Overview


Staff Restaurant Assistant Manager – Westminster, SW1A 0PW

Staff Restaurant Assistant Manager

House of Lords – Catering and Retail Services

BELONG HERE. TOGETHER, WE MAKE PARLIAMENT HAPPEN.

As a Staff Restaurant Assistant Manager you’ll play an important role in supporting the UK’s parliamentary democracy. Your work will help Members carry out their responsibilities effectively – contributing to something bigger than any one role.

You’ll be part of a collaborative community, working alongside colleagues from a wide range of professions. Together, we make Parliament happen.

You’ll be based on the Parliamentary Estate in Westminster – a unique working environment shaped by history and powered by the people who work here today.

You’ll play an important role in supporting the day-to-day operation of either the River Restaurant and Bar or the Millbank House Restaurant. Both venues are busy, self-service restaurants that welcome more than 4,500 customers each day across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services, providing a dynamic and rewarding environment in which to work.

Working closely with the Restaurant Manager, you’ll help ensure that services are delivered to a consistently high standard, creating a welcoming experience for customers while supporting the efficient and effective running of the operation. This is a hands-on role that combines leading and developing a team with actively contributing to daily service, offering the opportunity to make a visible impact on both customer experience and team success.

This position offers the chance to work within the unique and prestigious environment of the Palace of Westminster, where collaboration, professionalism, and exceptional service are highly valued. You’ll join a supportive team, gain exposure to a fast-paced hospitality operation, and have opportunities to develop your management skills while contributing to a service that supports the work of Parliament.

The role operates on a variable shift pattern across both restaurant locations and reports directly to the River Restaurant and Millbank House Restaurant Manager.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you’ll:

  • Support the day-to-day operation of the department by helping to guide and motivate the team, ensuring high standards are consistently achieved. Contribute ideas and support improvements to enhance the customer experience and operational effectiveness.
  • Help identify and maximise sales opportunities through promotions, events, and special activities. Work closely with the Outlet Manager to assist with the planning, promotion, and successful delivery of these initiatives.
  • Support the effective and efficient use of staffing, equipment, and resources while helping to maintain appropriate controls for stock management, income, and cash handling procedures.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to regularly review menus and beverage offerings, ensuring customer feedback and preferences are considered to continuously enhance the dining experience.
  • Take a proactive approach to supporting and leading the restaurant team, helping to set objectives, monitor standards, and ensure operating procedures are followed consistently.
  • Assist the Manager in ensuring team members have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Support the delivery of training, development opportunities, and the appraisal process to help colleagues grow and succeed.
  • Deliver an exceptional standard of customer service by responding positively, professionally, and promptly to customer feedback, comments, or concerns, escalating significant issues to the Manager when appropriate.
  • Work alongside the Manager to identify opportunities to develop and improve services in response to changing customer needs and expectations.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who can bring their skills and experience to make a meaningful contribution here.

You’ll have:

  • A good understanding of restaurant operations, together with a sound knowledge of food and beverage service, and a genuine interest in delivering excellent customer experience.
  • The ability to positively lead, support, and motivate colleagues, helping to create an inclusive environment where team members can develop and perform at their best.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build positive and effective working relationships with people at all levels..
  • Strong organisational skills, with the ability to use initiative, think proactively, and approach challenges in a practical and solution-focused way..
  • Confidence in using a range of IT systems, including EPOS systems, Microsoft Office applications, and internet-based tools.
  • A good understanding of Food Hygiene, Health and Safety, and other relevant regulatory requirements, with a commitment to maintaining high standards and best practice.

It would be even better if you have (or are willing to learn):

  • Experience of hospitality meeting room operations.
  • An understanding budgets and being able to explain variances to targets.
  • Whilst proven experience and ability are more important than technical qualifications, vocational qualifications such as NVQ level 3 in Food Service or equivalent would be an advantage. Basic Health and Safety, Food safety, craft and/or group trainer qualifications desirable.


For full details, please see the job description.

What you’ll get in return

Working at the House of Lords means joining a community that values your wellbeing, growth and contribution.

You’ll benefit from:

  • 30 days annual leave (rising to 35 after one year).
  • Generous Civil Service pension scheme.
  • A comprehensive Parliamentary health and wellbeing programme.
  • Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities across diverse professions.
  • The chance to witness democracy in action and work in a place of historic national significance.

The work we do is vital to the House of Lords – the second chamber of the UK Parliament. It plays a critical role in making laws, scrutinising government, and providing independent expertise on national issues.

Ready to apply?

If you’re looking for an employer where you can belong, grow and thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Please complete your online application by 23:59 on Sunday 4th October 2026.


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