Assistant General Manager

Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen

EdinburghCompetitive salaryFull time

At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy, but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.

Ottolenghi Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter for us, our first restaurant in Scotland. Opening in autumn 2026, this will be a vibrant, busy restaurant with a genuine commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability at its heart.We are now looking for a talented Assistant General Manager to join our team and be part of something truly special from the very beginning.

What you’ll do

  • Lead by example, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere for guests and colleagues.
  • Oversee daily service, from planning to execution, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and warmth throughout.
  • Support the General Manager in driving financial performance, including service standards, cost control, and sales.
  • Collaborate closely with chefs, managers, and front-of-house colleagues to maintain the highest quality of food, service, and atmosphere.
  • Take ownership of training and development, helping your team grow and thrive.
  • Handle guest feedback with kindness and professionalism, turning challenges into positive outcomes.
  • Contribute to the long-term success of the venue by identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.

What we’re looking for

  • Previous management experience in a high-quality restaurant or hospitality setting, with a minimum of 2 years in a similar role.
  • A natural leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment while keeping a calm, approachable presence.
  • A genuine passion for hospitality and people, with a hands-on and collaborative attitude.
  • Confidence in managing both the operational and financial aspects of a venue.
  • Knowledge of food and beverage operations, including menu planning, ordering, and stock control.
  • Enthusiasm for fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
  • Well-organised, with excellent attention to detail and a strong understanding of health, safety, and hygiene regulations.

Key skills

  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Confident managing operational and financial priorities simultaneously.
  • Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
  • Calm under pressure with a solutions-focused and collaborative mindset.
  • Comfortable using relevant hospitality management and IT systems.
  • A genuine passion for hospitality, food, and continuous improvement.

What’s in it for you?

  • 30 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays
  • Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
  • Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
  • Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
  • Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses
  • A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
  • Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service
  • A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
  • Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
  • A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued

If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.