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:
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
