At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations and create memorable visitor experiences at a new cultural venue.
- Company: Join Durham County Council in launching The Light, a vibrant cultural landmark.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting project that shapes community engagement and culture.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, with experience in Front of House roles.
The predicted salary is between 28142 - 31022 £ per year.
Help launch County Durham's newest cultural landmark! Opening in August, The Light will bring together art, science, history, creativity and community, welcoming up to 100,000 visitors a year. We're looking for an exceptional Duty Manager to help shape our visitor experience and operational day-to-day excellence from day one. Although the contract offered is 24 hours per week, we are looking for candidates who wish to grow and evolve, and are therefore able to offer availability closer to full-time rather than part-time hours. This is a rare opportunity to play a defining role in launching a major new cultural venue.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As Duty Manager you will support the Operations Manager in delivering all aspects of day-to-day operations. You will help build a positive, motivated team to ensure income targets are met or exceeded, customers leave with a fun and memorable visitor experience, and all while ensuring The Light is safe and accessible to all.
You will be:
- A team leader with a proven track record in galleries, museums, multi-use cultural venues or who can demonstrate clear transferable skills from other sectors.
- Skilled in delivering exceptional Front of House operations.
- Proven track record in compliance, health and safety and operational best practice.
- A positive, flexible problem solver who thrives in fast-paced environments.
- Experienced in target-driven retail, catering or commercial hire to achieve required income.
- Passionate about accessibility, inclusion and engaging diverse communities.
WHAT WE OFFER:
A career-defining opportunity to help open and shape a major new cultural venue. The chance to be involved in building systems, teams and standards from the ground up. Supportive leadership and a collaborative, creative working environment.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You'll have an NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent experience) and First Aid qualification (or be willing to work towards one), along with experience leading Front of House teams in a cultural or visitor-focused setting. You'll bring strong health and safety awareness, excellent customer service and communication skills, commercial know-how including cash handling, and a flexible, positive approach with a genuine passion for culture, inclusion and community engagement.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
It is expected interviews will take place week commencing 25th August 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Duty Manager in North East employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Kirklees Metropolitan Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment for Childcare Lawyers in Northallerton. With hybrid working options and a strong commitment to employee growth, the council fosters a culture of collaboration and professional development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in children's services.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Manager in North East
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
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Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
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✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at Kirklees Metropolitan Council and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Manager in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at Kirklees Metropolitan Council that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at Kirklees Metropolitan Council get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at Kirklees Metropolitan Council and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
