Job Description

About the Role

Darlington Rugby Football Club is seeking a dynamic, organised, and creative

Hospitality & Events Manager

to lead our hospitality operations, coordinate events, and grow our social media presence. This hands-on role is ideal for someone with a passion for people, food, and events, who thrives in a busy, community-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Hospitality Management

Oversee the day-to-day running of the club's hospitality operations, including matchdays, functions, and private events. Ensure a high standard of customer service across the bar, kitchen, and event spaces. Manage bookings, liaise with clients, and coordinate with catering and bar teams to deliver seamless experiences. Work closely with the Kitchen Manager and bar staff to plan menus, pricing, and stock control. Monitor budgets, revenue, and expenditure to meet profitability and GP targets. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and licensing regulations.

Events Coordination

Plan, promote, and deliver a wide range of events including tribute nights, live music, themed food nights, quiz nights, wedding fairs, and seasonal celebrations. Liaise with suppliers, entertainers, and contractors to organise logistics and event setup. Create and maintain an annual events calendar to maximise venue use and community engagement. Support rugby and football hospitality days, coordinating room layouts, catering, and staff rotas.

Social Media & Marketing

Manage and grow the club's social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) with engaging and consistent content. Create posts, stories, and videos to promote upcoming events, hospitality offers, and matchday experiences. Develop promotional campaigns to increase footfall, bookings, and brand visibility. Collaborate with designers or use online tools (e.g., Canva) to produce eye-catching graphics. Monitor analytics and feedback to optimise content and engagement.

Team Leadership

Lead, motivate, and support hospitality and bar staff, ensuring excellent communication and teamwork. Create and manage staff rotas in line with business needs. Provide training and guidance to maintain high service standards.

Key Skills & Attributes

Proven experience in hospitality, events, or venue management (preferably in a sports or leisure setting). Strong organisational and multitasking skills. Confident communicator with a positive, can-do attitude. Knowledge of social media marketing and content creation. Creative flair for events and promotions. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Excellent customer service and leadership skills.

Benefits

Opportunity to shape and grow hospitality and events at one of Darlington's key community venues. Free onsite parking and staff discounts. Supportive, friendly working environment. Scope to develop and implement your own ideas for events and promotions.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 28,860.00 per year

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Application question(s):

Are you available evenings and weekends
Experience:

Social media marketing: 1 year (preferred) Hospitality: 1 year (preferred) Bar management: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person