At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead front of house operations and deliver exceptional customer experiences at iconic theatres.
- Company: Join Trafalgar Entertainment, a dynamic leader in live entertainment.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted theatre tickets, training opportunities, and mental health resources.
- Other info: Flexible hours with 33 days annual leave and great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team creating unforgettable live experiences for audiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer-focused roles; management skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26800 - 32900 £ per year.
At the heart of Southend-on-Sea’s cultural life are the Cliffs Pavilion and the Palace Theatre - two iconic venues united by a shared passion for live entertainment.
With the Cliffs Pavilion’s refurbishment project nearing completion, this is an exciting time to join the Southend Theatres team. We are looking for a Duty Manager to play a key role in delivering exceptional customer experiences across our venues, helping to ensure every visitor receives a warm welcome and a consistently high-quality experience.
Working across both the Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre, you will lead front of house operations during performances and events, supporting teams across our bars, events, coffee shop, new restaurant and wider customer-facing services. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the venues, maintaining high standards of customer service, safety and operational excellence, while creating a positive and inclusive environment for both customers and colleagues.
We welcome applications from candidates with supervisory or management experience in customer-focused environments. You do not need to have worked in a theatre or arts venue to be successful in this role. Whether your background is in hospitality, retail, leisure, visitor attractions or another fast-paced customer-facing setting, we are looking for someone who leads by example, remains calm under pressure, makes confident decisions and is passionate about delivering outstanding customer experiences.
You are customer-focused and commercially savvy, with a strong working knowledge of theatre, events, or food and drink operations. You are comfortable operating in a highly commercial environment within a large corporate organisation. You thrive in busy, fast-paced, and multifaceted settings, with the ability to think on your feet and positively influence the success of events and overall business performance.
You demonstrate a strong customer service ethos and a genuine commitment to delivering an excellent experience—consistently and without compromise. Flexible, energetic, and resilient, you are results-focused and motivated by driving profitability and operational efficiency. You communicate with professionalism and confidence, maintaining an excellent manner when engaging with the public, colleagues, stakeholders, and industry partners. You adapt well to changing business needs and remain calm, focused, and effective under pressure.
You have proven experience in operational people management, including training and development, workforce deployment and rota management, and performance management.
KEY INFORMATION
- Position Title: Duty Manager
- Location: Southend Theatres
- Contract: Full Time
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Annual Leave: 33 days per annum (incl public bank holidays)
- Salary: £26,800 to £32,900 per annum
For You:
- Discounted theatre tickets
- Training and development plans
- Hundreds of savings across retailers with TE&ME
- Access to mental health resources
- And much more...
Duty Manager | Southend Theatres | Permanent employer: Wycombe Swan Theatre
Wycombe Swan Theatre is an outstanding employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises exceptional guest experiences and team collaboration. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, a supportive environment, and the chance to be part of a renowned venue in the heart of the community, making it a truly rewarding place to work for those passionate about hospitality and the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Manager | Southend Theatres | Permanent
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Wycombe Swan Theatre. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wycombe Swan Theatre
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wycombe Swan Theatre directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Manager | Southend Theatres | Permanent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Wycombe Swan Theatre and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wycombe Swan Theatre
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
