a high pressure environment. You must show strength, determination & leadership skills to not only reach this position but maintain your professional status whilst also leading, developing and maintaining the rest of the front of house team whilst working closely with the general manager to do this.

Presentation. You will be on the front line when service is in full flow, greeting customers and representing the business to a variety of different people throughout the day. Your presentation and professionalism is key not only to the above but to your team as well, who will look at you as an example of what is expected of them too.

Leadership. Alongside the general manager you must be able to assign tasks to appropriate staff members and ensure they are working effectively as a team so the restaurant, pub or hotel can perform to its highest standards. So to tie in with leadership skills you must ensure you have great people management skills too.

Being a Deputy Restaurant Manager. The Facts.

Weekly Hours: 40+

Salary: A deputy restaurant manager salary varies greatly depending on the establishment but on average is £27,000/year in the UK but can vary anywhere between £22,000 and £40,000+.

What qualifications do you need?

GCSE’s A*-C or equivalent are desirable. You don’t necessarily need A levels or a degree but any further qualifications will only make you stand out more and give you an advantage. Some companies may offer management training schemes where you can be trained on the job. Some qualifications you could consider are:

  • Level 2 Award and Certificate in Leadership and Team Skills
  • Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Leadership and Management
  • Level 5 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Leadership and Management

You can also enrol into a university course; a variety of university courses and training programmes can be found using the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website. As well as qualifications, becoming a deputy restaurant manager involves not just study but hands-on work in the various operational areas of Hospitality.