Drift - Manager

About Freehand Hospitality

Rooted in chef-led creativity, our team is passionate about bringing people together with bold flavours, thoughtful ingredients, and warm, welcoming service. We celebrate diverse culinary styles—from upscale Maritime dining to classic French fare—paired with genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish tells a story, and every experience celebrates connection, community, and a true sense of place in Halifax.

Owning a strong connection to time and place, Drift pays homage to this region’s land, people and history. Celebrating our natural abundance, Drift’s culinary vision is to showcase the East Coast’s most beloved ingredients stemming from a vibrant community of artisans, producers, farmers and fishers. Chef Anthony Walsh has crafted menus featuring eclectic interpretations of familiar Maritime fare. Whether you’re sampling an incredible variety of raw bar delicacies or tucking into a piping hot Seafood Hodge Podge, Drift’s dishes aim to deliver equal parts comfort and surprise.

Job Description

Under the direction of the General Manager, we are looking for an Assistant Manager at Drift who will be accountable for the day-to-day operations of the restaurant including staffing, cost controls, staff training, budgeting, administration and active floor management during service.

What you will be doing:

• Communicating the vision to all team members and leads by example. Reinforcing the values daily and inspires the team with his/her exciting vision for the future
• Regularly monitor and achieve the points of technical service and points of details
• Building and maintaining relationships with guests, team members and senior management alike
• Following bar, beverage and wine control procedures exactly
• Providing general administrative support for the restaurant
• Showing leadership in creating a culture that revolves around the experience and enjoyment of food and wine
• Demonstrating high personal integrity, business ethics and takes every opportunity to promote the venue
• Conducting recruitment and selection and training and development initiatives as well as performance management and employee coaching
• Using conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
• Assisting with the tracking of sales, invoicing, and managing inventory
• Conducting briefings with event service staff prior to each function
• Ensuring accuracy and timeliness of payroll records
• Striving for maximum efficiency and continual improvement of staff productivity
• Participating on the Health & Safety Committee, ensuring that the Occupational Health & Safety Act and WSIB procedures are being followed
• Ensuring the facility is well maintained, repaired and spotless at all times
• Working with Marketing to design and implement a strategy to attract new business
• Building relationships with vendors and suppliers
• Additional duties as assigned or required

The person we are looking for has:

• A post-secondary diploma/degree in Business or Hospitality is considered an asset
• Experience in a high volume, fast paced hospitality environment
• WSET Intermediate Wine Certificate or comparable is considered an asset
• A strong understanding of Five-Star service standards and ensuring these are consistently met or exceeded
• The ability to anticipate and fulfill guests' needs before they even ask, ensuring a flawless dining experience
• A proven track record of managing upscale or fine dining restaurants to understand the complexity of serving guests with high expectations
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to demonstrate extreme organization in a fast-paced environment while acting as a team player
• Skills in addressing and resolving guest complaints or concerns with tact, ensuring a positive outcome without compromising the guest experience
• Familiarity with premium beverage offerings, including fine wines, cocktails, and specialty coffees, to complement the dining experience
• The ability and a passion to create memorable guest experiences through personalized service, remembering preferences of frequent diners, and making guests feel like a VIP

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive extended Health & Dental benefits
• Access to our gym and fitness facility
• 50% dining discount at Freehand locations
• RRSP Matching
  

A member of The Armour Group, Freehand Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value our employees and their well-being. If you would like to join an organization with which you can have a work-life balance, career growth, long term job stability, and an opportunity to positively contribute to the community, this position may be for you!

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to [email protected]. While we thank all applicants only those selected for an interview will be contacted.