Bar and Events Manager

Bar and Events Manager Rough Trade Bristol

Full Time \| 37\.5 Hours per Week \| Permanent

Are you passionate about live music, hospitality, and creating unforgettable customer experiences?

Rough Trade is looking for an experienced and energetic Bar \& Events Manager to lead our Bar \& Events operation. This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the world's most iconic independent music retailers and venues, helping deliver exceptional live events while managing a thriving bar operation at the heart of our stores.

From intimate artist performances and album launches to community events and packed\-out signings, you'll play a key role in bringing music and culture to life for our customers.

Why Join Rough Trade?
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For 50 years, Rough Trade has been at the centre of independent music culture. We're more than a record shop—we're a community, a venue, and a destination for music lovers.

Joining Rough Trade means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to supporting artists, championing music discovery, and delivering exceptional experiences for customers around the world.

About the Role
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As Bar \& Events Manager, you'll take ownership of the day\-to\-day operation and commercial performance of our Bar \& Events space. You'll lead a passionate team, manage a busy bar operation, oversee event delivery, and work closely with artists, labels, promoters, and internal teams to ensure every event reflects the unique Rough Trade experience.

This is a hands\-on management role that combines hospitality, live events, leadership, and commercial responsibility.

What You'll Be Doing
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Lead Our Bar \& Events Operation

• Oversee the daily running of the bar and events space.


• Ensure the venue is safe, welcoming, compliant, and operating efficiently.


• Manage opening and closing procedures and key holder responsibilities.


• Act as Duty Manager during events and busy trading periods.

Deliver Outstanding Live Events

• Plan and deliver in\-store performances, signings, album launches, listening parties, and promotional events.


• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, venue setup, artist requirements, and event logistics.


• Act as the main point of contact for artists, labels, promoters, and external partners.


• Continually look for ways to enhance the customer and artist experience.

Lead and Develop Your Team

• Recruit, train, coach, and motivate Bar \& Events team members.


• Manage rotas and labour budgets.


• Create a positive, inclusive, and high\-performing team culture.


• Ensure team members are fully trained in operational, licensing, and health \& safety procedures.

Drive Commercial Performance

• Manage sales, profitability, and operational performance.


• Monitor labour costs, stock margins, and event profitability.


• Identify opportunities to grow revenue and improve efficiency.


• Support commercial partnerships and promotional activity.

Manage Stock and Financial Controls

• Oversee stock ordering, supplier relationships, and inventory management.


• Conduct regular stock takes and manage wastage controls.


• Ensure all cash handling and financial procedures are followed.

Champion the Rough Trade Experience

• Deliver exceptional customer service.


• Support event promotion and audience engagement initiatives.


• Work closely with Marketing and Ecommerce teams to maximise event attendance and awareness.


• Share your passion for music and help create a welcoming community atmosphere.

Essential

• Previous management experience within a bar, hospitality, venue, or live events environment.


• Strong understanding of bar operations and venue management.


• Experience delivering live music events, performances, or public events.


• Excellent leadership and people management skills.


• Strong organisational and problem\-solving abilities.


• Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets, stock, and profitability.


• Outstanding customer service skills.


• Ability to thrive in a fast\-paced environment.


• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.


• A genuine passion for music and live events.


• Coffee training, barista skills, or previous café experience.

Desirable

• Personal Licence Holder qualification.


• Experience working in an independent music venue, cultural venue, or creative environment.


• Experience managing event budgets and supplier relationships.


• Knowledge of social media and event promotion.


• First Aid qualification.

• 28 days annual leave (pro rata)


• Free entry to Rough Trade events


• Profit Related Bonus Scheme


• 30% staff discount


• Birthday voucher


• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits


• Annual paid volunteering day


• Pension scheme


• Employee Assistance Programme


• Long Service Awards


• Opportunities to work across multiple Rough Trade locations


• Ongoing training and development opportunities

This role requires flexibility and includes evenings, late nights, weekends, and public holidays.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over due to the nature of the role.

Ready to Apply?
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If you're passionate about live music, hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for artists and audiences alike, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Rough Trade and help shape the next chapter of our live events and venue experience.

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