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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic bar team, delivering exceptional drinks and guest experiences.
- Company: Join Medlock Square, a vibrant new destination in Manchester's cultural scene.
- Benefits: Enjoy meals on shifts, competitive holiday allowance, and a birthday day off.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace focused on wellbeing and team diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of redefining hospitality in a flagship venue with exciting growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Bartender or similar role in a high-energy environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.
Medlock Square marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Etihad Campus; a vibrant, year‑round destination for culture, leisure and entertainment, set alongside two global icons: the Etihad Stadium and the landmark Co‑op Live arena. Named after the River Medlock that runs beneath the site, the development celebrates Manchester’s industrial heritage while shaping its next era of city‑defining experiences.
At the heart of this new district will be an extraordinary food and beverage offer: from relaxed coffee houses and all‑day dining to flagship restaurants and premium culinary experiences. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences, Medlock Square will deliver high‑quality hospitality all week long and across the events calendar.
We seek dynamic, guest‑obsessed operators who can build teams, lead from the front, and deliver service that matches the scale and ambition of Medlock Square. You’ll play a vital role in creating welcoming, memorable spaces for everyday guests and major event visitors alike. As Head Bartender, you will lead the bar operation within a premium, high‑energy hospitality environment, delivering exceptional drinks, service, and guest experience.
This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will set the tone behind the bar, ensuring quality, consistency, and pace across all service periods. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards in drink execution, presentation, and guest interaction, while supporting the development and performance of the bar team. Working across both event and non‑event days, you will play a key role in delivering a distinctive and memorable guest experience, contributing to the overall success of the venue.
In this role you will:
- Lead bar service, ensuring high‑quality drinks, consistency, and premium service standards
- Support and develop bartenders, creating a confident, skilled, and high‑performing team
- Deliver cocktails, beverages, and bar service in line with concept and brand standards
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and bar setup at all times
- Support stock control, ordering, and minimise waste
- Work closely with the floor team to deliver seamless, high‑touch guest experiences
- Contribute to revenue growth through product knowledge, upselling, and service excellence
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential:
- Proven experience as a Head Bartender, Senior Bartender, or Bar Supervisor in a premium or high‑volume environment
- Strong cocktail knowledge and experience delivering high‑quality drinks consistently
- Experience working in fast‑paced, high‑energy service environments
- Confident leading a bar team during service
- Strong understanding of licensing, alcohol service, and health & safety standards
- Excellent communication and guest engagement skills
- Calm and organised under pressure
- Passion for drinks, service, and guest experience
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and event days
Desirable:
- Experience in a premium or concept‑led bar or restaurant
- Experience supporting new openings or bar launches
- Knowledge of cocktail trends, premium spirits, and wine
- Experience with stock systems and bar inventory management
- Experience working in high‑profile or event‑led venues
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a flagship destination set to redefine hospitality in Manchester
- Work within a world‑class entertainment and cultural district
- Build and lead new teams from the ground up
- Influence concepts, menus and guest experiences
- Grow your career within a pioneering and high‑profile development
Meals on Shifts – Enjoy lunch & dinner while you work.
Competitive Holiday Allowance - plus bank holidays.
Birthday Day Off - Enjoy an extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
Inclusive & Diverse Workplace – Be part of a team that values diversity and inclusion.
Wellbeing - Support and resources to help you stay well, both in and outside of work.
Head Bartender in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services Limited
Contact Detail:
Eastlands Venue Services Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bartender in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and mingle with industry folks at events or bars. You never know who might be looking for a Head Bartender or have insider info on openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, do a trial shift or a demo cocktail session. This gives you a chance to shine and show how you can lead a bar team in a high-energy environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the venue! Know Medlock Square inside out—its vibe, its drinks, and what makes it tick. Tailor your approach to fit their style and show them you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Bartender in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for the hospitality industry shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for creating memorable guest experiences, especially in high-energy environments like bars.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Bartender, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've supported and developed teams in the past, and how you can bring that expertise to Medlock Square.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Don’t just say you have cocktail knowledge; give examples of your favourite cocktails to make and why. Mention any unique skills or experiences that set you apart, especially those that align with our premium service standards.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Medlock Square!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eastlands Venue Services Limited
✨Know Your Cocktails
Brush up on your cocktail knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your favourite drinks, how to make them, and any unique twists you can bring to the bar. This shows your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a Head Bartender role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully led a team in a high-pressure environment. Be ready to share how you motivate and develop your bartenders, as this role requires strong leadership to maintain service standards and team performance.
✨Understand the Venue's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Medlock Square and its mission to redefine hospitality in Manchester. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to creating memorable guest experiences.
✨Demonstrate Guest Engagement
Prepare to talk about your approach to guest interaction. Share specific examples of how you've created welcoming environments and handled difficult situations, as excellent communication and guest engagement are key to success in this role.