Salt and Ash - Assistant 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.

We pride ourselves on using quality, local ingredients to deliver simply prepared dishes that showcase the best of Nova Scotia. Chef Kayla Nelson’s approachable menu of comforting, rustic, and hearty dishes with a touch of coastal flair offers something for everyone, from wood-fired pizzas and an impressive array of grilled and smoked meat and seafood to unique brunch dishes and late-night snacks. At Salt + Ash, there’s no greater joy than having our guests sink their teeth into a lip-smacking burger, succulent piece of fried chicken, a perfectly charred pepperoni pie or crispy fish and chips made fresh to order.

Job Description

Under the direction of the General Manager, we are looking for a Manager 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 leading by example
• Inspiring the team with an exciting vision for the future
• Regularly monitoring and achieving the points of technical service and points of details
• Building and maintaining relationships with guests, team members and senior management alike
• Taking lead on restaurant events such as buyouts and private dining
• 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 taking 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
• Scheduling event staff to properly service events/functions
• Ensuring accuracy and timeliness of payroll records
• Striving for maximum efficiency and continual improvement of staff productivity
• 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:

• Post-secondary diploma/degree in Business or Hospitality is an asset
• Event experience is an asset
• A passion for food & beverage and creation of memorable moments for guests

• A track record of managing fast-paced restaurants, ensuring smooth service even during peak hours
• The ability to juggle multiple tasks, from managing staff schedules to overseeing inventory and handling customer needs simultaneously
• Experience managing a larger team of servers, and support staff to maintain efficiency and quality during high-volume service
• Has the ability to remain calm under pressure, ensuring that the team can navigate the inevitable challenges of a fast-paced restaurant smoothly
• Superior verbal and written communication skills

What’s in it for you?

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

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.