VACANCY: DUTY MANAGER

Newlyn Art Gallery Ltd; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange is seeking a Duty Manager to lead Front of House operations across both sites, including the shop, ticketing, exhibitions and events. You will manage daily shifts, ensure excellent customer service and uphold safety protocols, with responsibilities for cash handling and security.

The role is offered on a zero-hours contract and requires a calm, hands-on leader who can motivate staff and volunteers, respond to emergencies, and maintain high standards of visitor

Qualifications

• Experience in a visitor services environment.
• Experience in retail and café environments.
• Experience managing a team of volunteers.
• Passion for contemporary art and enthusiasm for the arts.

Responsibilities

• Assist with opening/closing, tills, cash handling, and displays.
• Oversee day-to-day site operations, support staff and volunteers.
• Ensure public areas are clean, safe, and welcoming.
• Respond to enquiries and manage visitor experience.
• Report incidents and follow emergency procedures.

Skills

People-focused

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Customer service

Independent worker

Team leadership

Emergency procedures

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Be part of a small team helping to ensure the smooth running of all Front of House operations at Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange, including the shop, ticketing, exhibition spaces, events and volunteer programme.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Responsible to: Operations Manager

Rate: £13.45 per hour.

As Duty Manager, you will act as the face of the organisation, providing excellent customer service and maintaining a good knowledge of current exhibitions and upcoming events. You will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the sites during your shifts, ensuring that visitors have a welcoming and positive experience and that appropriate safety and security procedures are followed.

This role is offered on a zero-hours contract.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

You will act as Duty Manager when another manager is unavailable. In line with Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange’s mission, you will help ensure that all staff and volunteers provide excellent customer service.

The role carries a high level of responsibility, including the security of the buildings and artwork, the safe handling and security of cash on the premises, and the management of risks, incidents and technical faults. You will oversee the day-to-day running of the sites, ensuring that appropriate safety procedures are followed and that staff and volunteers are supported in their roles. It is essential that any significant issues arising during your shift are communicated promptly to your line manager.

Key responsibilities include:

• Carrying out daily tasks, including opening and closing the buildings, operating tills, handling cash and ensuring exhibitions and displays are ready for visitors.
• Overseeing the day-to-day running of the sites, supporting staff and volunteers and ensuring Front of House operations run smoothly.
• Ensuring that exhibition galleries and other public areas are clean, safe and fit for public use.
• Ensuring that all visitors feel welcome at both sites and that high standards of customer care are maintained.
• Acting as an advocate for the gallery and its services, engaging with existing and potential audiences.
• Maintaining a good knowledge of current exhibitions, upcoming events and the gallery’s wider programme.
• Taking all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and security of staff, volunteers, contractors and members of the public.
• Following the gallery’s lone-working and building security procedures, remaining vigilant to security concerns and escalating any issues to the Operations Manager.
• Taking responsibility for the safe evacuation of visitors, staff and volunteers in the event of a fire alarm or other emergency, in accordance with the gallery’s emergency procedures.
• Following the gallery’s emergency plan and ensuring that relevant procedures are followed in response to incidents, accidents and other emergencies.
• Ensuring that accidents, incidents, near misses, safety concerns and building maintenance issues are reported to the appropriate manager and documented where required.
• Following the gallery’s safeguarding procedures and ensuring any concerns relating to the safety or welfare of children or vulnerable people are reported promptly and appropriately.
• Ensuring that gallery and exhibition policies, risk assessments and relevant health and safety procedures are followed.
• Maintaining an awareness of, and working in accordance with, the gallery’s accessibility policy.
• Monitoring the general enquiries email inbox during working hours, responding to enquiries where appropriate and forwarding messages to the relevant staff member when necessary.
• Answering telephone calls on site and taking messages for other staff members.
• Demonstrating a positive attitude towards your own professional development and supporting the development of the staff and volunteers you manage.

We Are Looking for Someone Who:

• Is people-focused and enjoys working in a practical, hands-on way (E).
• Has excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills (E).
• Has good administrative skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office (E).
• Is able to work independently, seeking support where required (E).
• Is able to inspire and motivate a team (E).
• Has a calm and responsible approach to managing unexpected situations and emergencies (E).
• Is willing to undertake relevant training, including fire safety and emergency procedures (E).
• Has previous experience in a visitor services environment (D).
• Has experience working in both retail and café environments (D).
• Has experience managing a team of volunteers (D).
• Has a positive attitude towards the work of Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange and is enthusiastic about the ability of the arts to inspire, delight and bring about positive change (D).
• Has a passion for contemporary art (D).
• Holds a current first aid qualification, or is willing to undertake first aid training (D).

E – Essential:

Applicants must demonstrate these criteria to be considered for the interview shortlist.

D – Desirable:

Demonstrating these criteria would strengthen an application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange is an equal opportunities employer and provider of services. The gallery has a duty to promote race equality, and all employees are expected to be aware of this duty and work in accordance with the gallery’s equality standards.