How to write a restaurant duty manager job description: restaurant duty manager job description template included.

Step 1: Define Your Restaurant Environment

When writing a restaurant duty manager job description, start by clearly articulating your restaurant's operational complexity and shift management requirements. The restaurant duty manager role varies dramatically between venues, so candidates must understand the specific management context they'll be entering.

The restaurant duty manager serves as the operational leader during specific shifts, responsible for ensuring smooth service delivery, staff coordination, and guest satisfaction. Without understanding your restaurant's operational demands, service philosophy, and management structure, candidates can't assess whether their leadership experience matches your needs.

Your goal is to help candidates understand:

• •Your restaurant's operational complexity and shift management requirements
• •The service standards and management responsibilities expected
• •The team structure and leadership authority provided
• •The operational challenges and decision-making scope during shifts

Use this 3-part approach:

1. Define Your Restaurant Type and Operational Complexity

Be specific about your establishment: "We operate a busy brasserie serving 200 covers across lunch and dinner with complex shift operations / run a fine dining restaurant with 80 covers requiring precise service coordination / manage a casual dining venue with high-volume family service and diverse operational demands..."

Give candidates concrete details about your operational model:

• •What's your average cover count during different shift periods?
• •Do you operate multiple dining areas, bar service, or takeaway operations?
• •Are you managing lunch and dinner services or extended operating hours?
• •What's the complexity level of your menu, service style, and operational requirements?

2. Describe Your Service Philosophy and Management Approach

Explain the operational approach and service philosophy that drives your restaurant. The duty manager's role changes significantly based on operational expectations:

• •

  "Our operational philosophy emphasises seamless service delivery combined with proactive management that ensures exceptional guest experiences whilst maintaining operational efficiency."

• •

  "We focus on structured shift management that balances service excellence with team development, ensuring consistent operational standards across all service periods."

• •

  "Our duty manager leads operational excellence through hands-on management and strategic coordination between front-of-house, kitchen, and bar teams."

• •

  "We operate with professional management standards that prioritise guest satisfaction through effective team leadership and operational problem-solving."

Detail the specific operational elements your duty manager will oversee:

• •How many staff members work during different shifts and require coordination?
• •Do you operate integrated food and beverage service, events, or special functions?
• •Are there specific operational procedures, technology systems, or compliance requirements?
• •What makes your shift management challenging or unique in your market?

3. Highlight Your Management Structure and Authority Level

Showcase the management environment and decision-making scope:

• •

  "Our restaurant duty manager operates with significant operational authority, managing 15 staff during peak periods whilst coordinating with senior management on strategic decisions."

• •

  "We operate with structured management hierarchy where duty managers have clear decision-making authority for shift operations whilst maintaining accountability to restaurant management."

• •

  "Our management approach emphasises operational independence with duty managers taking ownership of service delivery, staff coordination, and guest experience during assigned shifts."

• •

  "The duty manager coordinates between multiple departments including front-of-house, kitchen, bar, and support staff whilst maintaining communication with general management."

Tips if you're unsure

To get started, answer these questions comprehensively:

• •How many covers do you serve during your busiest shifts and what's the staff size?
• •How many duty managers work different shifts and what's their authority level?
• •Do you operate casual, upscale, or fine dining operational standards?
• •What's the complexity level of your operations during different service periods?
• •How does operational information flow between duty managers and senior management?
• •What makes your shift management challenging compared to other restaurants?
• •Do you have special operational requirements, events, or complex service coordination?
• •How does your duty manager interface with suppliers, maintenance, and external partners?

Additional considerations for your environment description:

• •Operational complexity: Are you managing single-location operations, multi-area service, or integrated facilities?
• •Service variation: Do you operate consistent service or varying operational demands throughout different periods?
• •Technology integration: Do you use advanced POS systems, reservation management, or operational technology?
• •Compliance requirements: Are there specific licensing, safety, or operational regulations requiring management oversight?
• •Market position: Are you competing on operational efficiency, service excellence, or specific operational advantages?

Example 1: Busy Brasserie with Complex Operations

We operate a vibrant brasserie serving 220 covers daily across lunch and dinner with integrated bar service and private dining areas. Our restaurant duty manager oversees complex shift operations including 18 staff coordination, multi-area service delivery, and operational coordination between kitchen, bar, and front-of-house teams. The role demands strong organisational skills and ability to maintain service excellence whilst managing high-volume operations and ensuring seamless guest experiences across diverse service areas.

Example 2: Fine Dining Restaurant with Precision Service

We run an award-winning fine dining restaurant serving 75 covers nightly with emphasis on precise service delivery and operational excellence. Our restaurant duty manager leads sophisticated shift operations including detailed staff coordination, wine service oversight, and meticulous attention to service standards and guest experience management. The environment requires exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain fine dining standards whilst coordinating complex service requirements and ensuring operational perfection.

Example 3: Family Restaurant with High-Volume Service

We're a popular family restaurant serving 280 covers across lunch and dinner with focus on efficient operations and welcoming atmosphere. Our restaurant duty manager coordinates dynamic shift operations including large team management, diverse guest needs accommodation, and operational efficiency whilst maintaining family-friendly service standards. The role requires excellent multitasking abilities and positive energy to manage complex operations during busy periods whilst ensuring consistent guest satisfaction and operational safety.

Step 2: Outline Key Responsibilities for the Restaurant Duty Manager

The restaurant duty manager role encompasses operational oversight, team leadership, and guest experience management, but the specific duties vary significantly between establishments. Focus on the actual management tasks your duty manager performs during shifts, from staff coordination to operational problem-solving and service delivery oversight.

Avoid generic descriptions like "manage restaurant operations" and create detailed responsibilities that reflect your restaurant's specific operational demands and management requirements.

Your goal is to outline tasks that reflect your restaurant's actual duty management needs and operational coordination requirements.

Write 10–15 bullet points covering the duty manager's responsibilities throughout operations. Segment the role into three clear management areas:

1. Operational Oversight and Shift Management

These responsibilities focus on managing daily operations and ensuring operational excellence:

Consider who handles what in operational management:

• •Who coordinates shift operations, opening procedures, and operational oversight?
• •How is operational performance, efficiency, and quality control maintained?
• •What coordination happens between different operational areas and service teams?

Common operational oversight tasks include:

• •Managing shift operations including opening and closing procedures, operational setup, and service area coordination
• •Overseeing operational performance including service timing, efficiency monitoring, and quality control across all areas
• •Coordinating between front-of-house, kitchen, and bar teams to ensure seamless service delivery and operational integration
• •Managing operational systems including POS operations, reservation management, and technology coordination
• •Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, licensing requirements, and operational procedures
• •Monitoring operational efficiency including cost control awareness, waste management, and resource optimisation
• •Handling operational problem-solving including equipment issues, supply coordination, and service challenge resolution
• •Coordinating with senior management on operational reporting, performance analysis, and improvement initiatives

2. Team Leadership and Staff Coordination

The core responsibilities for managing staff and ensuring effective team performance:

Ask yourself what team management your operations demand:

• •How complex is your staff coordination and team leadership requirements?
• •What level of staff development, performance management, and team motivation is required?
• •How do you handle staff scheduling, performance monitoring, and team communication?
• •What leadership coordination is needed between different departments and service areas?

Essential team leadership and coordination tasks include:

• •Leading shift teams including staff briefings, task assignment, and performance coordination across all service areas
• •Managing staff scheduling including break coordination, section assignments, and operational coverage during peak periods
• •Providing leadership and motivation to team members including performance coaching, problem-solving support, and morale maintenance
• •Coordinating staff training including new team member integration, skill development, and service standard maintenance
• •Handling staff performance issues including feedback delivery, conflict resolution, and disciplinary coordination with management
• •Managing team communication including shift updates, operational changes, and service priority coordination
• •Supporting staff development including skill building opportunities, cross-training coordination, and career guidance
• •Ensuring staff compliance including uniform standards, behaviour expectations, and operational procedure adherence

3. Guest Experience and Service Quality Management

Tasks that support exceptional guest experience and service delivery:

Consider your guest experience and service requirements:

• •What guest relations and service quality management needs operational attention?
• •How do you handle guest satisfaction, special requests, and service recovery?
• •What coordination is needed for events, special occasions, and operational guest services?

Guest experience and service management responsibilities include:

• •Managing guest experience delivery including service quality oversight, special request coordination, and satisfaction monitoring
• •Handling guest relations including complaint resolution, service recovery, and special occasion management with professionalism
• •Coordinating special services including VIP guest management, dietary accommodations, and celebration coordination
• •Overseeing service quality including presentation standards, timing coordination, and guest satisfaction maintenance
• •Managing reservation coordination including table management, guest flow optimization, and service capacity coordination
• •Coordinating with kitchen on guest requirements including dietary needs, special preparations, and service timing
• •Ensuring consistent guest experience including service standard maintenance, operational excellence, and hospitality delivery
• •Managing event coordination including private functions, group bookings, and special operational requirements

If you have a duty manager but no documented duties, you can:

• •Shadow your current duty manager: Observe their operational approach, team leadership, and guest interaction throughout complete shifts.
• •Document their decision-making: Note specific management approaches they use during different operational scenarios and challenges.
• •Consult your restaurant manager: Understand expectations for operational performance, team leadership, and guest experience outcomes.
• •Review operational performance: Analyse how duty management impacts service delivery during different shift intensities and challenges.

Key questions to ask your current duty manager might be:

• •How do you prioritise competing operational demands during busy service periods?
• •What leadership techniques work best with different staff personalities and operational pressures?
• •How do you handle complex guest situations whilst maintaining operational flow and team performance?
• •What systems do you use to monitor operational performance and service quality throughout shifts?
• •How do you coordinate with kitchen and bar teams during challenging service scenarios?
• •What approaches do you take to maintain team morale and performance during difficult periods?
• •How do you balance operational efficiency with guest satisfaction and service excellence?
• •What methods do you use to ensure operational compliance and safety during varying service intensities?

Tips if you're unsure

To develop comprehensive responsibility lists:

• •Ask existing staff to describe what they need from duty management leadership during different operational scenarios
• •Use your service performance and guest feedback to identify areas requiring management coordination
• •Consider what breaks down when duty management is absent or ineffective during shifts
• •Think about seasonal variations or special events that affect duty manager responsibilities
• •Review operational challenges and successes to understand duty management impact on performance

Example for busy brasserie with complex operations

As our restaurant duty manager, your responsibilities include:

• •Managing comprehensive shift operations for busy brasserie serving 220 covers across multiple dining areas and bar service
• •Coordinating 18 staff members during peak periods including front-of-house, bar, and support team coordination
• •Overseeing operational efficiency including service timing, quality control, and seamless coordination between all service areas
• •Leading team performance including staff briefings, performance coaching, and maintaining service excellence during high-volume periods
• •Managing guest experience delivery including service quality oversight, special request coordination, and complaint resolution
• •Coordinating operational systems including POS management, reservation coordination, and technology oversight
• •Ensuring operational compliance including health and safety monitoring, licensing adherence, and procedure implementation
• •Supporting senior management with operational reporting, performance analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives

Example for fine dining restaurant with precision service

As restaurant duty manager, you will:

• •Lead sophisticated shift operations for fine dining restaurant requiring precise service coordination and attention to detail
• •Manage service team coordination including detailed staff briefings, wine service oversight, and operational excellence maintenance
• •Oversee guest experience delivery including VIP service coordination, special occasion management, and service recovery
• •Coordinate with kitchen team on timing, special preparations, and seamless service delivery for complex menu items
• •Manage operational standards including presentation quality, service timing, and fine dining protocol maintenance
• •Handle operational oversight including equipment coordination, inventory management, and compliance monitoring
• •Lead staff development including service technique coaching, wine knowledge enhancement, and professional presentation standards
• •Support award-winning service culture through operational excellence, attention to detail, and commitment to culinary artistry

Example for family restaurant with high-volume service

As restaurant duty manager, your duties include:

• •Managing dynamic shift operations for family restaurant serving 280 covers with focus on efficiency and welcoming atmosphere
• •Coordinating large team including diverse staff management, family service coordination, and positive operational environment maintenance
• •Overseeing guest experience including family needs accommodation, children's service coordination, and special celebration management
• •Managing operational efficiency including high-volume service coordination, safety monitoring, and operational flow optimization
• •Leading team performance including staff motivation, performance coaching, and maintaining positive energy during busy periods
• •Coordinating operational systems including reservation management, capacity optimization, and service area coordination
• •Ensuring family-friendly operational standards including safety compliance, cleanliness monitoring, and welcoming atmosphere maintenance
• •Supporting operational excellence through efficiency optimization, guest satisfaction focus, and team development initiatives

Step 3: Specify Required Skills for the Restaurant Duty Manager

A restaurant duty manager requires strong leadership skills, comprehensive operational knowledge, and excellent management competence. Focus on the specific capabilities your restaurant demands rather than generic management requirements.

Building on responsibilities, identify the skills essential for effective restaurant duty manager performance. This ensures candidates can accurately assess their capability and development needs for your specific operational environment.

Focus on skills that match your restaurant's management demands and avoid generic lists. Each establishment requires different leadership approaches based on operational complexity, service standards, and team dynamics.

Your goal is to create a list that separates essential management skills from skills that enhance performance.

1. Review your task list

Connect each responsibility with the skill needed to excel:

Example:

• •If they manage shift operations → they need organisational skills and operational awareness
• •If they lead teams → they need leadership abilities and communication skills
• •If they handle guest relations → they need customer service expertise and problem-solving capabilities
• •If they coordinate departments → they need teamwork skills and operational coordination abilities
• •If they ensure compliance → they need attention to detail and regulatory knowledge

2. Divide your skills list

• •Essential Skills: Non-negotiable capabilities needed from day one
• •Preferred Skills: Additional skills that enhance performance but can be developed

Key Skill Areas for Restaurant Duty Manager Roles

Consider these fundamental skill categories:

• •Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• •Excellent operational oversight and coordination skills
• •Comprehensive customer service and guest relations expertise
• •Effective communication and conflict resolution abilities
• •Operational compliance and safety management competency
• •Time management and multitasking capabilities under pressure
• •Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• •Financial awareness and cost control understanding

Tailor this based on your restaurant's exact requirements and operational complexity.

Example for busy brasserie with complex operations

Essential Skills:

• •Strong leadership abilities for managing large teams and complex operational coordination during high-volume service periods
• •Excellent organisational skills including multitasking competency for coordinating multiple service areas and staff teams
• •Comprehensive customer service expertise with ability to handle diverse guest needs and challenging service situations
• •Effective communication skills for team coordination, guest interaction, and interdepartmental operational management
• •Operational awareness including understanding of restaurant systems, compliance requirements, and efficiency optimization
• •Problem-solving abilities for handling operational challenges, staff issues, and guest concerns under pressure

Preferred Skills:

• •Restaurant management experience or hospitality qualification with relevant operational and leadership training
• •Experience with high-volume restaurant operations including complex service coordination and team management
• •Financial awareness including basic cost control, operational efficiency, and resource management understanding
• •Technology proficiency including POS systems, reservation management, and operational software competency
• •Training and development abilities for staff coaching, performance improvement, and operational skill enhancement

Example for fine dining restaurant with precision service

Essential Skills:

• •Sophisticated leadership abilities with understanding of fine dining standards and precision service requirements
• •Excellent attention to detail for maintaining exacting operational standards and service quality consistency
• •Advanced customer service skills with ability to handle VIP guests, special occasions, and luxury service expectations
• •Strong communication abilities for coordinating fine dining service, wine service oversight, and guest experience management
• •Operational excellence focus including understanding of fine dining procedures, presentation standards, and service protocols
• •Diplomatic problem-solving skills for handling complex guest situations whilst maintaining fine dining atmosphere

Preferred Skills:

• •Fine dining or luxury hospitality experience with understanding of sophisticated service standards and guest expectations
• •Wine knowledge or sommelier training for supporting wine service coordination and guest education
• •Advanced service training including formal service techniques, presentation standards, and luxury hospitality protocols
• •Event coordination experience for special occasions, private dining, and VIP service management
• •Professional development commitment including ongoing training and fine dining industry knowledge enhancement

Example for family restaurant with high-volume service

Essential Skills:

• •Dynamic leadership abilities with understanding of family restaurant operations and diverse guest demographic management
• •Strong organisational skills for managing high-volume operations, large teams, and varying service demands
• •Excellent customer service instincts with patience and understanding for family dining situations and children's requirements
• •Effective communication abilities for staff coordination, family guest interaction, and positive operational environment maintenance
• •Safety awareness including family dining environment safety, children's safety protocols, and operational risk management
• •Multitasking competency for handling diverse operational demands whilst maintaining service quality and positive atmosphere

Preferred Skills:

• •Experience with family restaurant or casual dining operations including high-volume service and diverse guest management
• •Training abilities for staff development in family-friendly service techniques and positive customer interaction
• •Event coordination experience for family celebrations, children's parties, and special occasion management
• •Safety and compliance knowledge including family dining safety requirements and operational regulation adherence
• •Conflict resolution skills for managing complex family situations and maintaining positive dining environment

Step 4: Determine Experience Requirements

The restaurant duty manager role demands specific management experience in hospitality operations. Be clear about whether you're seeking an experienced manager ready to handle complex operational responsibilities or someone with supervisory background who can develop management skills with support.

Defining experience requirements helps candidates understand the management expectations and prevents mismatched applications. However, overestimating requirements is a common mistake that can eliminate capable candidates with development potential.

Your goal is to specify the type of restaurant management experience necessary, focusing on relevant operational environments rather than just years served.

1. Identify if the role suits a developing, experienced, or senior manager

• •Developing manager: Someone with solid supervisory or operational experience ready to step into duty manager role with training and support
• •Experienced manager: Requires proven restaurant duty manager or equivalent operational management experience in similar establishments
• •Senior manager: Looking for seasoned hospitality professional capable of complex operational oversight and strategic coordination

Be honest about your needs; a supportive restaurant shouldn't demand extensive experience if they can provide appropriate management development and operational training.

2. Specify the type of experience rather than just duration

Instead of simply stating "2 years management experience," outline important operational environments and capabilities:

• •Do they need experience in restaurants, hospitality operations, or similar customer service management roles?
• •Must they understand high-volume service, complex operations, or specific service standards?
• •Is experience with team leadership, operational coordination, or guest relations management essential?
• •Do they need experience with specific operational systems, compliance requirements, or restaurant procedures?

Be precise — someone with 3 years managing retail operations differs significantly from 18 months in restaurant management.

3. Indicate whether training and development will be provided

If you're willing to invest in management development, highlight it clearly. Conversely, if you need someone ready to handle complex operational decisions immediately, specify that expectation.

Consider what management support you can realistically provide:

• •Will you offer mentoring from senior management or experienced restaurant professionals?
• •Do you have structured management training programmes for operational systems and procedures?
• •Can you provide shadowing periods with successful duty managers in similar restaurants?
• •What timeline do you expect for full competency and independent operational management?

Example for experienced manager recruitment

"We seek candidates with minimum 18 months' restaurant duty manager or equivalent operational management experience in quality dining establishments. You should demonstrate proven ability to manage teams, coordinate operations, and ensure service delivery. Experience with staff leadership, operational oversight, and guest relations management is essential. We provide ongoing support for professional development but expect immediate competency with core management responsibilities."

Example for developing manager opportunity

"We're looking for ambitious hospitality professionals with 12+ months supervisory or operational experience ready to advance into duty manager role. You should have solid restaurant background with team coordination experience and clear management potential. Comprehensive duty manager training will be provided alongside senior management mentorship, with structured development over 4 months including operational coaching and management skill development."

Example for senior management role

"Candidates should bring minimum 3 years' restaurant duty manager or senior operational management experience in quality establishments. You must demonstrate exceptional leadership abilities, operational expertise, and track record of service excellence and team development. Experience with complex operations, performance management, and guest satisfaction optimization is essential for immediate operational impact."

Example for high-volume operations

"We require candidates with management experience in high-volume restaurants, busy hospitality operations, or similar fast-paced service environments. Previous experience managing large teams, coordinating complex service delivery, and handling operational pressure is essential. Understanding of high-volume operational challenges, efficiency optimization, and service standard maintenance necessary. Minimum 15 months in similar operational management capacity required."

Step 5: Describe the Ideal Personality Fit

The restaurant duty manager role demands specific personality traits for successful operational leadership and team coordination. This position requires someone who can provide effective management support whilst maintaining excellent guest relations and ensuring operational excellence.

While technical skills matter, long-term success depends on cultural fit and management personality. This section helps you attract candidates whose natural traits align with your restaurant's operational philosophy and team dynamics.

Avoid generic phrases like "natural leader" or "team player" which don't convey meaningful information to potential managers.

Instead, describe specific personality traits and behavioral characteristics that succeed in your restaurant environment.

Your goal is to articulate the management style, operational presence, and interpersonal skills that thrive in your service culture.

1. Reflect on your operational culture and management dynamics

Consider the following:

• •What management traits do your most successful duty managers demonstrate?
• •What personality characteristics have struggled in previous management hires?
• •Does your restaurant thrive with hands-on leadership or supportive coordination approaches?
• •Are operational interactions structured and systematic or flexible and adaptive?
• •What management communication style works best with your team and guests?
• •Do you need someone energetic and proactive or calm and organised?
• •How does your restaurant handle operational pressure and challenging situations?
• •What personality traits help during busy periods and complex operational demands?

Develop keywords that capture the management presence and approach desired.

2. Be definitive, not general

Avoid vague terms and instead illustrate traits in action:

• •"Maintains calm leadership during high-pressure service periods whilst ensuring team performance and guest satisfaction across multiple operational areas"
• •"Demonstrates natural problem-solving instincts when coordinating complex operational challenges and team management requirements"
• •"Adapts management approach to motivate diverse team members whilst maintaining consistent operational standards and service excellence"
• •"Shows genuine commitment to operational excellence that inspires both team performance and guest experience enhancement"
• •"Exhibits resilience and positive energy when managing demanding operational situations whilst maintaining team morale and service quality"

3. Align personality attributes with management responsibilities

• •In high-volume, complex operations: Look for organised energy combined with systematic thinking and ability to maintain quality under pressure
• •In fine dining or upscale establishments: Seek sophistication and attention to detail balanced with leadership capability and guest relations expertise
• •In family or casual restaurants: Value warmth and adaptability balanced with operational discipline and positive team leadership

Example for busy brasserie with complex operations

"You'll excel as our restaurant duty manager if you possess natural organisational instincts and dynamic leadership energy combined with genuine commitment to operational excellence. We value managers who maintain calm coordination during complex service periods whilst inspiring team performance across multiple operational areas and ensuring exceptional guest experiences. The ability to handle competing operational demands, communicate effectively with diverse teams, and maintain positive energy whilst solving complex operational challenges is essential."

Example for fine dining restaurant with precision service

"This role suits someone with sophisticated operational mindset and attention to detail who genuinely enjoys creating exceptional dining experiences through precise management and service excellence. We value duty managers who balance operational discipline with supportive leadership, ensuring fine dining standards whilst developing team capabilities and maintaining guest satisfaction. Strong professional presence, diplomatic communication skills, and ability to maintain exacting standards whilst coordinating complex service requirements are crucial."

Example for family restaurant with high-volume service

"Our ideal restaurant duty manager demonstrates warm, approachable leadership combined with excellent organisational abilities and positive energy appropriate for family dining operations. You should possess patience and understanding suitable for diverse guest needs whilst maintaining operational efficiency that ensures smooth service delivery and team satisfaction. Natural adaptability, multitasking competency, and ability to maintain cheerful demeanor whilst managing complex operational challenges and family service requirements are essential qualities."

Tips if you're stuck

• •Consult current management team: "What leadership qualities do you most value and respond to?"
• •Observe successful restaurant managers during different operational situations and pressure levels
• •Consider what staff and guest feedback reveals about preferred management and communication styles
• •Ask your team what personality traits create the most effective operational environment
• •Reflect on previous management hires - what personalities succeeded or struggled with your operational demands?
• •Be authentic about your environment - if it's demanding and fast-paced, seek resilient and energetic managers
• •Consider cultural fit with your service style and operational expectations

Step 6: Provide Transparency on Compensation

Transparency about compensation is crucial for attracting quality restaurant duty manager candidates. This management role commands responsible compensation, so be clear about your total compensation package and professional development opportunities.

This section often receives inadequate attention, yet it's fundamental to attracting committed hospitality management professionals. Candidates need clarity on compensation and career advancement to make informed decisions about management opportunities.

While duty manager roles bridge supervisory and senior management levels, transparency about benefits, development opportunities, and working conditions demonstrates professionalism and builds trust with potential managers.

Be clear about:

• •The salary range or hourly rate structure
• •Management benefits and professional development opportunities
• •What distinguishes your restaurant as an exceptional place to manage and develop professionally

1. Make compensation clear — salary and benefits

Specify the definite salary or present a realistic range. Guidance when unsure includes:

• •Research similar restaurant duty manager positions in your area using hospitality job boards and industry contacts
• •Consider your expectations — are you seeking developing, experienced, or senior management professionals?
• •Factor in the complexity and responsibility level of your specific duty manager role
• •Include performance bonuses, tips, or management incentives if applicable

Example: £28,000–£34,000 annually based on experience plus performance bonuses £31,000 starting salary with quarterly reviews and merit increases £32,000 base salary plus monthly performance incentives

Avoiding terms like "competitive salary" is essential as they provide no useful information to candidates.

2. Highlight management benefits and opportunities

Benefits beyond salary can significantly attract quality management candidates. Consider:

• •Professional development funding for hospitality qualifications and management training
• •Career advancement opportunities within restaurant operations and senior management pathways
• •Performance bonuses, profit sharing, or management incentive programmes
• •Healthcare benefits, management perks, and personal development support
• •Industry networking opportunities, training courses, and professional recognition
• •Management lifestyle benefits, flexible scheduling, and work-life balance support
• •Operational autonomy, decision-making authority, and strategic involvement opportunities

Example:

• •Annual management development budget of £2,000 for hospitality training and leadership qualifications
• •Quarterly performance bonuses based on operational excellence, team performance, and guest satisfaction metrics
• •Comprehensive healthcare including medical coverage and management wellness programmes
• •28 days paid holiday plus bank holidays and management development time
• •Management mentorship programme with experienced hospitality professionals
• •Career advancement support with clear progression to senior management positions

3. Discuss career progression and development (if available)

Communicate advancement opportunities and management development support available.

Example:

We invest significantly in duty manager development through operational mentorship, management training, and clear progression pathways. Our duty manager positions often advance to assistant manager, restaurant manager, or operations management roles, with dedicated support for those pursuing hospitality management qualifications.

Example section: Compensation & Benefits

Salary: £29,000–£36,000 per annum based on experience and performance Performance Bonus: Quarterly bonuses up to £2,500 based on operational excellence, team performance, and guest satisfaction metrics Management Benefits:

• •Comprehensive healthcare including medical coverage and management wellness support
• •Annual professional development budget of £2,500 for hospitality training and management qualifications
• •30 days paid holiday annually plus bank holidays and training time
• •Management coaching and mentorship programme with experienced restaurant professionals
• •Career advancement support with clear progression to senior management and operations roles
• •Management autonomy including operational decision-making authority and strategic involvement
• •Flexible management scheduling with advance planning and work-life balance support
• •Employee recognition programme including management achievements and operational excellence rewards

Example for fine dining establishment

Salary: £32,000–£38,000 annually plus discretionary bonuses Service Excellence Bonus: Monthly awards for exceptional operational performance and guest experience management Management Benefits:

• •Premium dining experiences and fine dining industry benefits during work and personal time
• •28 days paid holiday plus bank holidays and professional development leave
• •Management development support including fine dining certification and luxury hospitality training
• •Performance-based salary reviews every six months with merit increase opportunities
• •Industry networking at hospitality conferences and fine dining development events
• •Management recognition programme with operational achievements and service excellence rewards
• •Clear progression to restaurant manager with fine dining restaurant group opportunities

Tips if you're stuck

• •Ask yourself: "What attracts exceptional restaurant managers to stay and grow with us?"
• •Research what successful restaurants in your area offer to similar management positions
• •Consider what would motivate you to excel in a demanding management role long-term
• •Be forthcoming — avoid inflating promises beyond what you can deliver consistently
• •If salary is limited, highlight what makes the management experience valuable (development opportunities, operational autonomy, team leadership experience, etc.)
• •Focus on unique aspects like exceptional operational standards, career progression, or management responsibility
• •Consider benefits that appeal to career-focused hospitality management professionals

What's Next

Now you've written your restaurant duty manager job description, it's time to advertise your role and start interviewing. Check out our guide to Restaurant Duty Manager interview questions.