Assistant Manager

Searchlight Ventures Limited; Banbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Healthcare cash plan

Wagestream – access earned pay

Employee assistance programme

Free cinema tickets for family and朋友

Job summary

The Light is seeking a proactive Assistant Manager to join our venue in Banbury. You will support daily operations, lead shifts, and ensure exceptional guest service.

You’ll manage rosters, uphold health and safety standards, provide coaching, and act as keyholder when senior managers are off-site. Flexible evenings, weekends, and holidays expected.

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role within cinema, hospitality, leisure, or retail.
• Calm under pressure and organised during busy periods.
• Strong attention to detail and a hands-on approach.
• Flexible and reliable — happy to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Support the management team in day-to-day operation of the venue.
• Lead and motivate the team during shifts to deliver a fantastic guest experience.
• Help manage team rotas, maintain standards, and keep the venue running smoothly.
• Take responsibility for opening and closing procedures.
• Ensure health & safety, cleanliness, and presentation standards are consistently met.
• Provide training and support to team members.
• Handle guest queries or issues with confidence and professionalism.
• Act as a keyholder and take charge when senior managers are not on site.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

We are The Light, we provide a unique immersive experience that surprises and delights our guests across 14 locations in the UK. We offer a wide range of activities; cinema, bowling, karaoke, darts, mini golf, climbing walls, bars and kitchens – we have it all!

We’re looking for a proactive, people-focused Assistant Manager to join our managementteam. In this role, you’ll support the daily running of the venue, helping to lead the team, deliver exceptional guest service, and ensure smooth operations across all areas.

It’s a great opportunity for an Assistant Manager with leadership experience in cinema, hospitality or leisure who’s ready to step up into a broader management role.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Support the management team in the day-to-day operation of the venue
• Lead and motivate the team during shifts to deliver a fantastic guest experience
• Help manage team rotas, maintain standards, and keep the venue running smoothly
• Take responsibility for opening and closing procedures
• Ensure health & safety, cleanliness, and presentation standards are consistently met
• Provide training and support to team members
• Handle guest queries or issues with confidence and professionalism
• Act as a keyholder and take charge when senior managers are not on site

About You:

• Experience in a leadership role within cinema, hospitality, leisure, or retail
• A confident, friendly communicator who leads by example
• Calm under pressure and organised during busy periods
• Strong attention to detail and a positive, hands-on approach
• Passionate about delivering great service and working as part of a team
• Flexible and reliable — happy to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

What’s In It For You:

• Competitive pay
• 28 days holiday
• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme
• Life insurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• Wagestream – access your earned pay when you need it
• Employee assistance programme
• Free cinema tickets for family and friends
• Career development and progression opportunities

Our Recruitment Team reviews every application and will be in touch with candidates who are a great fit. If this role isn’t quite right for now, we’ll still let you know — though we’re unable to provide detailed feedback at this stage.