Manager Assistant Restaurant jobs in Toronto, ON

Assistant Manager/Sommelier

Great service starts with knowledge. The Paese Assistant Manager/Sommelier is responsible for the training of all service personnel to maximize the guest experience. Additionally, the Paese Assistant Manager/Sommelier is responsible for “product flow” – purchasing and inventory control is important to mantain profitability and minimize shrinkage. Lastly, coaching and counseling service personnel to deliver attentive professional service.

Position Summary

• The Assistant Manager works alongside the General Manager to oversee the daily operation of the restaurant while delivering exceptional hospitality and leading by example.
• When working alongside the General Manager, the Assistant Manager will typically carry a serving section while acting as a floor leader—coaching the team, maintaining service standards, supporting guests, and ensuring smooth operations.
• During the General Manager's scheduled days off or absences, the Assistant Manager assumes responsibility for the entire restaurant, leading all front-of-house operations, managing the service team, making operational decisions, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience.
• This role requires someone who can seamlessly transition between managing, serving, coaching and problem-solving while always putting the guest experience first.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ownership and Accountability

• Conduct themselves in accordance with the Paese policies and procedures handbook and inspires hourly employees to do the same
• Enforces the Paese policies and procedures in consultation with the GM
• Exemplifies the ideals of Paese - respect, integrity, teamwork and empowerment

Management

• Ensures maintenance, ordering, organizing inventory, proper beverage receiving procedure and proper security
• Ensures that L-eat Catering (parent company) beverage requests are being ordered/set
• Opens and closes in accordance with Paese standards and ensures all checklists are fully executed
• Optimizes efficient and effective utilization of facilities and labour through effective planning, scheduling, ordering, and inventory control
• Ensure that employee procedures are followed
• Handle any guest relations issues that may arise
• Has an active role in dinner/ lunch service, often maintain a service section, tending bar or running food
• Assists with promotional and marketing activities
• Conduct wine tastings and educational sessions for staff

Beverage Program

• Product knowledge – is an expert on all beverage products and continually refines our product mix to offer unique quality beverages to our guests
• Conducts rollouts of new beverage products to staff before they appear on the menu
• Maintains a 600 wine list in accordance with Paese standards
• Removes or replenishes out of stock items
• Introduces the Paese wine list/offering wine at every table during service and communicate our wine philosophy.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Supervisor/management experience - minimum 2 years
• Italian restaurant experience - minimum 2 years
• Sommelier Certification, minimum WSET 1, submitted with application
• Familiarity with Italian cuisine and wine pairing principles
• Excellent communication, leadership skills and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with guests and staff

Salary/Rate

• Gratuities on top - total comp north of 70-75k

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food

Ability to commute/relocate:

• North York, ON M3H 3N1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Restaurant Management: 2 years (required)
• Fine Dining Italian Restaurant: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Certified Sommelier (required)

Work Location: In person