About the job

About us

The Hero's Return is a new pub, dining room, and riverside terrace opening at Circus West Village, right beside Battersea Power Station. We're a start-up in every sense that counts- new team, new site, and a reputation still being written. Our culture runs on HEROES, RESPECT, and ANCHOR - different words, same idea: look after your team first, and they'll look after the guest.

The role

The Restaurant Manager owns what happens on the floor, service after service. Not just the smooth running of it - the feel of it. You're the person who notices the table that's gone quiet twenty minutes after their mains arrived, the one who keeps the whole room moving at the right pace without anyone ever seeing the effort behind it. We're looking for someone to build that standard from day one, not maintain one that already exists.

What you'll be responsible for

Floor operations

·       Own table management and pacing across the dining room and terrace, working closely with the kitchen and host stand.

·       Run pre-service briefs and lead shifts to the HEROES standard.

·       Be a visible, active presence on the floor throughout service, stepping in wherever the pressure is.

Team leadership

·       Recruit, train, and develop the floor team, including section leads and waiting staff.

·       Coach the team on service standards, menu knowledge, and reading the room.

·       Run rotas, manage day-to-day people issues, and support performance conversations.

Guest experience

·       Personally handle service recovery for escalated situations, following our recovery framework.

·       Build relationships with regulars - know the names, the usual table, the usual order.

·       Set the standard for how every guest is looked after, from the first greeting to the last goodbye.

Commercial and compliance

·       Support budgeting, labour cost control, and floor-related commercial performance.

·       Ensure full compliance with food safety, allergen management, and licensing requirements on the floor.

·       Maintain accurate shift reports and incident logs via All Gravy.

Collaboration

·       Work closely with the Head Host on table pacing and reservations.

·       Work closely with the Bar Manager and Head Chef to keep service running smoothly across every station.

·       Deputise for the General Manager or Deputy General Manager when required.

What we're looking for

Proven management experience in a high-volume, quality-led restaurant.

A natural leader who others want to follow, not just someone who can give instructions.

Calm under pressure - someone whose presence lowers the temperature of a busy Friday night, not raises it.

Genuine hospitality instincts - you notice what a guest needs before they ask.

Full alignment with our values - this role only works for someone who believes “look after your team first” is a business strategy, not a slogan.

What you'll get

·       A genuine leadership role in a brand-new, high-profile opening.

·       The chance to build a floor team and service standard from the ground up.

·       Close mentorship from senior management as the business grows.