Bars and Duty Manager

Are you currently a bars manager looking for a more strategic role in planning and decision making within a live music venue? 

Islington Assembly Hall, an iconic London venue, is looking for an experienced and dedicated Bars & Duty Manager (BDM) to join our team.

Islington Assembly Hall (IAH) is an 890-capacity venue managed by Islington Council. hosting a diverse range of events, including live music concerts (80% of total business), wedding receptions, private and corporate functions and council events. Our bar service is a vital component of our business, playing a significant role in generating income.

As Bars & Duty Manager, you will play a pivotal role in IAH’s management team, contributing to the strategic direction of the venue, ensuring the success of our events, with a focus on delivering exceptional bar services. This is a unique opportunity to be part of an exciting and vibrant team, where no two days are the same.

If you have a strong background in bars and events, are a proactive, customer-focused and detail-oriented professional looking for a dynamic role in a thriving venue, we want to hear from you.

Please read the job description and person specification below. If you would like to talk to us more about this opportunity or ask us questions about the application form and process, we are hosting an open day at Islington Assembly Hall on 04/09/24 between 10-1pm and on 10/09/24 between 10-1pm, email us on [email protected] or call us on 02075278900 to confirm your attendance.

The position requires the postholder to work late nights, weekends and some early mornings.

Open day for application support: 04/09/24 between 10-1pm and 10/09/24 between 10-1pm

Deadline for applications: Midnight on 23/09/24

Interviews: Tuesday 1^st October 2024

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Head of Islington Assembly Hall on 02075276344 or email [email protected]

Main Duties

You will manage the smooth running of events at Islington Assembly Hall, overseeing the functionality of the bars and supervising all event staff.

You will take responsibility for the procurement of bar suppliers, managing contracts, ensuring KPIs are monitored, and contractual agreements are upheld.

Working with senior leadership to monitor risk at events to inform, develop and implement event policies, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of health and safety policies and risk assessments.

Working with the Assistant Bars & Duty Manager, you will lead on the recruitment, training and managing of the bar staff, box office and cloakroom staff ensuring a professional and efficient service.

You will work closely with the coordination team to provide a professional service to our clients and customers, ensuring policies and procedures for the venue are adhered to, licensing objectives are met, and the safety of customers is prioritised.

During events, you will serve as the primary point of contact for key stakeholders, including promoters and music industry representatives. You will manage and balance the reputational risks associated with being one of London’s best mid-sized music venues, all while operating under the ownership of Islington Council.

You will lead on understanding our diverse customer demographics. You will develop and deliver strategic drinks initiatives aimed at boosting the spend per head during events with suggested products, promotions and marketing plans.

You will need to show initiative and be proactive in identifying potential issues and risks and be able to solve problems quickly.

Work benefits

• 31 days annual leave (increasing to 36 days after five years in service)
• Islington Council match 8% pension contribution
• Excellent learning and development opportunities, appropriate to your role
• 35-hour week. Any agreed additional hours worked will be compensated with TOIL
• 12am licence, no club nights
• Training opportunities
• Respectful working environment
• Wellbeing support
• Chance to contribute to the strategic direction of the venue
• Discount on Better gym membership
• Interest Free Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

You will be committed to the Council’s core values of public service, quality, equality and empowerment and to demonstrate this commitment in the way duties are carried out.

Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.

We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive. 

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about. 

Watch our video to hear more about our mission and how you can help us achieve it from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz.