Role: Bars and Duty Manager at Islington Assembly Hall
Salary: £40,005 – £41,286
Closes: Monday 23rd September

About The Role

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 assemblyhall@islington.gov.uk 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 1st October 2024

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Head of Islington Assembly Hall on 02075276344 or email Lucinda.brown@islington.gov.uk

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 contributionExcellent learning and development opportunities, appropriate to your role35-hour week. Any agreed additional hours worked will be compensated with TOIL12am licence, no club nightsTraining opportunitiesRespectful working environmentWellbeing supportChance to contribute to the strategic direction of the venueDiscount on Better gym membershipInterest Free Season Ticket Loan SchemeCycle 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.

Working for the team, service and our organisation

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.

Recruitment information 
It is the policy of Islington Council that no user of service, present or future employee or job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of their sex, perceived or actual sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion or belief, age, creed, colour, nationality, national origin, ethnic origin, or disability, or on the grounds of their association with someone in one of these groups; nor is disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justified. We welcome applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates and acknowledge our responsibility to mitigate against racial discrimination.  Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

The post is subject to a basic DBS check, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.  

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.