Deputy Manager

Thelight; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cinema and leisure venue in the United Kingdom is seeking a Deputy Manager to join its management team. You will oversee daily operations, lead a dedicated team, and ensure a high-quality guest experience. Ideal candidates will have management experience in hospitality or leisure, along with strong organizational skills and a passion for customer service. This role offers competitive salary and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

28 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Free cinema tickets for family and friends

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a management role within cinema, hospitality, or leisure.
• Confident leading a team and creating a positive work environment.
• Familiar with compliance and health & safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations and manage the venue.
• Guide the team with film scheduling and staff rotas.
• Ensure excellent standards in guest service and cleanliness.

Skills

Team Leadership

Organisational Skills

Attention to Detail

Commercial Awareness

Customer Service

Tools

Vista POS

Job description

Deputy Manager – The Light

We are The Light, providing a unique immersive experience that surprises and delights our guests across 14 locations in the UK. We offer a wide range of activities; cinema, bowling, karaoke, darts, mini golf, climbing walls, bars, and kitchens – we have it all!

We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Manager to join our management team. As a Deputy Manager you’ll work closely with the Business Manager to oversee daily operations, lead the team, and help ensure every guest receives a high‑quality, seamless experience. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced hospitality or leisure professional ready to take the next step in their management career.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Support the Business Manager in the day‑to‑day running of the venue.
• Lead and guide the team across daily operations, including projection, film scheduling, staff rotas, stock control, and facilities.
• Maintain excellent standards in guest service, cleanliness, and presentation.
• Assist with managing key business metrics including labour control, cost management, and sales performance.
• Ensure compliance with brand standards, health & safety, and operational procedures.
• Take a lead on recruitment, onboarding, and development of team members.
• Support delivery of local marketing initiatives and wider business goals.
• Step in to lead the venue in the Business Manager’s absence.

About You:

• Experience in a management role within cinema, hospitality, or leisure.
• Confident leading a team and creating a positive, high‑performing environment.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Commercially aware with a good understanding of labour, cost, and stock control.
• Familiar with POS and cinema business systems (e.g. Vista).
• Knowledge of compliance, health & safety, and food hygiene standards.
• Hands‑on, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Passionate about delivering great guest experiences.

What’s In It For You:

• Competitive salary.
• 28 days holiday.
• Private medical insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Life insurance.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Wagestream – access your earned pay when you need it.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Free cinema tickets for family and friends.
• Career development opportunities within a growing business.

Ready to take the next step in your cinema leadership journey? Apply now! Our Recruitment Team reviews every application and will be in touch with candidates who are a great fit. If it’s not the right time, we’ll still let you know – though we’re unable to offer detailed feedback at this stage.