Food & Beverage Manager in Milton Keynes

The Food & Beverage Manager will oversee all food and beverage operations at The Stables,including The Stables Kitchen, bar service, corporate event catering, artist hospitality as well asexternal events including the IF: Milton Keynes International Festival. The role combines hands‑onoperational involvement with leadership responsibilities, supporting the team to deliver smoothday‑to‑day service while also planning, training, and ensuring compliance., Operational Management

Operational Management

• Oversee daily operations in The Stables Kitchen and bar, ensuring efficient service and adherence to
• Oversee the planning and delivery of onsite bar and catering facilities for IF: Milton Keynes International Festival and other events as required.
• W ork alongside duty chefs and duty bar managers to support training, consistent standards, and service quality.
• Collaborate with duty chefs and the wider team to develop menus suited to the diverse audiences attending events.
• Step into the kitchen or bar during busy periods or staff shortages to support service.
• Manage ordering, stock control, supplier relationships, and cellar management.
• Coordinate artist hospitality, ensuring delivery within budget and in line with schedules.
• Provide exceptional customer service, addressing and resolving concerns promptly.

Team Leadership: Paid Staff and Volunteers

• Lead a mixed team of duty chefs, duty bar managers, and volunteer servers.
• Recruit, train, and schedule staff and volunteers, ensuring appropriate cover across services.
• Provide clear guidance, encouragement, and feedback to staff and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and community within the hospitality team.
• Lead by example with a visible, hands‑on approach.
• Ensure volunteers are well‑supported, briefed, and feel part of the wider team.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, licensing, and health and safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate records for audits and inspections.
• Uphold best practice in allergen management, cleanliness, and safe service procedures.
• Act as the designated premises supervisor.

Financial and Administrative

• Monitor budgets, stock usage, and wastage to maintain profitability.
• Work with the wider management team to review menus, pricing, and promotions.
• Handle administration including cashing-up, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Contribute to forecasting, budgeting, and reporting on hospitality performance.

Other

• Undertake any other duties as required that are commensurate with the general level of responsibility for this post.
• Work within and have a commitment to The Stables policies and values, including diversity, inclusivity and environmental responsibility., The Food & Beverage Manager will work in Milton Keynes. The Stables is based in Wavendon, and theFestival takes place in and around central Milton Keynes.

Job Related

• Supervisory experience in the hospitality industry, Professional chef training or Experience preferably in a gastro pub, small hotel, or theatre/ equivalent practical kitchen arts venue. experience.
• Solid culinary experience with knowledge of food Previous hospitality experience preparation techniques and cooking methods. in a theatre, arts, or live events
• Personal Licence holder (or willingness to obtain) environment. with eligibility to act as Designated Premises
• Cellar management knowledge and Supervisor under the Licensing Act 2003. experience.
• Practical experience in both kitchen and bar Relevant training certificates (Food operations, with the confidence to step into either Hygiene Level 3, First Aid, Personal role. Licence).
• Strong organisational skills, including staff Experience with restaurant scheduling and stock management. management software (POS systems,
• Excellent communication skills. inventory management tools).
• IT literate (e.g. Excel, Word and Outlook)
• Experience of managing a budget, costs and resources to maximise profitability.
• Knowledge of food hygiene, licensing laws, and health and safety standards.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team of both paid staff and volunteers.
• Hands‑on, flexible, and solutions‑focused approach.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Personal
• Approachable, calm, and supportive under Qualities pressure.
• Professional, adaptable, and willing to "roll up" sleeves" when needed.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to consistent, high-quality service.
• Warm, customer‑focused manner with a genuine love of live events and hospitality.
• Enjoys working in a busy environment and adapting to the pace and flow of events.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and supplies.
• Willing to undergo training. First Aid Certificate.
• Flexible approach - hours will vary according to Current driving licence and own business needs. Daytime, evening and weekend transport. work.

The Stables is one of the UK's leading music venues, presenting over 400 concerts and events eachyear across all genres and an extensive programme of learning and participation. We also foundedand produce IF: Milton Keynes International Festival, a biennial multi-art form biennial festival whichtransforms the city into a stage. We are proud of our reputation for world‑class music and events, awarm welcome, and exceptional customer service. Our hospitality offer includes The Stables Kitchen (with 40 covers), a busy pre‑show bar, and intervalservice for audiences. We also deliver onsite bar and catering for IF: Milton Keynes InternationalFestival. The hospitality team is made up of paid duty chefs, duty bar managers, and a dedicatedgroup of volunteer servers, all working together to provide excellent food, drink, and front‑of‑house service that complements our performance programme.

For more information visit stables.org and ifmiltonkeynes.org

If you would like an informal discussion about the role or have any access support requirements, pleasecontact Joana Cooper by email joana.cooper@stables.org or phone on 01908 280828.

The post is offered on a full‑time basis with flexible annualised hours role (equating to 40 hours perweek). Working hours will include a mix of evening and daytime shifts and will involve weekend working,agreed by rota with the Head of Operations.The holiday entitlement for the post is 20 days per annum (plus statutory holidays) increasing by one dayper annum for every year worked up to a maximum of 25.The job will be subject to a 4-month probationary period. Upon successful completion of theprobationary period, it will be a permanent position. The post-holder will be auto‑enrolled into ourstakeholder pension scheme after 3 months of service, or can choose to opt in sooner.Full terms and conditions will be made available on offer of appointment.

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