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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 entertainment scene.
- Benefits: Be part of a flagship venue, with opportunities for career growth and influence.
- Why this job: Shape memorable experiences in a high-energy environment while showcasing your cocktail expertise.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in bartending and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a chance to work in a landmark cultural district.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 will 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.
Responsibilities
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
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, home of Manchester City Football Club, 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. Manchester is known worldwide for its sport, music and entertainment – and Medlock Square will build on that legacy, creating a landmark home for exceptional shared moments and elevating the city’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic, fast-growing destinations. 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.
Benefits
- 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
Head Bartender in Manchester employer: Eastlands Venue Services
Contact Detail:
Eastlands Venue Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Bartender in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the venue! Before your interview, spend some time at Medlock Square. Familiarise yourself with the atmosphere, the drinks on offer, and the overall vibe. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their dynamic environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your cocktail skills! Bring a portfolio or a list of your signature cocktails to the interview. Talk about your experience with high-quality drinks and how you can elevate the bar's offerings. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your passion for mixology!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to lead! As a Head Bartender, you'll need to showcase your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams in the past and how you plan to inspire the bar staff at Medlock Square. They want to see that you can set the tone and maintain high standards under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to network! Connect with current employees on social media or during your visit. Building relationships can give you insider knowledge about the team and the venue, making you a more attractive candidate. Plus, it shows that you're proactive and engaged!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Bartender in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for bartending and guest service shine through. We want to see that you’re not just in it for the job, but that you genuinely care about creating memorable experiences for our guests.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match what we’re looking for. Highlight your leadership experience, cocktail knowledge, and any time you've worked in high-energy environments. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Be Specific in Your Cover Letter: In your cover letter, don’t just say you’re a great bartender; give us examples! Talk about specific situations where you led a team or delivered exceptional service. This helps us understand how you’ll fit into our dynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Medlock Square!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eastlands Venue Services
✨Know Your Cocktails
Brush up on your cocktail knowledge before the interview. Be ready 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 Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a bar team in the past. Think about times when you motivated your team during busy shifts or resolved conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to lead from the front and create a high-performing environment.
✨Understand the Venue's Concept
Research Medlock Square and its offerings. Familiarise yourself with their brand standards and the type of guest experience they aim to deliver. Being able to articulate how you can contribute to their vision will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Practice Guest Engagement Scenarios
Think about how you would handle various guest interactions, especially in a high-pressure environment. Prepare to discuss how you would upsell products or manage difficult situations while maintaining a positive guest experience. This will highlight your communication skills and guest obsession.