About Us

Poon’s has been part of London’s food story for over fifty years – from Bill and Cecilia’s Michelin-starred Covent Garden restaurant in the 1980s to Amy Poon’s stunning new permanent home in the New Wing of Somerset House. Already one of the most talked-about openings in the city, Grace Dent called it “sweet, confident, feminine, ballsy and glamorous,” The Infatuation named it “the most graceful and grown-up lunch in all of London,” and Hot Dinners praised a menu that is “genuinely one of the more interesting offerings we’ve seen in a long time.” The cooking is rooted in Chinese home tradition – claypot rice, wind-dried meats from her grandfather’s recipe – served inside one of the city’s great Grade I-listed buildings. It feels like somewhere that matters.

 
About the Role

As Assistant General Manager, you’ll be the engine behind the day-to-day running of Poon’s – supporting the General Manager in leading the team, maintaining our standards, and making sure every guest leaves having had a genuinely special experience. This is a hands-on, front-facing role in a restaurant that people are already talking about, and it’s a brilliant opportunity for someone ready to take a real step up.

 
About You

You’re a natural leader who leads from the front. You understand what great hospitality looks like and you hold yourself and your team to that standard – not in a heavy-handed way, but because you genuinely care. You’re calm under pressure, solutions-focused, and the kind of person the team rallies around. You know your numbers as well as you know your guests, and you’re excited by the idea of helping build something with real momentum behind it.

 
Key Responsibilities

–    Support the General Manager in the overall running of the restaurant, stepping up to lead the operation in their absence

–    Lead, motivate and develop the front-of-house team, setting a high standard for service, attitude and professionalism

–    Take an active role on the floor during service – guest-facing, present and setting the tone

–    Drive a brilliant guest experience from arrival to departure, handling feedback and resolving any issues with confidence and care

–    Assist with recruitment, onboarding and ongoing training of team members

–    Support rota management, scheduling and labour cost control in line with targets

–    Work closely with the kitchen team to ensure seamless communication between front and back of house

–    Oversee daily opening and closing procedures, ensuring the restaurant is always presented to the highest standard

–    Assist with stock management, ordering and supplier relationships

–    Monitor and report on key performance metrics, supporting the GM with financial reporting and cost management

–    Uphold all licensing, health and safety, and food hygiene standards at all times

 
What We’re Looking For

–    Proven experience as an Assistant General Manager, Restaurant Manager or senior supervisor in a quality-led restaurant environment

–    A genuine passion for hospitality and an instinct for what makes guests feel looked after

–    Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing a team

–    Commercially minded -comfortable with rotas, budgets and the day-to-day numbers

–    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

–    Calm, organised and decisive under pressure

–    An interest in Chinese food and culture is a bonus, but a love of great food in general is a must

 
Your Benefits

–    Sundays off – every week, guaranteed

–    Cost price wine and food supplier discounts

–    40% off the total bill when dining as a table of up to 4

–    40% off Poon’s retail products – available directly at the restaurant or retail arch

–    Paid development courses

–    Free CODE Hospitality membership

–    Winemaker-led tasting and training sessions

–    Employee Referral Scheme

–    Employee of the Month — win dinner for 2 at a top London restaurant, including the likes of HIDE and Shangri-La

–    Somerset House Resident Pass — discounts at all on-site restaurants, bars and cafés, plus earlybird, discounted and free access to events and exhibitions in the building