Listed today
Restaurant Supervisor Location: Contract: Salary: Headcorn, Kent (own transport essential) Full-time, permanent; 40 hours per week (10 shifts over 14 days) £29,000 – £31,500 per annum (dependent on experience) Be part of something genuinely special The Big Cat Sanctuary is one of the UK’s most extraordinary conservation destinations. Our guests don’t just come for a meal – they come for a memorable experience in a unique, intimate setting, where exceptional service is noticed, valued and talked about. Our restaurant operation is premium and personal rather than high-volume. We deliver breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and private dining experiences, often for once-in-a-lifetime visits. The standard of hospitality we offer must match the setting – thoughtful, warm, and quietly outstanding. We are now looking for a confident and hands-on Restaurant Supervisor to support our Restaurant Manager and help lead the front-of-house team through day-to-day service. About the role This is a key supervisory position within our hospitality team. You’ll be a visible and trusted presence on the restaurant floor, ensuring services run smoothly and standards are consistently high. When the Restaurant Manager is not on site, you will be the senior FOH lead – opening and closing services, guiding the team, managing the pace and flow of service, and making sure every guest receives the attentive, personalised experience The Big Cat Sanctuary is known for. This role will suit someone who enjoys leading by example, takes pride in detail, and understands that great service is built on preparation, consistency and calm leadership. What you’ll be doing Service delivery • Supporting the smooth running of all dining services, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and private dining. • Opening and closing the restaurant, including pre- and post-service procedures. • Overseeing table plans, service flow and floor presentation during service. • Working closely with the kitchen team to ensure food is delivered accurately, efficiently and to the expected standard. • Maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation across all public areas. Team leadership and support • Leading and directing the FOH team on shift, ensuring everyone knows their role and expectations. • Running pre-service briefings covering menu knowledge, allergies, covers and guest requirements. • Supporting the induction and development of new team members. • Acting as the first point of contact for the team in the absence of the Restaurant Manager. • Flagging any performance or conduct issues in a timely and professional way. Guest experience • Delivering warm, attentive and genuinely personalised service. • Anticipating guest needs and responding confidently to requests. • Handling feedback or minor complaints professionally and with care, escalating when appropriate. • Maintaining strong knowledge of menus, allergens and service standards, and sharing this with the team. Operational support • Assisting with stock checks, equipment checks and daily readiness tasks. • Supporting the set-up and delivery of events and private dining. • Completing opening, closing and handover duties accurately. • Using EPOS and reservation systems confidently and correctly. • What we’re looking for Essential • Experience in a front-of-house role within premium, fine dining or high-quality hospitality. • Some experience in a supervisory or senior FOH role (formal or informal). • A genuine passion for delivering excellent, personalised service. • The confidence to lead a team on the floor and uphold standards in a calm, fair way. • Strong communication skills and a close attention to detail. • Flexibility to work weekends and Bank Holidays as a regular part of the role. • Full, clean driving licence and access to your own transport. • The right to live and work in the UK. Desirable • Wine knowledge or WSET qualification. • Experience supporting private dining or events. • Confidence using EPOS and reservation systems. • An interest in wildlife or conservation. What we offer • Competitive salary of £29,000 – £31,500 (DOE) • Shift pattern: 40 hours per week, straight 8-hour shifts between 07:30 and 21:30 • 28 days’ paid annual leave to start, plus Christmas Day off as standard • Overtime or TOIL for additional hours worked • Free access to The Big Cat Sanctuary and a network of UK and European zoos • Opportunities to engage with global conservation partners • Enhanced family leave and Health Assured EAP • Staff discounts and the chance to work in a truly unique environment supporting a conservation charity How to apply Please send your CV and a short cover letter explaining your relevant experience and what attracts you to this role to alex.petkovic@thebigcatsanctuary.org (applications without a cover letter will not be considered). The Big Cat Sanctuary is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.