General Manager

The Northern Monkey is an independent Mancunian bar located in the heart of Manchester, known for its indie music culture, lively atmosphere, great drinks, live DJs, and strong connection to Manchester’s music heritage. Inspired by the city’s legendary music scene, the venue delivers an authentic Northern experience with indie anthems, Britpop classics, live entertainment, cocktails, craft beers, and unforgettable nights out.

We are looking for an experienced, energetic, and hands\-on Bar Manager who lives and breathes hospitality, understands Manchester nightlife culture, and can lead from the front in a fast\-paced, high\-volume venue. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall operation of the bar, ensuring exceptional customer experiences, high service standards, strong team leadership, and commercial performance.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for music\-led venues, excellent people management skills, and the ability to create a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Manchester. You will be expected to maintain high operational standards while driving sales, managing costs, developing the team, and ensuring compliance with licensing and health and safety regulations.

Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Management

• Oversee the day\-to\-day running of the venue, ensuring smooth service during both daytime and late\-night operations.


• Lead shifts on the floor and behind the bar, maintaining high energy and visible leadership at all times.


• Ensure the venue consistently delivers exceptional customer service and creates a memorable guest experience.


• Manage opening and closing procedures, cash handling, banking, and daily reporting.


• Monitor cleanliness, presentation, lighting, music, and atmosphere throughout the venue.


• Ensure all licensing laws, Challenge 25 procedures, and health \& safety standards are adhered to at all times.

• Recruit, train, motivate, and manage a strong front\-of\-house team.


• Lead by example with professionalism, positivity, and strong work ethic.


• Conduct staff inductions, training sessions, performance reviews, and coaching.


• Create rotas in line with business needs while controlling labour costs.


• Foster a positive, inclusive, and hardworking team culture reflective of the Northern Monkey brand.


• Manage staff performance issues fairly and professionally when required.

• Build strong relationships with regular customers and create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.


• Handle customer feedback and complaints efficiently and professionally.


• Drive customer engagement through themed nights, events, promotions, and social atmosphere.


• Maintain excellent standards of music, vibe, and entertainment aligned with the venue’s indie and Mancunian identity.

• Manage stock ordering, deliveries, stocktakes, and supplier relationships.


• Minimise wastage, theft, and stock discrepancies.


• Monitor GP margins and implement cost\-control measures.


• Work towards agreed sales targets, labour budgets, and KPI performance indicators.


• Identify opportunities to increase revenue through upselling, promotions, and events.

• Coordinate DJs, live music, private events, and special promotions.


• Support the planning and delivery of themed nights, sports events, and Manchester music\-inspired events.


• Work alongside marketing and social media teams to promote events and increase footfall.


• Help maintain the venue’s reputation as one of Manchester’s go\-to indie nightlife destinations.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a Bar Manager or Assistant Manager role within a busy bar, pub, or late\-night venue.


• Strong leadership and people management skills.


• Excellent knowledge of cocktails, beers, spirits, and cellar operations.


• Experience managing high\-volume service environments.


• Strong financial awareness including stock control and labour management.


• Confident handling customer complaints and difficult situations.


• Personal Licence Holder preferred but not essential.


• Passion for Manchester music culture, indie music, and nightlife.


• Flexible approach to working evenings, weekends, and late nights.

• Energetic, charismatic, and approachable personality.


• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.


• Positive attitude with a hands\-on management style.


• Reliable, trustworthy, and highly motivated.


• Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast\-paced environment.


• Passionate about creating outstanding customer experiences.

• Competitive salary.


• Performance\-related bonus opportunities.


• Staff discounts and incentives.


• Career progression opportunities within a growing independent business.


• A fun, music\-driven working environment in the heart of Manchester.


• The opportunity to be part of a venue that celebrates Manchester’s iconic music and nightlife culture.

Pay: £30,000\.00\-£35,000\.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount

This listing is from indeed. View original listing ↗