Duty Manager

HCT; Barton on Sea; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A cultural trust organization in New Milton is seeking a Duty Manager to lead operations at the Forest Arts Centre. Responsible for supervising a team, you'll ensure a high standard of service and oversee venue readiness for events. The ideal candidate has experience in customer service and operations management, and can effectively communicate with diverse teams. This role offers a salary up to £15,000 per annum, various employee benefits, and requires some flexibility for evening and weekend work.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

7.5% Employer pension contributions

Life assurance scheme

Enhanced occupational sick pay

Employee Assistance Programme

Interest-free travel loans

Charity Worker Discounts Scheme

Same day GP appointments for employees

Free eye tests

Free flu vaccination vouchers

Cycle to Work Scheme

Health Cash Plan

Opportunities for learning and development

Free tea and coffee

Team Card for discounts in venues

Qualifications

• Experience as a front-line manager in a public venue.
• Ability to supervise a team and manage operations.
• Proactive and positive initiative in driving opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations at the venue.
• Supervise a team of volunteers and casual staff.
• Ensure high-quality service and venue readiness.

Skills

Positive communication skills

Customer service experience

Operational management

Job description

Job Title: Duty Manager

Salary: Up to £15,000 per annum (FTE £30,000) - Inclusive of 2025 salary review

Location: Forest Arts Centre, New Milton

Hours: 18.5 hours per week, across evenings and weekends.

Type of Contract: Permanent

Job Description: Duty Manager, Forest Arts Centre

Looking for the opportunity to lead day-to-day operations at an exciting & unique arts venue?

As a duty manager at the Forest Arts Centre, you will lead day to day operations alongside the venue management team for a vital community arts centre. You will supervise a team of dedicated volunteers & casual staff across live performances, classes, workshops & more, role modelling the delivery of consistent, high-quality experiences for visitors and artists alike. You will lead the team to deliver a high standard of service at each visitor touch point including welcome, box office & enquiries and café & bar service. You will be proactive in cleaning duties and venue preparation to make sure that the centre is ready for upcoming activities, reflecting the standards of the venue. You will also help shape the direction of the centre by working with the general manager on ways to continually improve the venue and what is offered, taking the lead on key aspects of the venues operations.

A bit about you

Your experience as a front-line manager in a public venue will demonstrate your positive communication & interpersonal skills and strong operational background. You will have a proactive and positive nature, using your initiative to take action and drive opportunities forward. You will hold demonstrable experience in delivering consistent, high-quality customer service as well as performing complex administrative duties.

Experience in heritage, arts & culture or hospitality is desirable but not essential. Flexibility is key with evening and weekend work an integral part of the role.

What it’s like to work for us

At Hampshire Cultural Trust we have a vision to create inspirational culture experiences that enrich and transform lives. We manage and support 20+ attractions across Hampshire and deliver county-wide outreach programmes that bring great culture to local communities. We also deliver a diverse range of wider social impact initiatives targeted at those who are most vulnerable or disadvantaged and who would not usually have access to arts and culture.

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and a culture that actively values difference. We recognise people from different backgrounds and experiences bring valuable insights to the workplace and enhance the way we perform and work. Our levels of employee engagement are high and our organisational culture positive.

The benefits of working for us

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro-rated for part time working)
• 7.5% Employer pension contributions
• Life assurance scheme (x3 annual salary)
• Enhanced occupational sick pay
• Industry leading Employee Assistance Programme
• Interest-free Season ticket loans and travel loans from first day of employment
• Charity Worker Discounts Scheme (savings on retail, leisure, groceries, travel etc.)
• Access to same day GP appointments for employees and their immediate family
• Access to free eye tests and vouchers towards glasses for VDU use
• Free flu vaccination vouchers
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cash Plan (cashback on dental, optical, medical for monthly subscription cost)
• Opportunities to learn, develop and progress
• Free tea and coffee in all our venues
• Team Card - Free access to our fee paying venues and discounts across café and retail.

To apply please fill in the application form with an up-to-date CV. We do not require covering letters for this position however would be grateful to receive context to your application.

Closing date for applications: 18/08/2025