We are seeking an experienced Bar Deputy Manager to support the Bar General Manager in ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-day operations of the theatre’s four bars and café, ensuring exceptional customer service, maintaining high operational standards, and supporting the growth of revenue and profitability. The Deputy Manager will also provide leadership to the bar team, deputising for the Bar General Manager when required.
Initially working with the General Manager on the set up of Soho Theatre Walthamstow, you will be fundamental in supporting and 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 role requires a proactive, hands-on approach to management, ensuring Soho Theatre Walthamstow delivers a memorable experience for all our patrons. This is a hugely exciting opportunity to be a key part of the team, working collaboratively to open the new Soho Theatre Walthamstow.
Duties & Responsibilities
Management & Offer
- Oversee the daily operation of the theatre’s bars and café, ensuring high service standards, quality, and compliance with health, safety, and licensing regulations.
- Work with the Bar General Manager to innovate and implement drinks and snacks selections in line with audience demographics and programming.
- Be efficient with all opening/closing procedures, daily checks, and operational systems to ensure smooth workflows.
- Support the coordination of special events and private hires, ensuring a seamless F&B service.
- Be the Designated Premises Supervisor when required, ensuring all licensing conditions are adhered to.
- With the Audience Experience Manager and Audience team, maintain effective communication to ensure the building and programme runs smoothly.
Customer Service
- Deliver a consistently high standard of customer service across all F&B operations, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment in line with the values of Soho Theatre.
- Address escalated customer service issues promptly and professionally.
- Ensure bar staff are knowledgeable about the theatre’s artistic programme to enhance audience engagement.
Staffing
- Assist in the recruitment, training, and development of bar staff, ensuring a collaborative and motivated team culture.
- Create and manage staff rotas, ensuring sufficient cover during peak and non-peak periods while adhering to budgets.
- Provide clear communication, setting a positive example in punctuality, professionalism, and hygiene standards.
- Monitor staff performance, providing feedback and addressing any disciplinary issues.
Finance and Administration
- Support the Bar General Manager in achieving sales targets and optimising gross profit margins.
- Manage budgets, control costs, and analyse sales data to drive revenue growth.
- Assist with stock management and ordering, ensuring accurate records and preventing shortages or overstocking.
- Ensure accurate processing of payroll, invoices, and other financial transactions in collaboration with the finance team.
Health, Safety, and Licensing
- Maintain compliance with all health and safety, fire safety, and food hygiene regulations.
- Regularly update and review risk assessments for F&B operations.
- Ensure all staff are trained and compliant with licensing laws, health and safety requirements, and food hygiene standards.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and operational hygiene across all F&B areas.
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.
- Work collaboratively with the Soho Theatre Dean Street team to ensure consistency across both venues.
- Participate as a member of the management team and attend regular internal meetings and training sessions as required.
- Undertake any other duties as appropriate to the role and as agreed with the Bar General Manager or senior leadership.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Proven experience managing a busy bar or hospitality venue, ideally within a cultural or arts setting.
- Working as a Personal Licence holder and representative of the Designated Premises Supervisor.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in recruitment, training, and staff development.
- Financial management expertise, including budgeting, cost control, and sales analysis.
- Knowledge of licensing laws, health and safety regulations, and food hygiene standards.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences and team members.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable Experience (not part of shortlisting process)
- Experience working within a theatre or performance venue.
- Knowledge of Point of Sale (POS) systems and stock management software.
Qualities
- A proactive, hands-on approach to management.
- Positive, confident, and creative problem-solver.
- Flexible and adaptable to the varied working hours of a theatre environment, including evenings and weekends.
- Enthusiastic about theatre, comedy, and cabaret, with a commitment to delivering memorable audience experiences.
Submitting an application:
We prefer applications to be sent by email. Please send your completed forms to jobs@sohotheatre.com with STWBDM25 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.