Hospitality Manager

Lead exceptional guest experiences at AO Arena. As a Premium Hospitality Manager in The Mezz, you'll oversee either the restaurant or bar operation, leading teams and delivering first-class service in one of Manchester's most exciting live event environments. If you're a confident hospitality leader who thrives under pressure and loves creating memorable experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Premium Hospitality Manager, you will lead the delivery of exceptional guest experiences within The Mezz, AO Arena's premium hospitality offering. Responsible for overseeing either the restaurant dining room or bar operation during event days, you'll ensure service is seamless, efficient, and consistently delivered to the highest standards. This is a casual, event-based position offering flexible shifts around AO Arena's live events calendar, primarily evenings, weekends, and event days.

As a premium hospitality leader, you will coordinate teams, manage guest expectations, drive service excellence, and ensure every event runs smoothly from opening through to close.

• Lead service delivery within either the restaurant or bar operation, ensuring a premium guest experience throughout the event.
• Act as a visible and approachable leader on the floor, supporting teams and maintaining high service standards.
• Deliver pre‑event briefings and oversee opening and closing procedures.
• Coordinate seating plans and guest allocations, taking into account VIP requirements, reservations, and special requests.
• Build positive relationships with guests, resolving issues quickly and delivering effective service recovery when required.
• Ensure smooth communication and coordination between front‑of‑house teams, kitchen, bar, hosts, and premium hospitality colleagues.
• Oversee accurate order taking, service timing, allergen management, licensing compliance, and Challenge 25 procedures.
• Maintain exceptional standards of presentation, cleanliness, ambience, and event readiness across all guest areas.
• Complete shift reports, incident logs, and guest feedback summaries, escalating operational issues where necessary.
• Support team development by coaching colleagues and leading by example during service.

• Previous leadership experience within premium, high‑volume hospitality environments such as restaurants, hotels, stadiums, arenas, or bars.
• Strong floor management skills with the ability to lead teams during busy event operations.
• Excellent guest service and relationship management capabilities.
• Confident decision‑maker with experience handling guest complaints and service recovery.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of licensing requirements, Challenge 25, allergen management, and health and safety standards.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to fast‑paced service environments.
• Availability to work flexible, casual shifts, including evenings, weekends, and major event days.

• Competitive Rate of Pay – Earn a strong hourly rate for your work.
• Flexible Working – Choose shifts that fit around your lifestyle and commitments, helping you maintain a great work‑life balance.
• Fortnightly Pay – Get paid every two weeks for the shifts you've worked.
• Sociable Workforce – Join a diverse and friendly team from across the city.

We are committed to active inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunities. This commitment begins with our recruitment and selection process. We welcome discussions about flexible working arrangements.