About the role

Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury Arts Centre both have a large bar which operates during performance times. The Bars Manager is responsible for the staffing, maintenance and profitability of these bars, along with any temporary bars or other commercial drinks outlets used to generate revenue during Salisbury International Festival or ad hoc events.

This position will oversee the teams across both buildings, and will need to work evenings and Saturdays at both venues on occasion to fulfil this.

Key responsibilities

Bar Operations

• Lead the professional day-to-day operation of bar areas across the organisation
• Practice good cellar management including care of the draught beer system
• With the Catering & Foyer Manager, take responsibility for provision of beverages for Press Nights and other Wiltshire Creative events
• Manage the bar offering for external hires and events
• Order all stock, ensuring sufficient supply is in place to maximise revenue while not over-ordering and taking ownership of the stock management systems to ensure accurate data reporting
• With the Facilities Team, ensure that departmental equipment is well serviced and maintained, reporting any maintenance needed to Facilities promptly
• Ensure a high standard of hygiene and housekeeping is maintained in all areas
• Conduct monthly stocktakes

Audience Experience

• Ensure audience experience is at the centre of all departmental decision making
• Ensure that items on sale are of good quality and in keeping with the Wiltshire Creative brand values
• Continually seek improvements in the speed and efficiency of service in all outlets
• Ensure that all staff and volunteers working in your areas are trained to a high standard of customer service
• Work closely with managers in the Operations Team to promote a cohesive audience experience

Staff Management

• Line manage casual Bars Supervisors and casual Bar Staff, including recruitment, development, motivation and training
• Produce an effective and efficient rota for bar and kiosk areas, ensuring staffing is at appropriate levels while controlling payroll costs
• Carry out team management and development plans as required
• Ensure that all staff members are correctly attired and neatly presented
• Authorise weekly timesheets for Bar Staff

Commercial Revenue

• Drive the team to achieve commercial targets set by the Head of Operations and Commercial
• Contribute to the organisation of an annual beer festival at Salisbury Arts Centre
• Analyse commercial performance, using the findings to inform decision making and motivate staff
• Control and report on bar wastage and any other write-offs
• Regularly review pricing to ensure margins are maintained
• Take the lead in relationships with key suppliers, ensuring best value for the organisation and a smooth supply chain

About you

• Experience of managing, training and motivating a team
• Experience of cellar management
• Experience of stock management (using software to monitor discrepancies)
• A passion for the drinks industry
• Experience working with a range of local and national suppliers, with proven ability to build good working relationships
• A proven commitment to customer care with a flair for dealing with the public.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Proven commercial acumen and a results driven approach
• Computer literacy, with particular need for familiarity with Excel
• Prior knowledge of EPOS and stock management systems
• A good team player with the ability to solve problems using their own initiative
• Ability to represent Wiltshire Creative at all levels.
• Ability to work weekends and evenings
• A minimum of two year’s bar management experience
• First Aid qualification (or willingness to work towards)
• Personal Licence holder (or willingness to work towards)
• Food safety qualification (or willingness to obtain)
• Knowledge of industry trends within the licensed sector
• Knowledge of the operations and an interest in theatre

Download the recruitment pack

View/Download Bars Manager Recruitment Pack