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- 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, travel schemes, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and involvement in inclusive working groups.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting theatre environment and lead a dynamic bar team.
- Qualifications: Experience in team leadership and a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ 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: ÂŁ17.69 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: Maintain strict adherence to licensing laws, health & safety regulations and food safety standards. Lead the delivery of high‑quality customer service and maintain a comfortable, safe environment for guests and staff. Implement effective security procedures and coordinate closely with the security team to protect the building and its occupants. Execute precise cleaning rotas, daily checklists and end‑of‑shift procedures to maintain facility standards.
- Financial Accountability: Oversee all financial procedures, including accurate till operation and float management. Perform daily cash‑up and reconcile cash versus card payments to identify and resolve discrepancies.
- Team Leadership: Monitor staff output, conduct, and presentation (uniform standards), reporting concerns to Theatre Operations. Assist in the professional development of new hires to ensure consistent service standards. Manage attendance, reporting any sickness or lateness promptly to the management team.
- Safety & Emergency Response: Serve as a lead for front‑of‑house evacuations and report any health & safety incidents immediately. Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of food hygiene and health & safety legislation. 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 employer: The Old Vic
Contact Detail:
The Old Vic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Theatre Bar Manager
✨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! If you have experience in bar management or customer service, be ready to share specific examples during your interview. Highlight how you've led teams or handled tricky 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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about managing our bars and providing top-notch service to our guests.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in team leadership and bar management. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this position, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. No need for fluff—just show us what you've got!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Old Vic
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the theatre's operations and the specific responsibilities of a Bar Manager. Understand licensing laws, health & safety regulations, and food safety 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 from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed staff. Highlight your ability to train new hires and maintain high service standards. The interviewers will want to see that you can inspire and manage a team effectively.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence
Think of scenarios where you've gone above and beyond for customers. Be ready to discuss how you would handle difficult situations or unexpected challenges in a busy bar environment. This will illustrate your commitment to providing top-notch service.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills and your understanding of cash management procedures. Brush up on your numeracy skills and be prepared to discuss how you would handle cash discrepancies or manage till operations efficiently.