Front of House and Bar Manager

Are you an emerging hospitality champion who loves the arts, thrives in a bustling team environment, and knows how to keep a busy bar running like clockwork? If so, we want to hear from you.

The Bristol Improv Theatre (BIT) is on the lookout for a hardworking, friendly, and ambitious Front of House and Bar Manager to join our close\-knit team here in Clifton.

As the UK’s first full\-time dedicated improv theatre, we pride ourselves on being one of the friendliest venues in Bristol. In this pivotal role, you will act as the welcoming face of our venue, lead a dedicated casual staff team, and find creative ways to optimize our bar revenue to directly support our thriving creative community.

Essentials:

• Hours: Approx. 21 hours per week (Flexible, including evenings and weekends)


• Pay: £13\.65 per hour


• Contract: Permanent (6\-month probationary period)


• Experience required: 2\+ years in a supervisory role within hospitality (bar, theatre, cinema, or arts venue preferred).

If you are a highly trustworthy emerging leader with strong communication skills, a solid grasp of licensing laws, and a knack for delivering outstanding customer service under pressure, this is your chance to make a real impact in a vibrant independent venue.

How to Apply: We value clear communication and personality over endless paperwork. To apply, please read the full Job Description below and send us either a written letter (maximum 500 words) or a short video (maximum 3 minutes) telling us why you are the perfect fit for the role and how your experience meets our person specification.

Please send your application to by 10am on Monday 13th July (please note we reserve the right to close applications early if the right candidate is found before the deadline).

Key ResponsibilitiesFront of House \& Audience Experience

• Foster and create a welcoming and inclusive community environment that is in line with the theatre’s brand and values.


• Duty manage two shifts a week and provide supervision and on shift training for staff.


• Duty manage for high\-profile or busy events.


• Act as the first point of escalation for audience complaints or accessibility needs.


• Work closely with the staff team to ensure the smooth running of all front of house systems.

Leadership \& Team Management

• Manage a small, dedicated team of casual bar staff, ensuring a friendly and reliable work environment


• Find or provide cover during staff absences.


• Create and manage monthly rotas, ensuring staffing levels are optimised for show capacities and interval rushes.


• Be an out of hours emergency contact for front of house staff ( this responsibility is shared between the management team on rotation )


• Ensure the team is knowledgeable about the upcoming events, drink specials, and safety protocols.


• Create and/or review event reports, pass on feedback to relevant departments and provide feedback to front of house staff.


• Attend weekly management meetings.

Bar \& Commercial Operations

• Manage inventory, conduct stock takes, and maintain and develop relationships with suppliers to ensure competitive pricing.


• Implement creative strategies to increase bar spend, such as themed cocktails for productions or pre\-order interval drink systems.


• Ensure the bar area and foyer remain pristine and compliant with health, safety, and licensing regulations.

Safety \& Compliance

• Ensure that front of house staff and stakeholders are adhering to health and safety legislation and best practice and theatre policy


• Ensure strict adherence to the Licensing Act (e.g., "Challenge 25") and responsible service of alcohol.

Person Specification

Essential

• 2\+ years in a supervisory role in hospitality, ideally in a bar, theatre, cinema, or arts venue.


• Ability to remain calm, decisive and assertive.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• A demonstrable commitment to outstanding customer service.


• Highly trustworthy


• Strong understanding of Licensing Act requirements


• High level of initiative and can work autonomously


• Good understanding of Health and Safety law


• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required


• Proficient in, or quick to learn, modern venue technologies, including ticketing systems, POS systems, and digital rota management tools


• Comfortable with the physical demands of an active venue environment, including standing for extended periods and manual handling of stock.

Desirable

• A genuine passion for the performing arts.


• First Aid at Work certification.


• Possession of a Personal License for the sale of alcohol, or a willingness to obtain one.

Pay: From £13\.65 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance programme


• Flexible schedule


• Sick pay

Work Location: In person

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