This role offers a unique opportunity for a results-driven leader to shape the food and beverage experience for our new theatre.
Initially working on the set up of Soho Theatre Walthamstow, you will be fundamental in mobilising the food and beverage operation, including recruiting the team, for a successful launch.
Following this, you will support the ongoing smooth operation of our bars and café, creating an enticing food and beverage offer, managing staff, maximising sales and ensuring all health, safety, hygiene and licensing regulations are adhered to.
This is a hugely exciting opportunity to be a key part of the team, working collaboratively to open the new Soho Theatre Walthamstow. The role requires a proactive and strategic leader with strong operational skills to deliver exceptional customer service, drive profitability, and create memorable experiences for all our patrons.
Duties & Responsibilities
F&B Offer and Customer Service
- Innovate the drinks and snacks selection and promotions in line with audience demographics and theatre programming, working with local suppliers and Soho Theatres sponsors/drinks partners.
- Develop and implement strategies for enhancing the F&B offer in-line with the theatre’s objectives.
- Deliver consistently high customer service standards in line with the values of Soho Theatre
- Be available to help duty managers, supervisors and staff with any issues that need to be escalated.
- Promote and establish a regular customer base.
- Regularly share updates of the F&B offer with staff to ensure they can give knowledgeable answers
- Ensure all staff are conversant about the artistic programme of Soho Theatre Walthamstow by encouraging them to see shows.
Management
- Manage the daily operation of the theatre’s bars and café, ensuring high standards of service, quality, and compliance with regulations.
- Enhance customer experience through efficient workflows during peak periods and proactively address feedback.
- Alongside senior colleagues, develop the business through driving sales and the implementation of marketing strategies.
- Maintain good relationships with all suppliers and sponsors.
- Maintain and / or implement new efficient and effective work methods and systems.
- Ensure that security procedures are adhered to throughout the bars.
- Ensure efficient ordering and stock management through Point One Epos to prevent shortages or overstocking and ensure tight stock control.
- Liaise with Soho Theatre’s communications team for the effective promotion of bar activity.
- Liaise with the Operations Administrator to deliver excellent events.
Staffing
- Recruit, train, and lead a team, developing schedules and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
- Manage rota and resourcing to ensure adequate staffing during peak and non-peak times.
- Monitor staff performance, provide feedback and address any disciplinary Issues or conflicts.
- Line manage all bar staff, ensuring that high operational standards are achieved and maintained.
- Maintain a consistently positive attitude when dealing with staff setting a good example with regard to punctuality, attendance, attitude and hygiene.
Finance and Administration
- Drive the achievement of sales targets and ensure effective management of cost of sales, maintaining and optimising gross profit margins to meet or exceed Soho Theatre Walthamstow objectives
- Monitor budgets, control costs, and analyse sales data to drive revenue growth and profitability.
- Provide monthly reporting to the Head of F&B, including key figures, sales forecasts and expenses tracking.
- Take responsibility for the correct processing and recording of all income generated and all expenditure required by the bars and café.
- Feed into the annual budgeting process.
- Ensure staff wage costs are monitored and kept within budget and that staff wages and hours comply with legislation.
- Liaise with Soho Theatre’s external finance team on all matters relating to Invoicing and payroll.
- Ensure all services and events delivered within the bars and café are charged for correctly.
- Regularly price check.
Licensing Health, Safety and Hygiene
- Represent the Designated Premises Supervisor and ensure that the conditions of the premises license are met at all times.
- Stay informed and aware of all legislation relevant to the sale of alcohol, local licensing requirements, opening hours and implement any required changes.
- Maintain, promote and comply with company Health and Safety Policy and procedures.
- Be responsible for all Health & Safety, Fire safety and food hygiene procedures and compliance in the bar.
- Ensure that bar staff follow procedures and compliance requirements.
- Carry out and update risk assessments to ensure bar operations are up to date with current legislation and be aware of changes.
- Ensure all new staff are inducted and trained in relevant areas of Health & Safety and compliance.
- Ensure the high standards of operational hygiene and cleanliness are maintained.
General
- Support the aims and objectives of Soho Theatre, both internally and externally including promoting diversity in the workplace and cultivating an inclusive work environment.
- Attend internal meetings as required.
- Uphold Soho Theatre’s policies, including equal opportunities, access and diversity.
- Always be fully aware of the theatre’s activities and programme of events.
- Work collaboratively with the Soho Theatre Dean Street team to ensure consistency across both venues.
- Undertake any other duties as may be appropriate to the nature of the post, and as agreed with the Head of F&B or Executive Team.
Submitting an application:
We prefer applications to be sent by email. Please send your completed forms to jobs@sohotheatre.com with STWBGM24 in the subject line, as well as a completing an equal opportunities form, which can be found by clicking here.
When completing your application form, please read the person specification in the job description carefully.
If you would like to submit your application in another format, or you have any queries about this role, please contact HR on 020 7478 0100 or email jobs@sohotheatre.com to discuss alternatives.