At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bar and retail team, ensuring exceptional service and memorable customer experiences.
- Company: V and B Northampton, a unique blend of hospitality and specialist drinks retail.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, staff discounts, WSET training, and genuine career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with two consecutive days off each week and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community hub and share your passion for wine, beer, and spirits.
- Qualifications: Previous supervisory experience in hospitality and strong knowledge of drinks.
The predicted salary is between 31761 - 38819 £ per year.
Join the Team at V and B Northampton
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Bar & Retail Supervisor to join our team at V and B Northampton.
If you’re passionate about exceptional hospitality, love sharing your knowledge of wine, beer and spirits, and enjoy leading from the front, we’d love to hear from you.
This is far more than a traditional hospitality role.
At V and B, you’ll combine hospitality, specialist retail, education and events to create memorable experiences for our customers while helping to shape one of Northampton’s most distinctive venues.
About Us
V and B Northampton is part of a successful French concept that brings together the very best of specialist drinks retail and European hospitality.
Inspired by the relaxed atmosphere of French caves à vin and neighbourhood bars, we’ve created a place where people can slow down, discover something new and enjoy great company.
Customers can browse our carefully curated selection of wines, beers and spirits before sitting down to enjoy a drink in our welcoming bar, where conversation, community and great service take centre stage.
Our mission is simple: to democratise wine and bring people together.
We believe great wine should be approachable, never intimidating.
Whether someone is a seasoned enthusiast or trying their very first glass, our role is to inspire curiosity, share knowledge and create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
With our “come as you are” philosophy, we’ve become much more than a bar and retail space.
From wine tastings and educational masterclasses to French language clubs, live music and al fresco DJ sets, we’re proud to be a cultural hub at the heart of Northampton’s community.
About The Role
As our Bar & Retail Supervisor, you’ll play a key role in the day-to-day running of both sides of the business.
You’ll lead by example during service, inspire and develop the team, and ensure every customer receives knowledgeable, friendly and professional service.
Whether you’re recommending the perfect bottle of wine, coordinating a busy Friday evening, hosting a tasting event or managing stock behind the scenes, you’ll help deliver the unique V and B experience.
This is a varied leadership role that offers genuine responsibility and the opportunity to make a real impact within a growing business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise the daily operation of both the bar and retail spaces.
- Coordinate the team to deliver outstanding customer service during every shift.
- Create a welcoming, relaxed European-style hospitality experience for every guest.
- Share your knowledge of wine, beer and spirits, helping customers discover new favourites.
- Deliver engaging product tastings and educational masterclasses.
- Manage reservations and private bookings, ensuring the team is fully briefed.
- Assist in planning and delivering community events and experiences.
- Open and close the venue, including cash handling and end-of-day cashing up procedures.
- Manage stock ordering, stock takes and cellar operations.
- Assist with staff rotas, onboarding and training new team members.
- Maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness, compliance and customer experience throughout the venue.
About You
You’re someone who enjoys talking to people just as much as talking about wine.
You’ll be approachable, confident and passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality.
You naturally lead by example, enjoy developing others and remain calm and organised under pressure.
You’ll also have
- Previous supervisory experience within hospitality.
- Strong knowledge of wine and a genuine enthusiasm for beer and spirits.
- Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
- Confidence training, supporting and motivating a team.
- Experience managing stock, cellar operations and cash handling.
- A proactive approach and willingness to take ownership.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to work in one of Northampton’s most unique hospitality concepts.
- A rare opportunity to work alongside the owners who have created and shaped V and B Northampton, gaining first‑hand insight into the vision, passion and attention to detail behind one of the town’s most distinctive hospitality destinations.
- A workplace inspired by the warmth, hospitality and social culture of Europe.
- Two consecutive days off each week.
- Staff discount across both the bar and retail store.
- WSET training for management roles.
- Fire Safety and Food Hygiene training.
- Genuine opportunities for career progression.
- A company that values ideas, invests in its people and encourages personal development, with exciting plans to expand V and B into other towns across the UK—creating opportunities to grow with the business as we do.
- Additional Information
- Full-time position (45 hours per week).
- Salary dependent on experience.
- Evening and weekend availability is essential.
- Successful applicants will complete a six-month probationary period.
If you’re looking for more than just your next hospitality job and want to help create a place where great drinks, genuine hospitality and community come together, we’d love to hear from you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Bar & Retail Supervisor in Northampton employer: V and B
At V and B Northampton, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where your passion for wine, beer, and spirits can truly shine. As a Bar & Retail Supervisor, you'll not only lead a dedicated team but also enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth through engaging tastings and masterclasses. Located in the heart of Northampton, our unique venue offers a dynamic environment that encourages creativity and collaboration, making it an excellent place to build a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bar & Retail Supervisor in Northampton
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like V and B. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to V and B
Don't be shy about reaching out to V and B directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Bar & Retail Supervisor in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about V and B and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at V and B
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
