Bar & Duty Manager - TESTBED

Reporting to: General Manager
Supported by: Regular bar staff, bar supervisors 
Pay Range: 32k – 36k depending on experience, training, and qualifications 
Type:  Full time, permanent. Evenings/weekends/bank holidays as required. This is an on-site role.
Start Date: ASAP  

Who We Are

TESTBED is a cultural venue in Leeds exploring new ways to bring people together through music, art and ideas. Built as a large, adaptable space, we host everything from live shows and club nights to talks and wider cultural programmes. Now moving into its 2.0 phase, TESTBED has evolved in increments - we are now expanding our programme, growing our audience and shaping a venue that reflects the energy and diversity of Leeds.

Overview  
A core part of the full-time team planning and launching Testbed v2.0, the Bar and Duty Manager will be responsible for planning and managing all bar operations and taking on the Duty Manager role at appropriate events. This is a hands‑on role, with the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the development and (re) launch of a creative, vibrant, and professional venue entering its next phase.

Duties

Specific duties of the role will include, but may not be limited to:- 

Team Management and Licensing

• Recruit, train, and manage a team of bartenders, bar supervisors, and support staff; conduct performance evaluations, nurture the team whilst ensuring they are completing their role requirements, provide honest feedback and coaching; resolve conflicts and manage any issues; manage staffing levels to meet demand efficiently.
• Ensure all staff are suitably trained and briefed on venue processes and procedures, The Licensing Act 2003 and any other relevant legislation, key safety information, emergency procedures, and companywide policies.
• Maintain knowledge of licensing and other relevant legislation to ensure compliance to all times, take the role of delegated DPS at appropriate events.
• Lead by example, mucking in when needed but also taking a strategic approach to ensure all responsibilities are met.
• Lead by example, mucking in when needed but also taking a strategic view to ensure all responsibilities are met.
• At certain events, assume the responsibilities of Duty Manager, ensuring smooth operations and all venue policies and procedures are implemented, maintaining high standards of performance across all departments. Producing the event specific Addendum (briefing document) for sign off.
• Ensure the venue ethos is embedded into all your endeavours 

Customer Experience & Service

• Ensure all customers receive exceptional service by maintaining a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, a proficient and professional operation, and engaging with staff and guests to foster a positive and enjoyable environment.
• Handle customer complaints or concerns in a discrete, professional and timely manner, ensuring relevant incidents and complaints are escalated instantly.
• Constantly critique and develop the bar offering, from serves, to staff, from process, to layout. Make suggestions for improvements and their implementation. Be aware of trends across bar operations and the drinks industry to support this aim.
• Feed into overall customer experience across wider venue operations, commenting on what is working and what could be improved upon.

Inventory, Stock, & Budget Management

• Manage inventory control, including ordering, receiving, and storing alcohol, mixers, garnishes, and bar supplies. Ensure regular stock takes take place and discrepancies are instantly investigated.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels to prevent shortages or overstocking, manage this budget.
• Track and report any wastage or breakages.
• Monitor bar sales and profits, ensuring budgets are met. Implement targets, competitions, and fun incentives for bar staff to drive gross margin.  
• Ensure accurate till reconciliation at the end of shifts, provide Event Management with bar specific costs at the end of each event for the venue P&L.
• Handle the purchasing and budget management for the bar, ensuring costs are managed in line with forecasts.
• Ensure procurement, contracting, HR, GDPR, purchase ordering, approval and payments processes are followed.
• Prepare reports for management regarding sales, stock levels, and staff performance.
• Assist external auditors with monthly stock takes and support investigation to any discrepancies.

General

• Work with sponsorship and partnership team to develop a relationship with them and our sponsors, ensure sponsorship requirements are delivered, and key info is shared in a timely manner and when requested.
• Feed into the long-term development the venue, suggesting ideas for improvement.
• Collaborate with marketing to promote the bar’s offerings and events.

Skills & Qualifications – essential

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in bar management, supervisory roles in live events or hospitality setting, or event management roles including direct bar management experience
• Passionate about live music, events and bars
• Keen and comfortable to regularly work on site during weekends, bank holidays. We will have a lot of events, and this is a key part of the role!
• Personal License holder, or willing to undertake the course if not already a holder
• Experience managing both full-time and casual teams
• Knowledge of cellar operations, EPOS systems, stocktaking, finance reconciliation
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail, strong organisational ability, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proven ability to drive sales and manage costs
• Ability to think on your feet and resolve conflicts quickly and effectively
• Solid knowledge of licensing, health, and safety regulations in the live events and hospitality industry.

Skills & Qualifications – optional

• Relevant certifications in alcohol service, first aid, or hospitality management
• Knowledge of promotions, upselling, and audience engagement
• Experience producing improvement plans for efficiency and customer service
  
  

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work in an exciting, innovative and rapidly growing organisation.
• Competitive pay, pension and other benefits
• Training opportunities, proactive line management, and constant encouragement to develop new skills and grow your career.
• Dynamic and supportive team environment where contributions are highly valued
• Shared knowledge, experience, and support across a wide team of event professionals
• Our commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive space extends to all humans, ensuring that everyone feels respected, welcomed, and part of our community.

How to apply

• Send a CV and short cover letter explaining why you are the perfect for this role and your salary expectations to ann-marie@amaad.co.uk by July 15th

If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks then unfortunately you have not progressed to the screening stage.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants, and to providing employees with a positive and supportive work environment. We actively encourage applications from those with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and/or from marginalised communities.

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