Theatre Bar Manager

Department/Team Theatre Operations

Responsible to Head of FOH Operations & Theatre F&B Manager

Contract Three Bar Manager Shifts per performance week, working a rota of set shifts a week, with the opportunity to pick up additional shifts. Additional admin/set up shifts can be picked up during “dark weeks” when there is no show. Permanent contract.

Location The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Hours 18 Hours minimum per week.

Hourly Rate £17.69 per hour

  Benefits

• Access to interest free travel schemes including Cycle 2 work and Season Ticket loans after your probation period

• Free therapy from our therapy partner Self Space

• Mental health support via our in house Mental Health Champions

• Two complimentary tickets to a preview performance per production

• Pension scheme with The People’s Pension

• Enhanced sick pay

• All staff social events

• Staff discount in The Old Vic bars as well as discounts in local bars and restaurants

• Opportunities to get involved working groups such as the Inclusion Working Group and Sustainability Working Group

• Commitment to learning, education and development

Role Summary

To manage the four front of house bars during incoming/interval and close down/lock up duties, overseeing all bar staff, customer service and operations, ensuring that the bars run smoothly and that excellent service is provided to all customers, and to uphold our premises license.

The Team:

The Bar Manager sits within the Theatre Operations team, which is responsible for all non-production related aspects of the Theatre - including front of house, bars (and catering) operations, facilities, health and safety, IT and sustainability.

Areas of responsibilities:

Operations & Bar Management:

• Regulatory Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to licensing laws, health and safety regulations, and food safety standards.

• Service Excellence: Lead the delivery of high-quality customer service and maintain a comfortable, safe environment for guests and staff.

• Site Security: Implement effective security procedures and coordinate closely with the security team to protect the building and its occupants.

• Opening/Closing: Execute precise cleaning rotas, daily checklists, and end-of-shift procedures to maintain facility standards.

Financial Accountability:

• Cash Management: Oversee all financial procedures, including accurate till operation and float management.

• Reconciliation: Perform daily cashing up and reconcile cash vs. card payments to identify and resolve discrepancies.

Team Leadership:

• Performance Management: Monitor staff output, conduct, and presentation (uniform standards), reporting concerns to Theatre Operations.

• Training & Onboarding: Assist in the professional development of new hires to ensure consistent service standards.

• Staffing Logistics: Manage attendance, reporting any sickness or lateness promptly to the management team.

Safety & Emergency Response:

• Incident Management: Serve as a lead for Front of House evacuations and report any H&S incidents immediately.

• Legislative Knowledge: Maintain an up-to-date understanding of Food Hygiene and Health & Safety legislation.

• Professional Readiness: Hold (or obtain) a Personal License, Food Hygiene Level 2, and First Aid certification.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Theatre's management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

The post holder must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Previous experience of team leading, supervising and staff management

• Good numeracy skills and a willingness to learn cash up procedures

• An exceptional understanding of preparing drinks and the service of alcohol

• Professional and presentable at all times

• Good timekeeping

• A proven ability to lead and manage a team

• Dedicated and dynamic approach to providing a high level of customer service

• Ability to use initiative to respond to both expected and unexpected situations

• A proven willingness to take on responsibility for the safety of customers and staff and the security of the building

• A proven willingness to help out in all aspects of the bar

• A commitment to working weekends and the flexibility to provide both scheduled and short notice cover

• Understanding of food hygiene and Health & Safety legislation

The post holder must have or be willing to get the following:

• Personal License

• Food Hygiene Level 2

• First Aid training

How to Apply

We understand that everyone is different and we want you to apply in whichever way you feel best shows your skills and experience. There are a range of ways that you can apply with us:

• 1. Sending a short video file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you.

• 2. Sending a short audio file of yourself (no longer than two minutes in length), detailing your experience, why you are applying for the role and what about working at The Old Vic interests you.

• 3. Completing our application form.

• 4. Uploading your CV and covering letter, explaining why you are interested in the role and working at the Old Vic.

The Old Vic has made a commitment that all applicants with disabilities who meet the essential criteria for this job will be invited to interview.

All appointments are made subject to satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

The Process

The recruitment process for this role will be one stage:

• 1st stage in person conversation

The closing date for this role is 3rd May 2026. First conversations are likely to take place w/c 3rd May 2026.

Equal Opportunities

We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of the global majority, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled candidates.

We may take positive action, in cases where candidates are equally qualified, to increase the employment of under-represented groups at The Old Vic.

In the event that we ask you to attend the theatre for a conversation and you are struggling financially, we may be able to reimburse you for any reasonable travel costs.

We partner with a range of inclusive organisations, to find out more please read our FAQs.

FAQs

Read our recruitment and selection and equal opportunities FAQs here.

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About The Old Vic

The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB. oldvictheatre.com