Hospitality Supervisor / Duty Manager Jobs in Cambridge CB4 | Immediate Start
Staffing Agency is recruiting for an experienced Hospitality Supervisor / Duty Manager for a premier venue in Cambridge CB4. This is a fantastic opportunity for an immediate start with competitive pay and the potential for a permanent position. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and have a passion for leading teams to deliver exceptional service, we want to hear from you.
Local venues & surrounding areas
Interviews happening now
Competitive, based on experience
Potential for permanent role
Job Description: Hospitality Supervisor / Duty Manager
We are seeking a dynamic and proactive Hospitality Supervisor / Duty Manager to join a well-established and highly regarded venue in the heart of Cambridge CB4. This role is pivotal to the smooth daily operation, requiring a leader who can manage front-of-house teams, ensure impeccable guest satisfaction, and uphold the highest standards of service. The client, known for its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to quality, needs someone who can hit the ground running.
By applying through Staffing Agency, you gain direct access to this exclusive opportunity. We specialise in connecting talented hospitality professionals with the best venues across Cambridge and the UK. Our deep local market knowledge and strong client relationships mean we can often secure roles that aren't advertised elsewhere. Whether you're looking for an immediate start or a long-term career move, our consultants are here to guide you. Explore more about our approach to hospitality and catering jobs across the UK.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Team Leadership & Supervision: Directly manage wait staff, bartenders, and hosts during your shift, ensuring efficient deployment, high morale, and professional conduct.
- Guest Experience Management: Proactively oversee all guest interactions, resolve complaints promptly and diplomatically, and ensure every visitor receives a five-star experience.
- Operational Excellence: Manage opening and closing procedures, oversee cash handling and till reconciliation, and ensure compliance with all health, safety, and licensing regulations.
- Stock & Inventory Control: Assist with stock takes, monitor bar and kitchen supplies, and liaise with suppliers to maintain optimal inventory levels without wastage.
- Sales & Revenue Driving: Implement upselling strategies, contribute to promotional events, and help maximise average spend per customer to meet and exceed revenue targets.
- Administrative Duties: Complete shift reports, manage staff rotas (in conjunction with management), and contribute to staff training and development programmes.
Essential Skills & Experience We Require
- Proven Experience: At least 2 years in a supervisory role within a busy restaurant, hotel, or event venue. A solid track record in hospitality leadership is non-negotiable.
- Licensing Knowledge: A thorough understanding of UK licensing laws, health & safety protocols (including HACCP), and food hygiene standards (Level 2 minimum).
- Financial Acumen: Experience with EPOS systems, cash handling, and basic financial reporting. Ability to manage costs and contribute to profitability.
- Outstanding Communication: Excellent verbal and written English. The ability to motivate a team, communicate clearly with guests, and liaise effectively with kitchen staff and management.
- Flexibility & Drive: Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. A positive, can-do attitude and the resilience to thrive under pressure are essential.
Salary, Pay & Benefits
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Hourly Pay Rate | £13.00 - £16.00 per hour, paid weekly. Overtime may be available at an enhanced rate. |
| Contract Type | Initial temporary assignment with a strong view to transition to a permanent contract for the right candidate based on performance. |
| Shift Pattern | Full-time hours, typically 40+ per week. Shifts will include evenings, weekends, and occasional split shifts as required by the business. |
| Holiday Pay | Accrued holiday pay in line with statutory requirements, accessible through our agency. |
| Additional Perks | Meals on duty, staff discounts, and opportunities for career progression within a growing group. |
How to Apply for This Role
The application process for this Hospitality Supervisor / Duty Manager position in Cambridge CB4 is straightforward and designed for speed, reflecting the need for an immediate start.
- Submit Your CV: Use the"Apply Now" button on this page or send your CV directly to [email protected]. Ensure your CV highlights your supervisory experience and key achievements.
- Quick Screening Call: A member of our hospitality recruitment team will contact you for a brief 10-minute call to discuss your experience and suitability.
- Client Interview: Suitable candidates will be fast-tracked to an interview with the hiring manager at the Cambridge venue. We will help you prepare and confirm all details.
- Offer & Onboarding: Upon a successful interview, we will extend an offer and guide you through our fast, compliant onboarding process, including right-to-work checks.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Why Choose Staffing Agency?
As a leading recruitment partner for Cambridge and the UK, we offer more than just job placements. We build careers.
- Exclusive Access: We work directly with top venues, often filling roles before they hit public job boards.
- Career Guidance: Your dedicated consultant provides market insights and advice to help you progress.
- Streamlined Process: Fast-track registration, weekly pay, and a simple, transparent service.
Discover our full range of comprehensive staffing solutions.
Other Immediate Start Roles in Cambridge
Contact Our Team
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Frequently Asked Questions
We are prioritising candidates for an immediate start. The process from application to first shift can be as quick as 48-72 hours for candidates who have their documentation ready (right-to-work, references, etc.). We conduct swift screening calls and aim to arrange client interviews within 24 hours of application.
While formal qualifications (like a hospitality degree) are beneficial, the client places greater emphasis on proven, hands-on experience. Essential requirements include a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory role, a solid understanding of licensing laws, and a food hygiene certificate (Level 2). Your ability to lead a team and manage operations effectively is the key criterion.
The venue has limited on-site staff parking. However, there are several public car parks within a short walking distance, and the location is well-served by public transport links. Specific details regarding transport and parking will be confirmed during the interview stage with the client.
Our temp-to-perm model is designed to be a risk-free trial for both you and the employer. You will start on a temporary contract through us, typically for a period of 12-16 weeks. During this time, you are paid weekly by Staffing Agency. If both you and the client are happy with the arrangement, they will offer you a direct permanent contract. We have a detailed guide on how this benefits all parties in our resource on contract staffing services.
Ready to Lead a Team in Cambridge?
This Hospitality Supervisor / Duty Manager role in Cambridge CB4 is an immediate opportunity to make an impact. Don't let it pass you by.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Staffing Agency
Connecting exceptional talent with outstanding businesses across Cambridge and the UK. Specialists in hospitality, catering, logistics, and industrial recruitment.
Cambridge CB4 Region
Phone: 020 8629 1195
Email: [email protected]
Our Commitment
Staffing Agency is an equal-opportunities employer and recruitment agency. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
© Staffing Agency. All rights reserved.
The Venue & Its Unique Culture
To truly excel in this role, understanding the environment is key. The venue is not just another hospitality space in Cambridge; it's a cornerstone of the CB4 community, known for blending historic Cambridge charm with a contemporary, vibrant energy. Housed in a thoughtfully restored building, it operates as a multi-faceted destination—a premium gastropub by day, a cocktail bar in the evening, and a sought-after private events space for local businesses and celebrations.
The Clientele & Community
Your leadership will directly impact a diverse and discerning client base. This includes:
- Academic & Professional Crowd: Drawing from nearby university departments and tech parks (the 'Silicon Fen' effect), expect guests who value high-quality service, a conducive atmosphere for informal meetings, and an expertly curated drinks menu.
- Local Residents: A loyal base of locals who treat the venue as a 'third place'—a home away from home. Building rapport with these regulars is crucial for repeat business and community reputation.
- Event Bookings: From wedding receptions to corporate away-days, the events business is a significant revenue stream. Managing these functions requires meticulous planning and a different leadership style compared to standard service.
A Day in the Life: Supervisor Scenario
4:00 PM, Friday: You take over the shift. The floor is set for dinner, but a last-minute booking for a party of 20 has just come in, overlapping with a pre-booked tasting menu for 10. Two wait staff have called in sick.
Your Actions: You quickly re-deploy your team, merging sections temporarily. You personally make contact with both party hosts to manage expectations and confirm timelines. You check in with the kitchen supervisor to ensure the double booking is feasible, offering a complimentary pre-dinner drink to the larger party to smooth over any wait. This is the kind of proactive, solution-oriented leadership that defines success here.
Beyond the Role: Career Progression Pathways
This position is a strategic career step. The client and Staffing Agency are invested in developing leaders. Success in this temp-to-perm role can open doors to several defined career trajectories within the venue's growing group.
Path to Venue Management
Demonstrate consistent results in revenue, team morale, and operational compliance over 6-12 months, and you will be first in line for an Assistant Manager or Deputy Manager position. This involves greater P&L responsibility, full staff scheduling autonomy, and direct input into marketing strategy.
- ► Mentorship from current General Manager
- ► Formal training in business budgeting
- ► Lead on hiring for your team
Specialist Development Track
If you have a passion for a specific area, the group supports specialisation. This could include becoming the group's Beverage Manager, overseeing cocktail development and supplier relationships across multiple sites, or moving into Events & Catering Management, handling high-value contracts from inquiry to execution.
- ► WSET or mixology qualification sponsorship
- ► Project management of venue refurbishments
- ► Networking with regional suppliers and promoters
Group & Multi-Site Leadership
For those with ambitions beyond a single venue, the group is expanding. Proven leaders are considered for roles like Area Manager or Operations Support, where you would oversee standards, training, and performance across several locations in Cambridge and potentially beyond.
- ► Developing and rolling out standard operating procedures
- ► Conducting site audits and providing support
- ► Involvement in new site openings
Training & Development Support
From day one, you are not left to sink or swim. The partnership between the client and Staffing Agency includes a structured onboarding and development framework:
- Induction Week: A shadowing programme with the current manager, deep dive into the EPOS and booking systems, and meetings with key suppliers.
- Leadership Workshops: Quarterly sessions on topics like 'Conflict Resolution for Supervisors', 'Motivating a Multi-Generational Team', and 'Data-Driven Decision Making'.
- Regular Reviews: Structured monthly performance reviews with your Staffing Agency consultant and the client manager, focusing on goals, challenges, and progression.
- Networking Events: Invitations to Staffing Agency's hospitality leader forums, connecting you with managers from other top venues to share insights and best practices.
The Cambridge Hospitality Landscape: Your Competitive Edge
Operating in Cambridge CB4 presents unique opportunities and challenges. Understanding this market context will help you succeed and appreciate the strategic importance of this role.
Market Dynamics & Seasonal Flux
Cambridge is a city of peaks and troughs. A savvy Supervisor plans for:
- University Term Time vs. Vacations: During term (Oct-Dec, Jan-Mar, Apr-June), the city is bustling with students, academics, and associated conferences. Summers and Christmas see a shift towards tourists and local community events. Staffing levels, stock ordering, and promotional activities must adapt accordingly.
- The"Silicon Fen" Effect: The cluster of tech and biotech companies around CB4 means a high-spending professional lunch and after-work crowd. Building corporate accounts and catering for tech company events is a major growth area.
- Competition & Collaboration: CB4 has a dense concentration of quality venues. The client's strategy isn't just to compete but to collaborate on local initiatives (e.g., a 'CB4 Food & Drink Trail') to raise the profile of the entire area, requiring a Supervisor with a community-minded outlook.
Case Study: Managing a Major Cambridge Event
Scenario: The annual Cambridge Folk Festival. While not in CB4, it brings tens of thousands of visitors into the city. Many seek out less crowded, high-quality venues away from the centre.
Action Taken by Previous Supervisor: They created a dedicated 'Festival Welcome' package—a pre-bookable shuttle from the festival site, a special set menu, and live acoustic sessions. They partnered with a local taxi firm and promoted heavily on social media targeting festival hashtags.
Result: A 40% increase in covers that weekend, with 70% being new customers. 30% of those new customers returned within a month, demonstrating effective customer acquisition. This initiative is now a template for capitalising on all major Cambridge events.
Sustainability & Ethical Operations: A Core Expectation
The modern Cambridge consumer is highly conscious of sustainability. This venue has committed to ambitious targets, and the Supervisor is the operational driver of these initiatives.
Zero Waste to Landfill
You will manage separation streams, liaise with specialist compost collectors, and train the team to ensure over 95% of waste is diverted from landfill.
Hyper-Local Supply Chain
Building relationships with Cambridgeshire farmers, breweries, and artisans is part of the role. This ensures freshness, reduces food miles, and supports the local economy—a strong selling point.
Inclusive & Positive Workplace
Fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, heard, and has clear development paths is a key performance metric for this leadership role, directly impacting retention and service quality.
Crafting a Winning Application: Advice from Our Consultants
To secure an interview for this competitive role, your application must go beyond listing duties. Our recruiters share what makes a candidate stand out.
Your CV: Quantify Your Impact
Instead of"Responsible for team management," write:"Led a team of 8 FOH staff, improving average table turnover by 15% during peak hours through revised floor plans and pre-shift briefings, leading to a £2,500 weekly revenue increase."
Focus Areas: Use numbers for sales growth, cost savings (e.g.,"reduced beverage spillage by 10%"), staff retention rates, guest satisfaction scores, or event attendance figures.
The Screening Call: Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
We will ask situational questions. Prepare to discuss a time you handled a difficult guest, resolved a conflict between team members, or identified and capitalised on an opportunity to increase sales.
Pro Tip: Do light research on the Cambridge CB4 area. Mentioning an understanding of the local demographic or seasonal trends shows initiative and genuine interest.
Prepare for the Client Interview: Show You're a Strategic Thinker
The venue manager will want to see that you can think beyond the immediate shift. Be ready to answer:"In your first 90 days, what would your priorities be?" or"How would you approach building a more cohesive team culture?"
Have Questions Ready: Ask about the venue's biggest current challenge, their training philosophy, or how they measure success for a Supervisor. This demonstrates engagement and a long-term perspective.
Your journey to leading in Cambridge CB4 starts with a single, well-crafted step.
Email Your Tailored Application Now