Bar Manager

IMPORTANT: Must be 18+, must be available to work weekends and evenings, including 31st December.

Established in 1994, our award‑winning venues have been hosting events for over 30 years, including comedy, music, drag, podcasts, talks/Q&A & spoken word. Described by The Guardian as “enormously well‑regarded”, we pride ourselves on a commitment to excellence & innovation in live events. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and are keen to attract people of different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from historically under‑represented communities for all roles. Just like our venues are designed for everyone, so is our workplace, and we work hard to create an inclusive culture for everyone.

The Venue The Glee Club Birmingham is one of the longest running comedy clubs in the UK. Our main room has a capacity of 400 seated / 600 standing, and is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for our weekly comedy nights, as well as being available to hire to some of the biggest names in comedy, music, drag, cabaret and spoken word 7 days a week.

Wage £14.25 per hour + productivity scheme, up to £1.50 extra per hour if targets are hit. Paid Every 4 weeks. Hours Contracted 1560 hours per year (approx 30 per week). Must be available to work on Fridays & Saturdays and 31st December. Hours vary throughout the year – 20‑35 per week in autumn/winter, 15‑20 over summer.

What we are looking for:

• Someone confident and hardworking that can capably manage a team of up to 10 bar staff.
• Good at working under pressure, capable and confident dealing with any issues that occur and able to make quick, reasonable decisions to solve potential problems.

Job Roles & Responsibilities:

• Train any new staff and monitor progress.
• Retrain returning seasonal staff on any new processes.
• Implement changes where necessary to increase sales or operations, e.g. cleaning rotas, training sessions, etc.
• Monitor wage spend and ensure you are appropriately staffed.
• Suggest ideas for increasing sales, profit and staff development.
• Responsible for tills, the safe and cash management – ensuring everything balances every night.
• Plan shifts so all staff know exactly what they need to be doing.
• Carry out regular line cleans.
• Maintain cleanliness of the bar and cellar.
• Ensure the bar and cellar areas are prepared for stock takes.
• Carry out regular internal stock takes.
• Adhere to licensing and safety legislation.
• Assist with stock takes and explain and resolve any discrepancies.
• Implement good stock control.
• Purchase and order stock, and work with external stock takers to ensure GP’s are met.
• Check deliveries into the club and input onto relevant systems.
• Manage and record waste and guest drinks effectively.
• Have a strong knowledge of drinks and keep up with trends.
• Serve on the bar with staff, assist with clean up etc.
• Greet customers in a friendly manner, deal with any issues/complaints efficiently.
• Ensure the table service app is updated every shift and functioning correctly.

The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Personal Licence holder.
• History of people management.
• Good verbal communicator.
• Attention to detail.
• Experience in dealing with the general public.
• Sound decision making, problem solving, information processing ability.
• Ability & enthusiasm to drive sales.
• Previous experience in hospitality and bar work.
• A confident and friendly personality and the ability to build strong working relationships with staff and rapport with customers.
• The ability to cope serving on a busy bar, managing and motivating staff.

Typical Shift:

The venue is open every Friday & Saturday and on various days during the week for tour shows. You will be expected to work most of the shows. A typical shift will start at 5 pm and be done by 11 pm. It is your responsibility to keep the staff motivated and to lead by example.

Productivity Bonus:

We operate a discretionary productivity bonus, where if the shift hits a certain productivity score by being staffed efficiently, hourly staff working that night can get up to an extra £1.50 per hour in their pay.