VENUE GENERAL MANAGER

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of one of our venues. This role requires a confident leader with strong operational, financial, and people-management skills, as well as a passion for live music, nightlife, and hospitality. The General Manager will take ownership of all aspects of the venue’s operations, from staffing and customer service through to financial control and creative input, ensuring the venue consistently delivers at the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the venue team, ensuring roles, standards, and performance expectations are consistently met.
• Motivate and empower staff through effective delegation, training, and mentoring.
• Oversee core operational tasks including banking, stock management, staff rotas, and regular stock takes.
• Foster a supportive team culture, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Drive revenue growth by improving operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Act as the main point of communication between staff, senior management, owners, suppliers, customers, security, and local authorities.
• Support and encourage staff-led ideas for service and operational improvements.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships to encourage loyalty and reinforce the venue’s unique positioning.
• Ensure consistently high standards of customer service, hygiene, staff satisfaction, and overall venue presentation.
• Respond promptly to all customer communications across email, social media, and website channels.
• Control operating costs and minimise waste, while preparing accurate financial reports.
• Participate in weekly planning meetings and monthly director reviews.
• Contribute creatively to the ongoing development of the venue, including events, service, and staff culture.
• Maintain positive working relationships with promoters, artists, engineers, and creative partners.
• Oversee DJ/promoter budgets, ensuring they remain within agreed limits or are pre-approved by senior management.
• Collaborate with the events team to maximise profitability from live events and club nights.
• Manage and update the events calendar, ensuring all details are properly recorded and promoted.
• Carry out spot checks to ensure venues meet brand standards for staff performance, music, and promotional materials.
• Conduct informal inspections and compliance checks (fire safety, log books, licensing, contracts, new starter paperwork, etc.).
• Seek out and secure cross-venue sponsorship opportunities.
• Serve as the primary contact for supplier representatives, ensuring consistency in products and pricing across venues.
• Negotiate with new and existing brands to maintain competitive product lists and supplier agreements.
• Monitor purchasing across all venues to ensure supplier terms are being honoured.
• Oversee all licensing and TEN applications.

Success in the Role Will Be Measured By

• Weekly turnover and profitability of the venue.
• Tangible improvements to venue operations and presentation.
• Quality of staff training, morale, and guest experience.
• Implementation of director-led objectives and initiatives.
• Accuracy of stock management and stock take results.
• Customer and “secret shopper” feedback.
• Introduction and execution of new ideas and projects.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a venue management role (bars, clubs, or live music venues).
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire teams.
• Confident communicator with excellent organisational and marketing skills.
• Proven sales ability and a track record of increasing revenue.
• Experience with stock management, ordering, and supplier negotiations.
• Commercially aware with strong financial acumen.
• Positive, proactive approach with the ability to handle pressure.
• Genuine passion for events, nightlife, and hospitality.
• Above all, warm, welcoming, and approachable with a people-first mindset.