Deputy Manager

Airport Retail Enterprises UK Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK family-run airport hospitality business is looking for a Deputy Manager at Manchester Airport. This role involves leading a large team, maintaining high service standards, and stepping in for the Operations Manager when needed. Candidates should have extensive experience in the hospitality sector, proven leadership skills, and excellent communication abilities. Joining the team means embracing a commitment to exceptional service and a dynamic work environment offering numerous perks and benefits.

Benefits

Fully subsidised on-site airport parking

Free meals while on duty

28 days annual leave

Health and wellbeing cash plan

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Staff referral bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Extensive senior-level hospitality experience with leadership responsibility.
• Track record of success in customer satisfaction, sales, and service.
• Proven ability to manage teams in a busy hospitality setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the outlet team in the absence of the Operations Manager.
• Oversee, coach, and guide the team to improve service quality.
• Handle escalated customer complaints effectively.

Skills

Food Hygiene certificate

Leadership and management qualifications

Strong organisational skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to handle customer complaints

Job description

BRAND NEW SITE OPENING AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT AT THE END OF JANUARY 2026

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 Deputy Manager at Manchester Airport, leading our outlets to deliver exceptional food and outstanding customer service with a highly trained and motivated team.

As Deputy Manager, you will play a vital role in supporting the Operations Manager, ensuring that high standards of service are maintained. You will also take responsibility for the business in the Operations Manager’s absence, leading by example and helping drive our success.

The Great Northern Market concept at Manchester Airport includes managing a team of about 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.

If you’re passionate about hospitality, enjoy managing teams, and want to make a significant impact, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

Supporting the Operations Manager, you’ll ensure our consistently high service levels are maintained in line with company policies, driving sales and operational efficiency. You’ll step into a leadership role when the Operations Manager is unavailable, taking responsibility for certain business areas and leading the outlet team during your shifts.

Main Duties

• Lead the outlet team in the absence of the Operations Manager.
• 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.
• Handle escalated customer complaints and support colleagues in resolving issues.
• Ensure all activities, including financial and administrative tasks, are completed according to the Duty Manager daily task lists.
• Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of guests and colleagues at all times.
• Keep senior management informed of any significant issues arising during shifts.
• Ensure confidentiality and act in accordance with data protection requirements when handling personal data.

Requirements

• Food Hygiene certificate.
• Leadership and management qualifications.
• Extensive senior‑level hospitality experience with leadership responsibility.
• Familiarity with airport‑based hospitality (preferred but not essential).
• Track record of success in customer satisfaction, sales, and service.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage teams and individuals in a busy hospitality setting.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to handle customer complaints and resolve them effectively.

Personal Qualities

• Driven by continuous improvement.
• Decisive and resilient.
• Strong team 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

• Fully 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 and 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.

If you meet these requirements and are eager to be part of our team, please apply today!

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. Our commitment extends beyond retail to building a workforce that reflects the wide array of perspectives and experiences found across the UK. We believe that embracing diversity in our teams enables us to provide exceptional service and innovation. We are dedicated to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, with a strong commitment to promoting equity in both physical and mental health for everyone. To achieve this, we encourage applications from individuals of disadvantaged socio‑economic backgrounds, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ community members, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and those with lived experiences of discrimination.

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 do not hesitate to get in touch. In your application, feel free to indicate your preferred pronouns (for example – she / her / hers, he / him / his, they / them / theirs, etc.) to help us better address and respect your identity throughout the process.