Restaurant Assistant

Roles and responsibilities

1. Operational Management

• Support Daily Operations: Assist the Restaurant Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth service delivery in all areas of the restaurant.
• Maintain Standards: Ensure that the restaurant adheres to Nando’s brand standards, operational procedures, and health and safety regulations.
• Monitor Restaurant Efficiency: Ensure that the kitchen and front-of-house operations run efficiently and effectively, including monitoring staff performance and operational flow.
• Inventory Management: Assist in managing inventory levels, including stock rotation, ordering supplies, and ensuring that the restaurant is adequately stocked with food, beverages, and non-food items.
• Cost Control: Support the manager in controlling costs, reducing waste, and ensuring budget compliance (food, labor, and other operational costs).

2. Staff Management and Development

• Supervise and Train Staff: Oversee staff during shifts, ensuring they are well-trained in their roles, customer service, and food handling. Lead by example and ensure the team follows best practices.
• Staff Scheduling: Help create and manage staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for peak hours and efficient use of labor.
• Performance Management: Provide feedback to team members, assist in resolving performance issues, and ensure all staff follow Nando’s service standards and policies.
• Team Motivation: Foster a positive and motivated working environment by encouraging teamwork, coaching, and leading the team to meet restaurant goals.
• Recruitment Assistance: Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new staff members in coordination with the Restaurant Manager.

3. Customer Experience and Service

• Ensure High-Quality Service: Help maintain high levels of customer satisfaction by ensuring the restaurant provides excellent customer service and a positive dining experience.
• Resolve Customer Complaints: Handle customer complaints professionally and effectively, striving to resolve issues quickly and ensuring the customer leaves satisfied.
• Guest Interaction: Engage with customers to ensure their needs are met, creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in the restaurant.
• Monitor Customer Satisfaction: Use customer feedback to continuously improve service and resolve any operational issues that may impact customer experience.

4. Health and Safety Compliance

• Food Safety and Hygiene: Ensure that all health and safety regulations, food safety standards, and hygiene practices are followed at all times by staff.
• Safety Protocols: Ensure compliance with fire, safety, and emergency protocols to maintain a safe environment for both customers and employees.
• Sanitation: Ensure the restaurant, kitchen, and dining areas are consistently cleaned and maintained to the highest standards of sanitation and hygiene.

5. Financial and Administrative Duties

• Cash Handling and POS Management: Assist in managing cash handling procedures, including cash register operations, ensuring accuracy, and balancing tills at the end of shifts.
• Sales Targets: Work with the Restaurant Manager to meet sales targets and implement initiatives to boost sales, improve customer experience, and enhance profitability.
• Reporting: Assist in preparing reports on sales, labor costs, inventory, and other key performance indicators for management review.
• Order Management: Help with inventory orders, ensuring the right quantities are ordered based on restaurant demand and sales trends.

Desired candidate profile

1. Educational Background

• Qualifications: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A degree or diploma in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
• Additional Certifications: Any certifications in food safety, customer service, or hospitality management are a plus.

2. Experience

• Work Experience: At least 2-3 years of experience in the hospitality industry, ideally in a supervisory or managerial position within a restaurant, fast-casual, or foodservice environment. Experience in a similar fast-paced restaurant environment like Nando's is highly advantageous.
• Leadership Experience: Proven experience managing and leading a team, with a track record of improving operational efficiency and team performance.
• Customer Service Focus: Strong background in providing high levels of customer service, with the ability to handle customer complaints and deliver solutions effectively.

3. Key Skills and Competencies

• Operational Management: Ability to oversee and manage day-to-day restaurant operations, including staff supervision, customer service, inventory management, and maintaining Nando’s brand standards.
• Team Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, guide, and develop team members, ensuring high levels of morale, engagement, and performance.
• Customer Service Excellence: Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to enhance the customer experience, resolve issues, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with customers, staff, and management.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, with the ability to identify issues and implement solutions quickly and efficiently.
• Time Management: Excellent time management and multitasking skills to effectively balance daily operations and responsibilities.
• Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure the restaurant maintains cleanliness, quality, and consistency in service and food presentation.
• Cash Handling: Proficiency in managing cash, ensuring accurate till operations, and adhering to cash control policies.
• Health & Safety Compliance: A strong understanding of food safety regulations and health protocols to ensure compliance and a safe working environment for all staff and customers.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with restaurant management software, POS systems, and Microsoft Office Suite for scheduling, reporting, and communication.

4. Personal Attributes

• Leadership by Example: Lead by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and professionalism at all times.
• Passion for Nando’s Brand: A genuine passion for the Nando’s brand, values, and culture, with a strong desire to promote the brand and enhance the customer experience.