Duty Manager

Southwell Racecourse; Southwell CP; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Members passes

Hotel discounts and complimentary golf

Annual leave 22–28 days

Pension & Group life assurance

Healthshield including 24hr GP & EAP

Job summary

Southwell Racecourse is seeking a passionate Duty Manager to oversee race day and non-race day catering, hospitality and event operations. Working with the management team, you will lead teams, drive labour efficiency through training, and uphold high hospitality standards.

You will manage staffing, budgets, health and safety compliance, and ensure excellent customer service across bars and venues. The role offers opportunities to contribute to profitable, guest-focused operations while

Qualifications

• The candidate has experience leading a team and managing staff.
• Experience in the food and beverage industry is essential.
• Background in sporting, racing, leisure or hotels is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills are required.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and maintain high service standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee catering, hospitality, and event operations on race days and non-race days.
• Ensure outstanding customer service, smooth operations, and venue presentation.
• Plan, coordinate and execute events and large-scale hospitality operations.
• Manage staffing levels, rotas, and training to maintain efficient service.
• Collaborate with Head Chef and management to monitor budgets and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, licensing, and company procedures.
• Handle customer enquiries, complaints and client relationships professionally.
• Monitor performance and implement improvements to maximise efficiency and satisfaction.
• Oversee stock control, cash handling, ordering and invoicing processes.
• Maintain safe, clean event spaces and back-of-house areas.
• Lead by example and promote teamwork and a positive culture.
• Act as an ambassador for the racecourse and support business growth.

Skills

Team leadership

Experience in food and beverage

Experience in sporting/leisure/hotel

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to work to deadlines

Job description

Southwell Racecourse offers a unique blend of charm, excitement and comfort, making it one of the premier sporting venues in the East Midlands. With racing on both All-Weather and Turf tracks taking place throughout the year we have a raceday for everyone. We would love you to be part of our success here join us on our journey.

We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Duty Manager.

At ARC we embrace diversity, we develop our people, we care for our visitors, we think about our impact and we are proud of our sport.

About the role:

Working closely with the Management Team, the Duty Manager oversees race day and non-race day retail and bar operations at Southwell Racecourse, ensuring excellent customer service, efficient operations and high hospitality standards.

The role involves leading teams, improving labour efficiency through training, driving innovation across hospitality areas and supporting profitable, customer-focused operations. The Duty Manager also works closely with the Catering team to deliver safe, well-organised events and manages the overall site in the absence of the Catering Manager.

Responsibilities for the successful Duty Manager include (but not limited to):

• Lead and manage all catering, hospitality, and event operations across race day and non-race day activities.
• Ensure high standards of customer service, operational delivery, and venue presentation at all times.
• Support the planning, coordination, and successful execution of events and large-scale hospitality operations.
• Manage staffing levels, rotas, training, and team performance to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Work closely with the Head Chef and senior management to control budgets, stock, labour costs, and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all Health & Safety, Food Safety, licensing, and company procedures.
• Handle customer enquiries, complaints, and client relationships in a professional manner.
• Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to maximise efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee stock control, cash handling, ordering, and invoicing processes.
• Maintain safe, clean, and secure event spaces, bars, hospitality areas, and back-of-house operations.
• Lead by example, promoting strong teamwork, communication, and a positive working culture.
• Act as an ambassador for the racecourse, maintaining professional standards and supporting business growth opportunities.

The person we are looking for as a Duty Manager has….

• Experience of leading and managing a team of people.
• Experience in the food and beverage industry
• Experience in sporting, racing, leisure of hotel background would be an advantage
• Strong communication skills – able to communicate at all levels.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work to strict pressured deadlines.

Work Perks of being a Duty Manager with us at ARC…

• 2 Annual Members passes, giving access to over 1500 racedays
• Hotel Discounts and Complimentary Golf
• Annual leave starting at 22 days increasing up to 28 in line with length of service
• Pension & Group life assurance schemes
• Healthshield – including 24hr GP & EAP

…and so much more!

We are on a thrilling journey. So, to join us at our next destination, be part of a winning team and to learn more about our company and this exciting opportunity apply today!

At ARC, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences.We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable adjustments, please let us know; we will ensure that individuals with additional needs are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions.

We understand the value that diversity brings to our business and we are striving to create a working environment that is inclusive, psychologically and physically safe and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions. We are committed to making a consistent, top-down effort to be role models on what diversity, inclusion and belonging means in society.