Assistant Manager

Airport Retail Enterprises (UK) Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading airport hospitality service seeks an experienced Assistant Manager at Manchester Airport. You will oversee daily operations, ensuring high standards of customer service and team leadership. The ideal candidate is flexible, has strong leadership skills, and holds a Food Hygiene certificate. This position offers growth in a dynamic environment with various perks like subsidized parking and meal provisions.

Benefits

Subsidised on-site airport parking

Free meals while on duty

28 days annual leave

NEST pension

Health & wellbeing cash plan

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level hospitality experience with a proven track record in leadership.
• Flexibility with shift patterns is essential.
• Familiarity with airport-based hospitality preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, coach, and guide the team to improve service.
• Support colleagues in resolving customer complaints.
• Ensure health, safety, and wellbeing of guests at all times.

Skills

Leadership in hospitality

Customer service excellence

Conflict resolution

Effective communication

Education

Food Hygiene certificate

Leadership/management qualification

Job description

Overview

We are a family-run UK business operating food and beverage outlets at airports, creating exceptional experiences for all our customers. We believe airport customers deserve better - we ARE here to delight. We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic individual to join our team as Assistant Manager at Manchester Airport, to deliver exceptional food and outstanding customer service with a highly trained and motivated team. The Great Northern Market concept at Manchester Airport includes a team of approx. 120 with six kitchens and two bars, offering a diverse range of cuisines such as fried chicken, burgers, Mexican, pizza, Thai, an all-day grill, and a breakfast menu. The venue has approximately 470 covers and operates from 3am to 10pm.

As part of our leadership team, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of the outlet and upholding our high standards. People are at the heart of what we do, and our team members are central to our success. If you are passionate about hospitality, enjoy leading teams, and want to make a significant impact, we would love to hear from you.

The Role

Supporting the Operations Manager, you’ll ensure our consistently high level of customer service is maintained in line with company policies. You’ll take responsibility for designated areas of the business, oversee day-to-day operations, and step into a leadership role in the absence of the Operations or Deputy Manager. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for growth, working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where no two days are the same.

Main Duties

• Oversee, coach, and guide the team to continuously improve service while adhering to health and safety, food preparation, and alcohol licensing requirements.
• Motivate the team through positive communication, delivering informative pre- and post-shift briefs.
• Support colleagues in resolving customer complaints, handling escalations when necessary.
• Ensure all financial and administrative tasks are completed according to the Duty Manager daily task lists.
• Effectively manage team handovers between shifts, ensuring smooth transitions.
• Keep senior management informed of any significant issues arising during shifts.
• Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of guests and colleagues at all times.
• Handle and protect customer, supplier, and colleague data in accordance with data protection requirements.

Requirements

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic individual with a passion for delivering outstanding customer experiences in a hospitality environment. Flexibility with shift patterns and some leadership experience in hospitality are essential.

To Excel In This Role, You’ll Have

• A Food Hygiene certificate.
• Leadership/management qualification.
• Significant senior-level hospitality experience with a proven track record in leadership.
• Familiarity with airport-based hospitality (preferred but not essential).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build relationships with colleagues and customers.
• Proven success in managing teams, meeting sales targets, and maintaining excellent customer satisfaction.
• The ability to handle customer complaints and resolve them effectively.

Personal Qualities

We’re Seeking Someone Who Is

• Driven by continuous improvement.
• Decisive and resilient, with a calm and approachable manner.
• A natural leader.
• Calm and approachable under pressure.
• Passionate about food and beverages.

Our values, Growth, Respect, Innovation, Togetherness (GRIT), are reflected in the behaviours we demand. Are you:

• Curious, passionate and resilient.
• Responsible, hard-working and keen to help others.
• Willing to show up, be positive and have FUN!

Perks & Benefits

• Subsidised on-site airport parking
• Free meals while on duty at the site, from the 'Staff Duty Meal' options
• Tronc (tips and gratuities distribution system) via an elected troncmaster
• 28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing by 1 day a year up to a maximum of 32 days
• NEST pension
• Wagestream (flexible pay access)
• Health & wellbeing cash plan, also offering discounts and perks across hundreds of retailers
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for health and well-being support from day one
• Staff referral bonus scheme

Please Note

• All successful candidates will be required to: Provide proof of their right to work in the UK. Hold an Airport Security ID Pass, which we will assist with. The application process requires the production of a valid passport, a criminal record check, and five years of personal and employment references.

Equal Opportunities

At ARE Ltd, we recognise the value of diversity and inclusivity in fostering a truly remarkable experience for all our customers. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the wide array of perspectives and experiences found across the UK. We believe that embracing diversity helps us provide exceptional service and innovation.

Accessibility and Adjustments

ARE Ltd is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We strive to be as accommodating as possible to ensure all candidates can participate fully. If you have specific requirements or need adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please get in touch. In your application, please indicate your preferred pronouns (for example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs) to help us better address and respect your identity throughout the process.