At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage bar and catering operations for exciting events and performances.
- Company: Join a vibrant venue known for its dynamic hospitality experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for growth, and a creative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the hospitality industry while working at thrilling events.
- Qualifications: Experience in bar and catering management with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Closing date - 2 January 2026
Interview date - 8 January 2026 (subject to change)
Salary - £65-70,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
We are seeking a dynamic and commercially driven Hospitality Director to lead and manage our in-house bar and outsourced catering operations. This role encompasses a diverse and vibrant range of services including a daytime café and bar and includes theatre performances, music gigs, large-scale commercial events, opening nights and intimate VIP functions, high-yield hospitality packages and the MIF biennial festival at Aviva Studios. The bar operations will be managed by Factory International and the kitchen and catering operations will be managed by a third-party partner. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing both in-house bar operations and outsourced catering functions, ensuring seamless service delivery, profitability, and exceptional customer experience across all touchpoints.
Operational Leadership
- Lead the strategic and day-to-day management of all bar and catering services across the venue.
- Oversee the daytime café and bar operations, ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction.
- Manage bar and catering provision for a wide range of activities including theatre style performance and shows, music gigs, opening nights, VIP events and large-scale commercial functions.
- Collaborate with the Events Team to deliver high-quality catering and bar services for major events.
Strategic Planning & Innovation
- Lead the development and delivery of a distinctive F&B programme that enhances placemaking and elevates the visitor experience, aligning with our creative vision and programming.
- Drive strategic commercial relationships with wholesalers to ensure quality, value and innovation across our F&B supply chain.
- Build and nurture relationships with beer, wine and spirit brands supporting the BP team in securing sponsorship and commercial deals that amplify our brand and visitor experience.
Commercial Performance
- Drive turnover, profit, and yield across all bar and catering operations.
- Develop and implement pricing strategies, unique and creative promotions and product offerings to maximise revenue.
- Monitor and manage stock levels, purchasing, and supplier relationships to ensure cost efficiency and responsiveness to event needs.
Outsourced Catering Management
- Manage the relationship with the outsourced daytime catering provider, ensuring alignment with venue standards and customer expectations.
- Coordinate with the outsourced provider for large-scale commercial events, ensuring seamless integration with in-house teams.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and develop a high-performing team across bar and outsourced catering functions.
- Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, licensing, and food hygiene regulations.
Essential
- Proven experience in managing bar and catering operations in a multi-use venue, festival or similar environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving profitability and operational efficiency.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Experience working with outsourced providers and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
- Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
- Commitment to championing representation and inclusion at every level of the organisation with a proven ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Desirable
- Experience in theatre, live music, festivals, arenas or cultural venues.
- Knowledge of licensing, food safety, and health & safety regulations.
- Familiarity with EPOS and stock management systems.
- Enthusiasm for training, mentoring and support of emerging talent.
Hospitality Director employer: Factory International
Contact Detail:
Factory International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hospitality Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in hospitality. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and commercial acumen, as these are key for a Hospitality Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Hospitality Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Hospitality Director role. Highlight your experience in managing bar and catering operations, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that align with our needs, like leading teams or driving profitability in similar environments.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! In your application, share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and fostered a culture of excellence. This is key for the Hospitality Director position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Factory International
✨Know Your Venue Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research the venue thoroughly. Understand its history, the types of events it hosts, and its target audience. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and show that you're ready to lead the bar and catering operations effectively.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that drove profitability and operational efficiency. Think about unique promotions or pricing strategies that worked well for you. This will highlight your ability to enhance the visitor experience while also boosting revenue.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Hospitality Director, you'll need to lead a diverse team. Share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Talk about your approach to fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, and how you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, such as managing relationships with outsourced providers or coordinating large-scale events. Think through potential challenges and how you would address them, showcasing your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.