What are the essential opening and prep responsibilities in a Restaurant Duty Manager job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Restaurant Duty Manager Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a successful restaurant serving 180+ covers daily with emphasis on operational excellence, team leadership, and exceptional guest experiences. Our duty manager oversees daily operations during designated shifts, ensuring smooth service delivery and staff coordination. This role combines operational management with hands-on support, leading teams while maintaining service standards and handling escalated situations. You'll work in a fast-paced environment managing both front-of-house and back-of-house coordination during busy service periods. The position offers excellent progression opportunities including general manager and multi-site management roles, with involvement in staff development, operational improvements, and business growth within our restaurant group.
• Oversee daily restaurant operations during assigned shifts including service coordination and quality control • Manage and motivate front-of-house and back-of-house teams ensuring efficient collaboration and communication • Handle escalated guest complaints and service issues with professionalism and effective resolution strategies • Monitor service standards and food quality, implementing corrective actions when necessary • Manage staff scheduling, break coverage, and shift assignments to optimize operational efficiency • Oversee opening and closing procedures including cash handling, security protocols, and facility checks • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, food safety protocols, and licensing requirements • Coordinate with kitchen management on service flow, special requirements, and timing optimization • Handle administrative duties including sales reporting, inventory management, and incident documentation • Implement company policies and procedures while maintaining positive team morale and performance • Manage cash handling procedures, till reconciliation, and financial accountability during shifts • Support staff training, performance management, and development initiatives
Essential Skills: Proven management experience with ability to lead diverse teams under pressure; comprehensive understanding of restaurant operations including service, kitchen, and administrative functions; strong problem-solving abilities for handling operational challenges and guest complaints; excellent communication skills for staff management and guest relations; financial awareness including cash handling, cost control, and basic P&L understanding; knowledge of health and safety, food safety, and employment regulations. Preferred Qualifications: 3+ years restaurant management or supervisory experience; hospitality management qualification or equivalent professional training; experience with POS systems, scheduling software, and operational technology; wine and beverage knowledge for comprehensive service oversight; additional language skills for diverse teams and guest demographics; conflict resolution and performance management training.
We're looking for experienced restaurant professionals with at least 3 years in management or senior supervisory roles, demonstrating ability to lead teams and manage operations effectively. You should have solid understanding of restaurant operations, natural leadership skills, and proven track record in hospitality management. While formal management qualifications are valuable, we care more about your practical experience, problem-solving ability, and commitment to operational excellence. We provide ongoing management development including advanced leadership training and operational skills enhancement. Career advancement opportunities include general manager, area manager, and regional management positions within our expanding restaurant group. We support professional growth through management training programs, mentoring relationships, and cross-functional experience opportunities.
We're looking for someone who combines strong operational knowledge with inspirational leadership qualities, motivating teams while maintaining exacting standards for service quality and operational efficiency. You should be decisive under pressure, able to prioritize multiple demands, and skilled at developing team capabilities. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence for staff management, and commitment to creating positive workplace culture. You should be organized, analytical, and able to balance business objectives with team development and guest satisfaction. We value collaborative leadership, continuous improvement mindset, and results-oriented approach, seeking someone who drives operational success while fostering team growth and maintaining our service standards.
Competitive management salary of £28,000-£34,000 annually based on experience and operational capabilities, with quarterly performance reviews and merit-based advancement opportunities. Comprehensive management benefits package includes: performance bonus structure tied to operational KPIs and guest satisfaction metrics; nutritious staff meals during all shifts; 28 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays and professional development time. Leadership development opportunities including management training programs, operational certifications, and potential advancement to senior management roles. Health and wellness benefits, flexible working arrangements where possible, and management recognition programs celebrating operational excellence and team development achievements.

At the start of the day, a Restaurant Duty Manager has key tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly. These include preparing dining areas, kitchens, and bars, and conducting staff briefings to set daily goals and communicate specials. This sets the stage for a successful service, ensuring all areas are ready and staff are informed and motivated.

Common misunderstanding: Opening duties are just about physical setup.

While setting up the physical space is crucial, opening duties also involve preparing the team mentally for the day. This includes motivating staff and clearly communicating the day's targets and any special menu items.

Common misunderstanding: It’s sufficient to do a quick visual check of the areas.

A thorough check is needed, not just a visual overview. This includes ensuring cleanliness, functionality of equipment, and proper setup of all service areas to avoid disruptions during peak hours.

How do I detail service responsibilities accurately in a Duty Manager job description?

Detailing service responsibilities involves outlining tasks that ensure smooth operation during service hours. These include coordinating front of house and kitchen operations, handling customer inquiries, resolving complaints, monitoring order fulfilment, and managing staff rotas and breaks. It’s important to be specific to give candidates a clear idea of what their day-to-day will look like.

Common misunderstanding: Service responsibilities are the same across all restaurants.

Service responsibilities vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant and its service style. It’s crucial to tailor this section of the job description to reflect your specific operational needs and customer service standards.

Common misunderstanding: Including too many detailed tasks can overwhelm potential candidates.

While it’s important not to overwhelm candidates, providing a clear and comprehensive list of responsibilities helps attract those who are truly capable and enthusiastic about the role.

What are typical closing duties for a Restaurant Duty Manager that I should include?

Typical closing duties for a Restaurant Duty Manager include conducting final financial settlements, verifying transactions, ensuring all cleaning checklists are completed, and reviewing stock levels to place orders for the next day. These tasks are crucial for closing the day properly and setting up for the next day’s service.

Common misunderstanding: Closing duties are just about locking up and going home.

Closing the restaurant involves more than just securing the premises. It includes detailed financial, inventory, and cleanliness checks to ensure the restaurant is ready for the next business day.

Common misunderstanding: Closing tasks can be rushed if it’s been a slow day.

Regardless of how busy the day was, closing tasks must be performed thoroughly to maintain consistency and readiness for any situation, ensuring the restaurant maintains high standards at all times.