Description: Olympia Events is more than an exhibition venue, conference centre and live-event space - it’s an inspiration. Against a backdrop of grand Victorian architecture, the seven connected spaces inspire engagement and enjoyment. Olympia Events is recognised in the industry for exceptional levels of customer service and support, and our numerous awards are testament to our clients' satisfaction. Beyond the walls of our venue, Olympia is on the ground, working to invest in people, strengthen our communities, and protect the environment.

Olympia Events is undergoing a period of change. In 2017, the venue was bought by a consortium led by Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance international. Work is currently underway to transform the wider estate into a cultural hub of which Olympia Events will be the central part. Once complete, the estate will include a new theatre, music venue, two hotels, a host of new bars & restaurants, world-class office space and over two acres of public realm. More information can be found at https://olympia.co.uk/

Job Purpose:

The Restaurant Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping the guest experience and operational success of The Addison, a world-class live music venue and hospitality destination at Olympia. We are seeking a highly driven hospitality leader with a passion for exceptional service, a strong understanding of London's dynamic restaurant landscape, and the ability to create experiences that guests remember and return for.

Leading from the floor, you will inspire a culture of excellence, energy and genuine hospitality, ensuring every service is delivered to the highest standards. You will combine operational expertise with commercial awareness and a relentless focus on guest satisfaction, continually seeking opportunities to elevate the dining experience, challenge convention and differentiate The Addison from its competitors. Through your leadership, creativity and attention to detail, you will help establish The Addison as one of London's most exciting food and beverage destinations.

As a hands-on leader, you will manage daily floor operations, drive exceptional guest experience, and inspire a high-performing team to deliver refined yet vibrant service. Working closely with the Addison F&B Manager and wider operational teams, you will balance operational excellence with strong commercial performance, ensuring the restaurant contributes to the wider success of The Addison as a distinctive, premium destination.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Service Delivery

• Lead the day-to-day operation of a 350-cover restaurant across breakfast, lunch and dinner, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery.

• Maintain consistently high standards of service, presentation and cleanliness within a premium, fast-paced environment.

• Act as a visible, hands-on floor leader, overseeing service and ensuring seamless execution.

• Support the delivery of pre- and post-show hospitality, ensuring service standards remain consistent during periods of fluctuating demand.

Guest Experience

• Deliver an exceptional guest experience aligned to The Addison’s premium and curated positioning.

• Build strong relationships with members, guests and clients, responding proactively to feedback and resolving issues effectively.

• Respond proactively to guest feedback and resolve issues effectively and professionally.

• Ensure the team consistently demonstrates warm, engaging and knowledgeable service.

• Treat every artist and performer as a valued guest, ensuring they receive the same warmth and care extended to members and guests.

Events & Private Hire

• Support the delivery of curated events and private hire, ensuring seamless integration with core restaurant operations.

• Work closely with events, kitchen and operational teams to ensure all event activity is integrated seamlessly with core restaurant operations.

• Monitor event service standards, guest satisfaction and operational efficiency throughout each event lifecycle.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing front-of-house team.

• Manage staffing levels to meet business demands while maintaining service quality and labour efficiency.

• Foster a positive, inclusive and guest-focused culture.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, training and performance management initiatives.

Commercial Performance

• Drive revenue growth through effective service management, upselling initiatives and guest engagement.

• Control labour and operational costs through efficient scheduling and resource planning.

• Support stock management, waste reduction and cost-control initiatives.

• Assist the General Manager in achieving key financial, operational and guest satisfaction targets.

Person Specification:

Experience

• Proven experience in restaurant management or high-volume hospitality operations, ideally within a premium or multi-service environment.

• Strong guest-facing experience with the ability to deliver a warm, professional and engaging service style.

• Demonstrated experience leading teams within a fast-paced, service-led environment.

• Good understanding of restaurant operations across multiple dayparts (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and experience supporting events or private hire functions.

• Experience using POS systems or hospitality management tools is desirable.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent organisational, administrative and multitasking skills.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to build trusting relationships.

• Calm under pressure with strong prioritisation skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• High level of initiative and ability to learn new systems quickly.

• Collaborative team player with excellent personal presentation.

Attributes & Behaviours

• Hospitality-driven with a genuine commitment to exceptional service.

• Positive, proactive and solution focused.

• Curious, ambitious and motivated to develop both personally and professionally.

• Flexible to work hours that reflect the trading pattern of a restaurant and events led operation.

Sustainability Responsibilities:

• Engage fully with The Grand Plan, completing all required training and promoting sustainable practices.

• Seek opportunities to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of operations.

Olympia Events is fully committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that attend our premises. As a consequence, Olympia Events may require any successful applicant to complete a DBS Check prior to working in our business.

Olympia Events is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and excepts all its people to have a positive commitment to EDI by treating others fairly and not committing any form of discrimination, victimisation or harassment and to promote positive working relationships amongst employees and stakeholders.

This job description is intended as a guide to the main responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may vary according to the changing needs of the business.