Hospitality Shift Leader / Duty Manager
Location: Elkwater, Darras Hall
Job Type: Full Time
Pay: From £13.50 per hour, depending on experience, with opportunities for progression and regular pay reviews.
About Elkwater
Nestled in the heart of Darras Hall, Elkwater is an independently owned neighbourhood café, bar and kitchen that has become a destination for exceptional food, speciality coffee, premium drinks and genuine hospitality.
From relaxed breakfasts and artisan coffees through to bustling lunches, evening dining and cocktails, we pride ourselves on creating an experience that keeps our guests coming back.
Beautiful surroundings, exceptional service and a warm welcome are at the heart of everything we do. We're proud to be an independent family-run business where every member of the team plays an important role in our continued success.
About the Role
We're looking for an enthusiastic, confident and hands-on Hospitality Shift Leader / Duty Manager to become an integral part of our management team.
This is far more than simply overseeing a shift. We're looking for someone who will take genuine ownership of their role, lead by example, inspire those around them and share our passion for delivering outstanding hospitality.
We're not looking for someone to simply manage shifts—we're looking for someone who will become a key part of the future of Elkwater. Someone who takes pride in the venue, supports the team, builds relationships with our guests and is excited to help us continue growing the business.
The successful candidate will thrive in a busy, quality-driven environment, enjoy building relationships with our regular guests, support and develop the team, and ensure every service runs smoothly from start to finish.
You'll work closely with the owners, who are actively involved in the business and genuinely value initiative, fresh ideas and people who care about delivering exceptional hospitality. If you're looking for a role where your contribution is recognised and your ideas can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
What It's Like to Work Here
At Elkwater, we're proud of the culture we've created.
We're a close-knit, supportive team that works hard, looks after one another and genuinely enjoys what we do. We believe in empowering our managers to make decisions, take responsibility and contribute to the continued growth of the business.
This is a role where you can make a real impact. We value people who care about the details, lead with confidence and treat the business as though it were their own.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading, motivating and supporting the team throughout every shift.
- Delivering exceptional customer service and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Managing the day-to-day operation of the venue.
- Opening and closing the business, including security procedures.
- Overseeing service across the café, bar and restaurant.
- Managing our reservation system, taking bookings online, over the telephone and in person, while ensuring efficient table management throughout service.
- Welcoming guests, managing waiting lists and ensuring smooth seating during busy periods.
- Maintaining exceptionally high standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation throughout the venue.
- Handling customer enquiries and resolving issues professionally and confidently.
- Coaching, supporting and developing team members.
- Monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages.
- Ensuring compliance with food hygiene, health & safety and licensing regulations.
- Completing cashing up and end-of-day procedures accurately.
- Working closely with the owners to continually improve standards, service and the overall guest experience.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who shares our values and enjoys creating exceptional experiences for both guests and colleagues.
You'll ideally have:
- Previous supervisory or management experience within hospitality.
- A confident leadership style with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Experience using booking or reservation systems (or the confidence to learn quickly).
- The ability to remain calm under pressure and make good decisions.
- High standards, excellent attention to detail and pride in your work.
- A proactive, positive attitude with a willingness to take ownership and responsibility.
- Flexibility to work weekdays, evenings and weekends.
- A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering memorable customer experiences.
Hours
This is a full-time position working a variety of shifts across weekdays, evenings and weekends.
Flexibility is important, as you'll play a key role during our busiest trading periods.
We believe in creating rotas that support a healthy work-life balance. Split shifts are very rare at Elkwater and, on the occasions they are available, they're offered to team members who actively want the additional hours.
Why Join Elkwater?
We're committed to creating a workplace where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. We know that great hospitality starts with a happy, motivated team.
Alongside a supportive and professional working environment, we offer:
- Starting pay from £13.50 per hour, depending on experience, with opportunities for progression and regular pay reviews.
- The opportunity to build a long-term career within a successful independent family-run business.
- Direct support and mentorship from the owners.
- A workplace where your ideas are welcomed, your initiative is recognised and you can genuinely make an impact.
- Staff meals whilst on shift.
- Employee discounts.
- Ongoing training and development.
- A friendly, close-knit team that takes pride in what we do and enjoys working together.
Ready to Join Us?
If you're passionate about hospitality, enjoy leading from the front and are looking for more than "just another management job", we'd love to hear from you.
We're looking for someone who takes pride in what they do, genuinely enjoys looking after people and wants to become an important part of a successful, growing independent business.
If that sounds like you, we'd love to receive your application.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Experience:
- Hospitality: 4 years (preferred)
- Management: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Personal Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
