Casual Duty Manager

Contact Theatre; Manchester; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Contact Theatre in Manchester is seeking a Casual Duty Manager to join the Front of House team. You will be the public face during shifts, ensuring welfare and safety while overseeing the smooth operation of a multi-space venue across four floors.

You will lead Event Hosts, liaise with visitors, and manage emergency procedures. Flexible hours including evenings and weekends are required, with shifts offered on an ad hoc rota basis. December availability is essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience of working in a public facing role and delivering great customer service.
• Must be available to work flexible hours including evenings & weekends.
• Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and stay organised.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Comfort with basic IT and MS Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Be the casual Duty Manager on shift and act as the public face of Contact.
• Oversee safety, security and welfare of building occupants during shifts.
• Manage key-holding, opening/locking, alarms and fire route checks.
• Act as trained First Aider on site and document incidents.
• Coordinate with fire authorities and police when required.
• Lead Event Hosts on shift to deliver excellent guest service.
• Assist with venue events, hires and offsite deliveries as needed.
• Prepare day, event and show reports and manage space setup for rehearsals, hires and meetings.
• Support stock management and last-minute rota changes.

Skills

Public facing role

Excellent communication

Independence

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

IT skills

MS Office / Microsoft applications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

MAIN LOCATION: Contact but may be required to work at other venues as required

RESPONSIBLE TO: Deputy Audiences Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR:Supervising Event Hosts on shift

WORKS WITH:Operational Teams

HOURS: Zero Hours Contract. Shifts will be offered on an ad hoc basis. Rota based. Daytime, evening and weekend work will be required.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday 12th October 2026

Interviews likely Tuesday 27th October

We are looking for someone with excellent availability throughout December, with the role continuing into the new year with regular shifts.

STATUS: Casual

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

We are looking for a Casual Duty Managerto join our friendly Front of House team.

When on shift, the Duty Manager will be the public face of Contact, delivering excellent customer service and ensuring the welfare of all building occupants, as well as overseeing the smooth running of the building.

Contact is a large venue with multiple spaces across four floors. Many elements of the duty management work will be physical in nature and involve manual handling.

MAIN TASKS

• Whilst on shift, you will be the Duty Manager for the building and will take lead responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of the building and the public.

• Be responsible for the key-holding, opening and locking up procedures, setting of alarms, walking all fire routes, security check duties and the safekeeping of equipment.

• Be the trained First Aider on site, responding immediately to any incidents and follow the correct procedures including writing up incident & accident forms.

• Be the main point of contact for the organisation with the fire authorities and the police in the absence of the Deputy Audiences Manager or Buildings and Operations Manager.

• Take lead responsibility for the building and its occupants in the event of an emergency and be responsible for ensuring the correct emergency and evacuation procedures for the building are followed.

• To manage the Event Hosts on shift & to ensure that at all times they deliver the very best in customer service.

• Liaise with and induct visitors and clients ensuring that they are adequately cared for and are aware of the building’s facilities and regulations, including COVID-Secure measures.

• Deal with all matters raised by members of the general public visiting the building and follow the correct procedure if complaints are received.

• To assist with the delivery of commercial events and hires. Including corporate hospitality & private functions.

• To Duty Manage and help facilitate the successful delivery of any events within the building or at offsite venues

• Produce comprehensive Day Reports, Event Reports & Show Reports

• To manage space set up ready for rehearsals, hires and internal meetings. (You will receive lift and shift training as you will be expected to move tables and chairs on a regular basis).

• Assist with the management of confectionary and merchandise stock and sales

• Assist the Deputy Audiences Manager with last minute rota changes and finding Event Host cover

GENERAL

• Keep up to date with developments within the arts and youth culture.

• Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required in connection with the position.

• Represent Contact at external events as required.

• Establish and maintain good working relationships with all Contact’s partner organisations.

• Get involved with creative work being presented by Contact by attending workshops, read-throughs, rehearsals and performances on a regular basis.

• Follow Contact’s Health & Safety procedures, undertaking duties as required and ensure reasonable care is taken to maintain a healthy and safe place for public and staff.

• Actively commit to Contact’s Equal Opportunities policy and Contact’s Safeguarding of Young People policy.

• Actively commit to Contact’s anti-racism working practices.

• Manage all personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulations, using the Spektrix database as directed.

• Provide inspirational and supportive leadership for your direct reports & team, ensuring they remain highly motivated and empowered to develop their roles.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

• Previous experience of working in a public facing role and a passion to deliver great customer service

• Must be available to work Flexible hours including evenings & weekends

• Exceptional communication and customer service skills

• Ability to work independently

• Great organisation and attention to detail

• Ability to work under pressure with the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing situations

• Basic IT skills and Knowledge of Microsoft applications

• Support and commitment to Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and our Anti-Racism working practices

• Support for Contact’s vision and values and the work we do

• Enthusiasm and commitment for working in an environment focused on young people (aged 13 – 30)

DESIRABLE

• Previous management experience

• Hold a First Aid at Work Qualification

• Experience of working within a creative organisation and/or charity

• Available to work around Christmas period