Theatre Bar Manager in London

Theatre Bar Manager in London

London Full-Time 36800 - 36800 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Old Vic

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage front-of-house bars, ensuring excellent customer service and smooth operations.
  • Company: Join the iconic Old Vic Theatre with a vibrant team culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free therapy, staff discounts, and social events.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional development and commitment to inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Be part of an exciting theatre environment and lead a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in team leadership and a passion for customer service.

The predicted salary is between 36800 - 36800 £ per year.

Department/Team: Theatre Operations

Responsible to: Head of FOH Operations & Theatre F&B Manager

Contract: Three Bar Manager shifts per performance week, working a rota of set shifts a week, with the opportunity to pick up additional shifts. Additional admin/set-up shifts can be picked up during dark weeks when there is no show. Permanent contract.

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

Hours: 18 hours minimum per week.

Hourly Rate: £17.69 per hour

Benefits:

  • Access to interest-free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after your probation period
  • Free therapy from our therapy partner Self Space
  • Mental health support via our 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 in The Old Vic bars as well as discounts in local bars and restaurants
  • Opportunities to get involved in working groups such as the Inclusion Working Group and Sustainability Working Group
  • Commitment to learning, education and development

Role Summary: To manage the four front-of-house bars during incoming/interval and close-down/lock-up duties, overseeing all bar staff, customer service and operations, ensuring that the bars run smoothly and that excellent service is provided to all customers, and to uphold our premises license.

The Team: The Bar Manager sits within the Theatre Operations team, which is responsible for all non-production related aspects of the Theatre – including front of house, bars (and catering) operations, facilities, health & safety, IT and sustainability.

Areas of Responsibilities:

  • Operations & Bar Management:
  • Regulatory compliance: Maintain strict adherence to licensing laws, health & safety regulations and food safety standards.
  • Service excellence: Lead the delivery of high-quality customer service and maintain a comfortable, safe environment for guests and staff.
  • Site security: Implement effective security procedures and coordinate closely with the security team to protect the building and its occupants.
  • Opening/closing: Execute precise cleaning rotas, daily checklists and end-of-shift procedures to maintain facility standards.
  • Financial Accountability:
    • Cash management: Oversee all financial procedures, including accurate till operation and float management.
    • Reconciliation: Perform daily cash-up and reconcile cash versus card payments to identify and resolve discrepancies.
  • Team Leadership:
    • Performance management: Monitor staff output, conduct, and presentation (uniform standards), reporting concerns to Theatre Operations.
    • Training & onboarding: Assist in the professional development of new hires to ensure consistent service standards.
    • Staffing logistics: Manage attendance, reporting any sickness or lateness promptly to the management team.
  • Safety & Emergency Response:
    • Incident management: Serve as a lead for front-of-house evacuations and report any health & safety incidents immediately.
    • Legislative knowledge: Maintain an up-to-date understanding of food hygiene and health & safety legislation.
    • Professional readiness: Hold (or obtain) a Personal License, Food Hygiene Level 2 and First Aid certification.

    This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Theatre's management may, at any time, allocate other tasks of a similar nature or level.

    PERSON SPECIFICATION:

    The post holder must be able to demonstrate the following:

    • Previous experience of team leading, supervising and staff management
    • Good numeracy skills and a willingness to learn cash-up procedures
    • An exceptional understanding of preparing drinks and the service of alcohol
    • Professional and presentable at all times
    • Good timekeeping
    • A proven ability to lead and manage a team
    • Dedicated and dynamic approach to providing a high level of customer service
    • Ability to use initiative to respond to both expected and unexpected situations
    • A proven willingness to take on responsibility for the safety of customers and staff and the security of the building
    • A proven willingness to help out in all aspects of the bar
    • A commitment to working weekends and the flexibility to provide both scheduled and short-notice cover
    • Understanding of food hygiene and health & safety legislation

    The post holder must have or be willing to gain the following:

    • Personal License
    • Food Hygiene Level 2
    • First Aid training

    Equal Opportunities: We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of the global majority, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled candidates. We may take positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under-represented groups at The Old Vic. In the event that we ask you to attend the theatre for a conversation and you are struggling financially, we may be able to reimburse you for any reasonable travel costs. We partner with a range of inclusive organisations.

    Theatre Bar Manager in London employer: The Old Vic

    The Old Vic is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With benefits such as free therapy, enhanced sick pay, and opportunities for involvement in inclusion and sustainability initiatives, staff are supported both personally and professionally. Located in the heart of London, employees enjoy a dynamic environment with access to cultural events and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
    The Old Vic

    Contact Detail:

    The Old Vic Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Theatre Bar Manager in London

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Get to know the venue! If you're eyeing a role at The Old Vic, pop by for a show or just to grab a drink. Familiarising yourself with the atmosphere and operations can give you a leg up in interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network like a pro! Chat with current staff or attend events at the theatre. Building connections can open doors and give you insider info on what they're really looking for in a Theatre Bar Manager.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Show off your skills! When you get the chance, demonstrate your knowledge of bar management and customer service during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or handled tough situations.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at The Old Vic. Don’t miss out!

    We think you need these skills to ace Theatre Bar Manager in London

    Team Leadership
    Customer Service Excellence
    Cash Management
    Regulatory Compliance
    Health & Safety Knowledge
    Food Hygiene Standards
    Incident Management
    Training & Onboarding
    Time Management
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Communication Skills
    Flexibility
    Professional Presentation
    Initiative

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Show Your Passion for Theatre: When writing your application, let your love for theatre shine through! Share any relevant experiences or roles you've had in the industry, and explain why you want to be part of The Old Vic team. We want to see that enthusiasm!

    Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Theatre Bar Manager role. Highlight your experience in bar management, customer service, and team leadership. We appreciate when applicants take the time to align their skills with what we're looking for.

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!

    Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our values there.

    How to prepare for a job interview at The Old Vic

    ✨Know Your Stuff

    Familiarise yourself with the theatre's operations and bar management. Understand licensing laws, health & safety regulations, and food hygiene standards. This knowledge will show that you're serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about times when you managed staff performance or handled difficult situations. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and manage effectively in a busy environment.

    ✨Customer Service is Key

    Be ready to discuss your approach to delivering exceptional customer service. Share specific instances where you went above and beyond for customers. This will highlight your dedication to creating a positive experience for guests at the theatre.

    ✨Dress to Impress

    As a Theatre Bar Manager, professionalism is crucial. Dress smartly for the interview to reflect the high standards expected in the role. This shows that you take the opportunity seriously and understand the importance of presentation in the hospitality industry.

    Theatre Bar Manager in London
    The Old Vic
    Location: London

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