At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a friendly team, manage bar operations, and enhance audience experiences at our vibrant theatre.
- Company: Join the UK's first dedicated improv theatre, known for its creativity and community spirit.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and a fun, dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a creative space with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be the welcoming face of an exciting venue and make a real impact on our community.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in hospitality management and a passion for outstanding customer service.
The predicted salary is between 13.65 - 13.65 £ per hour.
The Bristol Improv Theatre (BIT) is looking for a hardworking, friendly, trustworthy and ambitious Front of House and Bar Manager to join our close-knit team. As the welcoming face of our venue, you will play a pivotal role in elevating our audience experience while taking ownership of our commercial hospitality operations. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a dedicated front of house team, find creative ways to optimize our bar income, and directly contribute to the sustainability of the UK's first dedicated improv theatre.
About Bristol Improv Theatre: The Bristol Improv Theatre is the UK's first full-time dedicated improv theatre. We create, teach and perform spontaneous theatre that is welcoming, creatively ambitious and unapologetically entertaining. We host renowned improv and comedy acts from all over the UK and overseas, as well as being a hub for talented local troupes. Our venue, located just off the Triangle in Clifton, is a home for Bristol's amazing improv community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Front of House & Audience Experience: Foster and create a welcoming and inclusive community environment that is in line with the theatre’s brand and values. Duty manage two shifts a week and provide supervision and on shift training for staff. Act as the first point of escalation for audience complaints or accessibility needs. Work closely with the staff team to ensure the smooth running of all front of house systems.
- Leadership & Team Management: Manage a small, dedicated team of casual bar staff, ensuring a friendly and reliable work environment. Create and manage monthly rotas, ensuring staffing levels are optimised for show capacities and interval rushes. Ensure the team is knowledgeable about the upcoming events, drink specials, and safety protocols. Attend weekly management meetings.
- Bar & Commercial Operations: Manage inventory, conduct stock takes, and maintain and develop relationships with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing. Implement creative strategies to increase bar spend, such as themed cocktails for productions or pre-order interval drink systems. Ensure the bar area and foyer remain pristine and compliant with health, safety, and licensing regulations.
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure that front of house staff and stakeholders are adhering to health and safety legislation and best practice and theatre policy. Ensure strict adherence to the Licensing Act (e.g., "Challenge 25") and responsible service of alcohol.
Person Specification:
- Essential: 2+ years in a supervisory role in hospitality, ideally in a bar, theatre, cinema, or arts venue. Ability to remain calm, decisive and assertive. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. A demonstrable commitment to outstanding customer service. Highly trustworthy. Strong understanding of Licensing Act requirements. High level of initiative and can work autonomously. Good understanding of Health and Safety law. Ability to work evenings and weekends as required. Proficient in, or quick to learn, modern venue technologies, including ticketing systems, POS systems, and digital rota management tools. Comfortable with the physical demands of an active venue environment, including standing for extended periods and manual handling of stock.
- Desirable: A genuine passion for the performing arts. First Aid at Work certification. Possession of a Personal License for the sale of alcohol, or a willingness to obtain one.
Front Of House And Bar Manager in Bristol employer: Bristol Improv Theatre
The Bristol Improv Theatre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where creativity thrives. As the Front of House and Bar Manager, you will lead a dedicated team in a unique venue that champions the arts, providing opportunities for personal growth and professional development while contributing to the sustainability of the UK's first dedicated improv theatre. With flexible hours and a supportive environment, BIT is not just a workplace; it's a community hub where your passion for hospitality and the performing arts can truly shine.
