General Manager - Backstage in London

OverviewDepartment/Team: Backstage

Responsible to: Head of Food & Beverage Operations

Contract: Permanent

Location: Backstage, The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Hours: Full-Time – 45 hours per week, on a shift basis across Monday-Saturday initially, with potential Sunday opening as the operation develops

Salary: £37,000 – £40,000 per annum

Direct reports: Waiting Staff, Bartenders, Baristas, Shift Leads

Benefits: 28 days holiday including bank holidays; access to interest-free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after probation; free therapy from SelfSpace; mental health support via in-house Mental Health Champions; two complimentary tickets to a preview performance per production; pension scheme with The People\’s Pension; enhanced sick pay; all staff social events; staff discount The Old Vic bars, in Backstage as well as discounts in local bars and restaurants; opportunities to get involved with staff clubs and working groups such as the Inclusion Working Group; commitment to learning, education and development

Backstage Backstage is a project for the future – a five-storey space for creativity, education and community next to our historic building. The space includes a public cafe and workspace, a Clore Learning Centre, a Writers\’ Room, a Script Library, a flexible rehearsal room, and an event space with terrace. The F&B offer is centered on the ground and first-floor cafe and bar space, with event catering and potential grab-and-go options.

What you will doA culturally ambitious café bar environment with a focus on accessibility, sustainability and strong customer experience. The Backstage venue operates as a combined cafe, bar, and event space with a capacity of 181 (73 covers) across two floors. It opens initially 6 days a week for breakfast, lunch, pre-show, dinner and post-show (until midnight Thu-Fri).Backstage is a social hub with a diverse, welcoming atmosphere. You will contribute to the daytime counter service and table service model, and help shape the overall guest experience.

Your TeamThe Backstage F&B team covers all Food & Beverage activity within Backstage and The Old Vic theatre. The team includes the Operations Director, Head of Food & Beverage Operations, Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef de Parties, KPs, Duty Managers, Bartenders, Baristas and Waiting staff.

Areas of responsibilityThe General Manager – Backstage will be responsible for:

Management

Line managing the Backstage F&B team, including Baristas, Bartenders, and Shift-Leads while supporting and overseeing the kitchen and commercial events teams.

Supporting the Head of Food & Beverage Operations with managing the F&B offer, including assisting with managerial responsibility in the Theatre F&B spaces when required.

Liaising with relevant teams to ensure prompt delivery of Backstage Waiting, Bar and Kitchen team rotas on the scheduling platform.

Leading on recruitment of the Backstage F&B team.

Ensuring consistently high standards across the Backstage F&B operation; and that the team meets all predetermined KPIs set by the Head of Food & Beverage Operations.

Undertaking appraisals and probation management as required for the Backstage F&B team.

Restaurant Operations

Leading on the management of The Backstage F&B operations as a whole, including daytime cafe, pre-theatre dinner, evening restaurant, and late-night bar.

Managing service whilst on shift.

Taking responsibility for financial reconciliation of the Backstage F&B offering.

Taking responsibility for stock management across the Backstage F&B spaces, including liaising with the Theatre F&B manager to ensure accurate recording of stock transfer between the two sites.

Food Safety Management

Ensuring the Food and Beverage team always delivers on its legal responsibilities in relation to food safety.

Keeping abreast of changes to food safety legislation and communicating throughout the business as relevant.

Ensuring that all relevant paperwork is completed on time and correctly.

Liaising with the Head Chef, ensuring final sign-off on all FSMS paperwork, including menus and their allergens.

Customer Experience

Acting as an ambassador for The Old Vic Backstage and Theatre.

Understanding and overseeing the customer journey in relation to the F&B offer, promptly dealing with any issues.

Ensuring exceptional customer service in a friendly, safe and secure environment.

Handling customer complaints and feedback professionally and efficiently, escalating to the Head of Food & Beverage Operations as required.

Food & Beverage

Working with the Head Chef and Head of F&B to implement menu changes for Backstage, ensuring alignment with brand concepts of accessibility and sustainability.

Maintaining high standards of food and beverage service.

Managing relationships with suppliers and ensuring sustained partnerships.

Ensuring high quality and consistency in all F&B processes, proactively solving issues and escalating ongoing issues to the Head of F&B Operations.

Training

Identify training needs and ensure the Backstage F&B team has the necessary training and tools.

Lead F&B training for new starters, ensuring required standards are met.

With the Head of F&B Operations, ensure professional development and training opportunities to upskill direct reports.

Licensing

Uphold the theatre\’s Premises licence as set by Lambeth Council and ensure compliance with all licensing conditions.

Ensure all team members take part in licensing training (e.g., Ask Angela, Wave, Challenge 25) and that staff at Supervisor level or above obtain a personal licence.

Immediately report potential breaches and document visits from licensing or statutory bodies.

Kitchen

Support the Head of F&B Operations in managing the Kitchen team as required.

Backstage Responsibilities & Logistics

Support catering team management by briefing the F&B team daily.

Respond to first aid and evacuation requirements.

Produce Backstage summary reports.

Ensure efficient and timely ordering and keep items stocked where available.

Conduct weekly stock takes across all areas.

Events

Work with Head of Commercial Events and kitchen team to devise event options and create corporate/private event packages and 360 event management.

Support catering for donors or external events within the theatre or Backstage.

Liaise with third-party caterers for larger events to deliver alongside the Backstage operation.

Work with events team to confirm menus and event sheets.

EPOS

Lead management of the EPOS system (Point One) for Backstage.

Manage integration of PDQ and roaming sales devices with EPOS.

Liaise with third-party services for table bookings and ensure EPOS integration where possible.

General

Promote and comply with current legislation and Backstage/The Old Vic policies on Diversity, Sustainability, and Health & Safety.

Assist the Backstage F&B team with continuous improvement within the venue.

Deputise for the Head of F&B when needed and cover Theatre F&B manager duties during sickness or holidays.

Undertake other duties as required to ensure smooth operation.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Backstage venue management may allocate other tasks of a similar nature or level.

Person Specification

A hands-on approach to leading teams from the front

Experience in restaurant/bar management in a venue of similar size

Passion for food and local ingredients, with knowledge of the London dining scene

Theatre or Events experience is preferable but not essential

Experience of financial controls and planning (stock, staffing, orders, forecasting)

Exemplary organisational, written and verbal communication skills

Positive, proactive attitude and ability to build cross-department relationships

Understanding of food safety and hygiene principles

Attention to detail and ability to work efficiently

Excellent customer service with a people-centric approach

IT literacy with Microsoft Office and Excel experience; training provided for other software as required

Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise tasks

How To ApplyWe understand that everyone is different and welcome applications in various formats. Options include:

1) A short video (no longer than two minutes) detailing your experience, why you are applying and interest in The Old Vic.

2) A short audio file (no longer than two minutes) detailing your experience, why you are applying and interest in The Old Vic.

3) Completing our application form.

4) Uploading your CV and covering letter explaining your interest in the role and working at The Old Vic.

As a Disability Confident employer, The Old Vic invites applicants with disabilities who meet essential criteria for interview. If volumes require shortlisting, criteria or weightings will not disadvantage disabled applicants. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

The ProcessThe recruitment process for this role will be two stages: first in-person interview, second in-person interview. You may be asked to complete a work-based skills assessment or challenge.

The closing date for this role is 3 February 2026 . First Conversations are likely to take place w/c 3 February 2026.

Equal OpportunitiesWe actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We particularly welcome applicants from global majority, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled communities. We may apply positive action where appropriate to increase representation. If you need travel cost reimbursement for a conversation, we may reimburse reasonable costs.

FAQsRead our recruitment, selection and equal opportunities FAQs here.

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