About Us

We’re Heriot-Watt University Student Union, an independent charity buzzing with energy, driven by and for our students. We’re all about doing good, that’s why all surplus funds generated through Liberty’s Café, Geordies Bar and the Student Union Shop are channelled straight back into crucial student support services like our Advice Hub. So, yes, we're a charity, but we also mean business.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At HWSU, diversity isn’t just celebrated; it’s our strength. We thrive by bringing together voices from all walks of life, and we’re excited for you to help us champion this mission. At HWUnion, you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll find a community eager to welcome your talents. Let’s do something great together.

Role Overview

As the Duty Manager, you’re the captain of our ship during your shift. You make sure our food and beverage operations are more than just functional—they’re fantastic. You’re all about ensuring everyone who walks through our doors has a great time and leaves with a bigger smile.

What You’ll Do

• Run the Show: You keep our operations smooth and our vibe welcoming, ensuring everything from the napkins to the neon lights is spot-on.
• Lead Like a Pro: You inspire your team, coaching them to be their best, because when they shine, we all do
• Craft Amazing Experiences: From casual coffees to major bashes, you help make every event memorable.
• Detail Geek: It’s all in the details and you never miss a beat, whether it’s the stock levels or the cleanliness of the counter.

Key Responsibilities

• Top-Notch Service: Ensure that our service quality is nothing short of excellent at all times.
• Inventory Ace: Manage stock meticulously, making sure we’re fully loaded but never overstocked.
• Finance Whiz: Keep an eye on the budget, ensuring we’re as efficient with our funds as we are with our service.
• Safety Super Hero: Champion compliance with all health and safety standards, keeping everyone safe and secure.

Your Superpowers

• People Charmer: You’ve got a knack for connecting with people and making them feel at home.
• Detail Hawk: Nothing slips past you; you catch the little things that make big differences.
• Calm in the Storm: You handle the rush with a cool head and a can-do attitude.
• Inspiration Leader: You're not just managing; you're motivating, teaching, and inspiring your team to excel

join us

Fancy making the student union the heart of campus life? If you're all about crafting standout experiences and leading a team that makes every day better than the last, let’s chat. We're not just offering a job; we're offering a chance to make a real impact. Let’s make magic happen together.

activities

principal duties

• Responsible for all operational activities of running the F&B department in the absence of the Bar & Catering Manager.
• Ensure the F&B department is presented to a high standard at all times.
• Management of stock, ensuring stock levels are maintained and supporting stock takes, overseeing orders and deliveries ensuring they are recorded correctly & monitoring wastage, ensuring it is recorded.
• Work alongside the cook to maintain standards and monitor Food Hygiene.
• Responsible for managing staff on shift to ensure the departments operate smoothly and efficiently, standards are maintained and staff are skilled and motivated
• Working with the Head of Commercial Development and Bar & Catering Manager, support the introduction of new income streams, concepts and opportunities as required, ensuring staff are well informed and motivated.
• Work with Bar & Catering Manager to create and deliver events
• Responsibility for cash held on-site, including regular safe checks.
• Responsible for supporting health and safety, compliance, loss prevention and process management relating to Food & Beverage operations
• Key holder, with responsibility for opening / closing when required
• Support the Head of Commercial Development and Bar & Catering Manager

other duties

• Take on other tasks or activities that are relevant for the role from time to time
• Follow all HWUnion policies, procedures, and governing documents.
• Undertake personal and professional development as required to maintain appropriate knowledge and skills.

What next?

If this sounds like the role for you, make sure you read the full Job Description and Person Specification below. 

If you'd like an informal chat about the role, contact Ewan Ferguson, Bar & Catering Manager on 0131 451 5333.

To apply for the position, email hr@hwunion.com with your CV and a covering letter, outlining why you would be the best person for the role. Make sure to include which position you're applying for!

Click here to download the Job Description and Person Specification.