Duty Manager

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Duty Manager. At ARC we embrace diversity, we develop our people, we care for our visitors, we think about our impact and we are proud of our sport.

Set in the town of Southwell near Newark and one of only six all‑weather racecourse tracks in the UK, Southwell has its own unique charm and character, making it one of the premier sporting venues in the East Midlands. After previously owning the UK’s only fibresand surface All‑Weather track, Southwell switched over to a Tapeta surface as of 2021. With racing on both All‑Weather and Turf tracks taking place throughout the year, we are one of the country’s busiest racecourses. Not only are we Horseracing at Southwell we are also home to Southwell Golf Club. The course has two contrasting nine holes. The Front 9 sits within Southwell Racecourse and is characterised by a large number of water hazards. The 7th hole, a 138 yards par 3 with an island green is Southwell’s signature hole.

About the role: Working closely with the Management Team, the Duty Manager oversees race day and non‑race day retail and bar operations at Southwell Racecourse, ensuring excellent customer service, efficient operations and high hospitality standards. The role involves leading teams, improving labour efficiency through training, driving innovation across hospitality areas and supporting profitable, customer‑focused operations. The Duty Manager also works closely with the Catering team to deliver safe, well‑organised events and manages the overall site in the absence of the Catering Manager.

Responsibilities for the successful Duty Manager include (but not limited to):

• Lead and manage all catering, hospitality, and event operations across race day and non‑race day activities.
• Ensure high standards of customer service, operational delivery, and venue presentation at all times.
• Support the planning, coordination, and successful execution of events and large‑scale hospitality operations.
• Manage staffing levels, rotas, training, and team performance to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Work closely with the Head Chef and senior management to control budgets, stock, labour costs, and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Food Safety, licensing, and company procedures.
• Handle customer enquiries, complaints, and client relationships in a professional manner.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to maximise efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee stock control, cash handling, ordering, and invoicing processes.
• Maintain safe, clean, and secure event spaces, bars, hospitality areas, and back‑of‑house operations.
• Lead by example, promoting strong teamwork, communication, and a positive working culture.
• Act as an ambassador for the racecourse, maintaining professional standards and supporting business growth opportunities.

The person we are looking for as a Duty Manager has:

• Experience of leading and managing a team of people.
• Experience in the food and beverage industry.
• Experience in sporting, racing, leisure or hotel background would be an advantage.
• Strong communication skills – able to communicate at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Ability to work to strict pressured deadlines.

Work Perks of being a Duty Manager with us at ARC:

• 2 Annual Members passes, giving access to over 1500 racedays.
• Hotel Discounts and Complimentary Golf.
• Annual leave starting at 22 days increasing up to 28 in line with length of service.
• Pension & Group life assurance schemes.
• Healthshield – including 24hr GP & EAP.
• …and so much more!

We are on a thrilling journey. So, to join us at our next destination, be part of a winning team and to learn more about our company and this exciting opportunity apply today!

At ARC, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability that requires reasonable adjustments, please let us know; we will ensure that individuals with additional needs are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions. We understand the value that diversity brings to our business and we are striving to create a working environment that is inclusive, psychologically and physically safe and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions. We are committed to making a consistent, top‑down effort to be role models on what diversity, inclusion and belonging means in society.