Assistant Manager

Bat and Ball - Covent Garden - Competitive Socialising

ARE YOU SPORTS MAD? DO YOU THRIVE IN A HIGH-ENERGY VENUE?

We’re looking for an ambitious, experienced and seriously passionate Assistant Manager to join the team at Bat & Ball Covent Garden.

This is not your typical bar management role. Bat & Ball is a high-energy competitive socialising venue where sport, great hospitality, entertainment and unforgettable experiences come together.

We need a manager who can thrive in a fast-paced, high-capacity environment, lead from the front and help us deliver exceptional experiences for our guests — whether they’re here for the big game, competitive socialising, drinks with friends or a night of sport-fuelled fun.

As Manager, you’ll be a key part of the leadership team, working closely with the General Manager to drive the venue forward.

You’ll take ownership of day-to-day operations, lead and develop a large team, maintain exceptional service standards and make sure every shift runs like clockwork — even when the venue is absolutely flying.

You’ll be commercially minded, operationally strong and, most importantly, a natural leader who loves being around people and sport.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 3+ years’ management experience within a high-capacity competitive socialising venue, sports bar, late-night venue or similarly fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Proven experience managing large teams and high-volume operations.
• A genuine passion for sport — you should be the person who knows what’s happening across the sporting calendar and gets excited about the big fixtures.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate, coach and develop a diverse team.
• Excellent commercial awareness, with experience driving sales, controlling costs and delivering against KPIs.
• The confidence to take charge during busy services and make decisions under pressure.
• A hands-on approach — you’re not afraid to get stuck in wherever you’re needed.
• A passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Energy, personality and the ability to bring people with you.

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Supporting the General Manager in the overall running of the venue.
• Leading from the front during busy services and major sporting events.
• Managing, coaching and developing the management and wider venue team.
• Driving sales, profitability and commercial performance.
• Maintaining outstanding standards across service, operations, health & safety and guest experience.
• Helping create an atmosphere that keeps guests coming back.
• Planning and executing major sporting events and peak trading periods.
• Managing rotas, labour and operational costs effectively.
• Building a strong team culture where people are motivated to perform.
• Acting as the senior leader on shift when required.

WHY BAT & BALL?

Because we don't just put sport on a screen — we make it an experience.

If you love the buzz of a packed venue, thrive when the big games are on, know how to lead a team and want to be part of a venue where competitive socialising meets serious hospitality, this could be your next move.

Welcome to London's biggest independent pub company !

Urban Pubs & Bars was founded in 2014 and has since expanded to an estate of over 67 pubs, bars and restaurants across London.

In 2018, Urban Pubs & Bars was ranked number 28 in the Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 list, recognising Britain's private companies with the fastest-growing sales. We were then nominated for 2 Publican Awards in 2020, winning the award for ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ on the night. In 2021, Urban was awarded 'Best Food-led Pub Company 2021' at the R200 awards, Urban once again won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ in 2023 and most recently won ‘Best Managed Pub Company - 2-50 sites’ and Best food offering in 2026 and In 2025 & 2026 we were recognised by Sunday Times in the Top 100 Companies to work for.