Who are we and what do we do ?
At The Muddy Duck, were a proudly independent pub and restaurant nestled in the heart of Hethe, just north of Bicester. Our home sits beside the village church, surrounded by Oxfordshire countryside, and weve always believed a great local should feel both familiar and a little magical. Under one roof, youll find a proper pub where you can settle in with a pint and a meal, and a relaxed restaurant serving honest, great-tasting food. Weve held onto the charm and character of a true village pub while creating spaces that feel special, welcoming, and full of personality.
Our team is local, passionate, and dedicated to making every visit feel like coming home, whether youre here for a quiet drink, a long lunch/dinner, or a celebration!
About the Role
Were looking for a polished, commercially minded Assistant General Manager to help lead the launch and ongoing success of our newly reopened pub and dining room. With a refined food and drink offering, this role calls for someone who understands elevated, detail-driven hospitality while embracing the energy and accessibility of a vibrant, high-performing venue.
Working closely with the General Manager, youll be a driving force on the floor, shaping the guest experience, leading service with confidence and warmth, and building a culture defined by precision, consistency, and genuine hospitality. Youll play a key role in developing the front-of-house team, upholding operational standards, and contributing to the commercial performance of the business.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in premium environments, loves being guest-facing, and is ready to help establish a standout destination from day one.
Location: Bicester surroundings
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Service Excellence
Champion a seamless, high-touch guest journey from arrival to departure
Lead service from the floor with presence, attention to detail, and pace
Drive a culture of intuitive, personalised hospitality
Ensure consistency in standards across all service periods
Leadership & Team Development
Support recruitment, training, and development of front of house teams
Inspire a motivated, engaged, and professional service culture
Act as a role model for service, presentation, and communication
Build strong collaboration between front and back of house
Operations & Standards
Oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth, efficient service delivery
Maintain exceptional standards in service, cleanliness, and presentation
Implement and uphold SOPs aligned with a premium dining environment
Support stock control, ordering, and inventory management
Commercial Performance
Drive revenue through service excellence, upselling, and team engagement
Support management of labour, cost control, and productivity
Contribute to achieving and exceeding financial targets
Work closely with the GM on strategy, reporting, and performance analysis
What Were Looking For
Were looking for a confident, guest-focused leader who brings both polish and commercial sharpness to a premium, high-energy environment. The ideal candidate will offer:
Proven experience as a Deputy General Manager, Assistant GM, or senior restaurant manager within a premium, high-volume setting
A background in refined, design-led concepts, whether premium casual or upscale dining
A strong floor presence with a hands-on, people-first leadership style
Deep knowledge of food, wine, and beverage, with an appreciation for quality and detail
Commercial awareness, including experience managing KPIs, driving revenue, and supporting cost control
Exceptional attention to detail, presentation, and guest interaction
A natural host with charisma, confidence, and an instinct for warm, intuitive hospitality
The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-driven environment, maintaining calm and consistency
A leader who balances elevated hospitality with commercial delivery, ensuring both guest satisfaction and business performance
A passion for developing teams, building culture, and creating standout guest experiences
Why Join Absolute Taste?
Working with us means joining a fast-growing, innovative company that is redefining culinary and event experiences. Youll be part of a supportive, resilient team that values creativity, development, and having fun at work.
We offer:
25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
3% pension
Life assurance
Thorough training and ongoing development
A positive, empowering culture where your growth matters
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
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