Heartwood Inns
Assistant Manager
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Assistant Manager - Up to £42,000 OTE (including Tronc)
Join the opening team at one of Cambridgeshire's most exciting new hospitality destinations.
The Meadow Lark, Trumpington – Opening Late 2026
Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment, The Meadow Lark is set to become one of Cambridgeshire's most exciting premium pubs with rooms, and we're looking for an exceptional Assistant Manager to join our opening leadership team.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something special from day one. Working alongside an experienced General Manager and Deputy General Manager, you'll help recruit, develop and inspire the team while delivering outstanding hospitality and creating memorable experiences for every guest.
If you're passionate about people, thrive in a fast-paced environment and are ready to take the next step in your hospitality career, we'd love to hear from you.
About The Meadow Lark
Previously independently owned for over 20 years, The Meadow Lark has been thoughtfully transformed as part of the award-winning Heartwood Collection.
Located in the affluent village of Trumpington, just south of Cambridge, this beautiful thatched pub with rooms will offer:
- A welcoming 84-cover bar
- A stunning 84-cover restaurant
- An 80-cover terrace and landscaped garden
- 19 beautifully designed boutique bedrooms
- Stylish interiors inspired by Heartwood's signature design
This will become a destination venue for the local community and visitors alike.
Why Join Heartwood Collection?
At Heartwood Collection, we're passionate about creating welcoming pubs and atmospheric brasseries at the heart of their local communities.
Whether it's our Heartwood Inns or Brasserie Blanc restaurants inspired by Raymond Blanc, we're united by exceptional hospitality, fresh seasonal food and genuine service.
With more than 50 locations and ambitious plans to grow to over 60 sites by 2027, there's never been a better time to join us. Every new opening creates exciting opportunities for career progression, and we're proud to develop our managers from within.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Assistant Manager - What You'll Be Doing
As Assistant Manager, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day success of the business, supporting the management team to deliver exceptional guest experiences every day.
You'll
- Lead confident, well-organised shifts that deliver outstanding service
- Inspire, coach and support the front of house team to be at their very best
- Lead from the front, setting the standard through your own example
- Ensure every guest receives warm, genuine hospitality from arrival to departure
- Support the General Manager and Deputy General Manager in achieving business targets and maintaining excellent operational standards
- Assist with recruiting, training and developing new team members
- Conduct engaging pre-shift briefings and motivate the team throughout service
- Build positive relationships with both front and back of house teams to deliver seamless service
- Handle guest feedback confidently, resolving issues with professionalism and care
- Ensure the business operates safely and in line with company procedures and legal requirements
Assistant Manager - What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who genuinely loves hospitality and enjoys developing people just as much as delivering exceptional guest experiences.
You'll Have
- Previous supervisory or management experience within a busy hospitality environment
- A passion for delivering outstanding customer service
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- The confidence to lead busy shifts and motivate a team
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
- A positive, hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example
- The ability to remain calm under pressure while maintaining high standards
- Commercial awareness and a desire to continue developing your management skills
Assistant Manager - What We Offer
Excellent Reward Package
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Up to £36,000 OTE (including Tronc*)
- Competitive salary
- Instant access to earned pay through EarlyPay
- Refer a Friend bonus of up to £1,500
Career Development
- Industry-leading Stepping Stones training and development programme
- Clear progression opportunities throughout Heartwood Collection
- Structured leadership development and ongoing coaching
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
- Employee Assistance Programme with Hospitality Action
- Enhanced maternity and paternity package
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Long Service Recognition Awards
- A thoughtful birthday gift
Food & Discounts
- 50% discount on food across Heartwood Inns and Brasserie Blanc
- 20% friends and family food discount
- Hundreds of retail and lifestyle discounts through Reward Gateway
A Place to Grow Your Career
This isn't just another Assistant Manager role.
Whether your ambition is to become a Deputy General Manager, General Manager or continue developing within one of the UK's fastest-growing hospitality groups, we'll support your career every step of the way through our award-winning Stepping Stones development programme.
Many of our General Managers have progressed through the business, and with exciting new openings planned across the country, there has never been a better time to join us.
Award-Winning Employer
We're proud to be recognised as one of the UK's leading hospitality businesses, including:
- Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024
- Double winner at the Publican Awards 2024
- Three-Star Sustainable Restaurant Association accreditation
- R200 recognition
- Plus many more industry awards
Join us at the beginning of an exciting new chapter and help create one of Cambridgeshire's most exciting new hospitality destinations.
Apply today and become part of The Meadow Lark's opening story.
*OTE is based on a 48-hour working week. Tronc earnings are estimated using projected site performance and average distributions during the first six months following opening.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills