How can I describe required personality traits 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.

When writing a job description for a Restaurant Duty Manager, it's important to clearly outline the personality traits that will best fit the role and your restaurant's environment. Start by thinking about the daily challenges and the team dynamics. For example, if your restaurant is fast-paced, you might look for someone who is adaptable and thrives under pressure.

Common misunderstanding: Vague descriptions like 'good communication skills' are sufficient.

It's better to be specific. Instead of just saying "good communication skills," you could say "able to clearly explain menu details under busy conditions and handle customer queries with patience and enthusiasm."

Common misunderstanding: All personality traits are suitable for any restaurant environment.

Different restaurant atmospheres and service styles require different personality traits. A bustling, high-energy place might need a Duty Manager who is dynamic and quick-thinking, whereas a fine dining establishment might require someone who excels in providing meticulous, calm customer interactions.

What personality qualities align with a fast-paced restaurant environment for a Duty Manager?

In a fast-paced restaurant, a Duty Manager should possess qualities like adaptability, resilience, and the ability to think quickly. They should be able to manage multiple tasks at once and make rapid decisions to ensure smooth operations during peak times. Being proactive and maintaining a positive energy are also crucial traits.

Common misunderstanding: Only experience matters in fast-paced settings.

While experience is important, the right personality traits can significantly impact how effectively a Duty Manager can handle the fast pace. Traits like quick problem-solving and high energy are just as crucial as experience.

Common misunderstanding: Stress tolerance means handling everything alone.

Stress tolerance is vital, but it also means knowing when to delegate tasks and how to motivate a team to work together during busy periods. A good Duty Manager ensures the team functions as a unit, not just handling everything on their own.

How can I ensure the personality fit complements our current team culture for Duty Managers?

To ensure a new Duty Manager fits well with your existing team, start by understanding your current team's dynamics and what makes them successful. Look for personality traits in candidates that will enhance these dynamics. For example, if your team thrives on collaborative work, seek a Duty Manager who values teamwork and has a supportive leadership style.

Common misunderstanding: Assuming all managers need to be authoritative.

While authority is important, a manager who can blend authority with empathy and support often fits better into a team that values collaboration and mutual respect.

Common misunderstanding: Overlooking the importance of a trial period.

Consider implementing a trial period or conducting practical interviews where candidates can demonstrate how they interact with the team. This approach gives you a clearer insight into how well they will integrate into your team culture.