This is an exciting role for an enthusiastic and creative Bar & Hospitality Supervisor to manage and ensure the smooth running of our public bars and private events during our summer festival of opera.
The Bar & Hospitality Supervisor is responsible for the general management of two public bars and the private members bar, alongside an extended team of 15-20 bar staff. They are also responsible for overseeing all other hospitality functions taking place at the theatre during the season, including corporate events, alongside the Customers Experience Manager.
During the season, they will be responsible for managing suppliers and stock, working with the the Customers Experience Manager to maximise income, and delivering an exceptional food and drink experience throughout the festival.
The successful applicant will also work alongside the Site Manager and the Front of House Managers to make sure all patrons who visit Opera Holland Park have the best possible experience in a healthy, safe and secure environment.
Day in the life
Every day will be a little different! During the summer months, the Bar & Hospitality Supervisor would spend most of their time on site at the Opera Holland Park Theatre, working with the bar team to ensure an excellent food and drink offering, working with the development team to run our members bar and coordinating the successful delivery of any corporate hospitality functions.
A priority during every shift will be to ensure the bars continue to provide excellent service throughout the evening, and particularly during the busy interval.
Areas of responsibility
- Leading the seasonal bar team by example
- Monitoring inventory of beverages to ensure adequate stock, and reporting back to the Customers Experience Manager for re-stock.
- Managing the Point of Sale System, using the till to take orders and payments
- Creating a warm and welcoming environment, and ensuring all staff maintain this level throughout the season
- Ensuring consistent and high quality customer service
- Dealing with customer feedback and providing solutions to customer complaints
- Overseeing all private receptions on site, led by the Customers Experience Manager
- Creating a positive work environment for staff and encouraging their career development
- Overseeing the appropriate set up of theatre hospitality areas and bars alongside the Build Manager and the Customers Experience Manager
The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job profile are indicative of the role; however, they are not exhaustive and may be subject to change. In addition, you will be required to undertake other reasonable duties as directed by your manager.
Role expectations and accessibility
The Bar & Hospitality Supervisor will be based at the Opera Holland Park Theatre, which is in the middle of Holland Park, and is mostly canopied. They can expect to be exposed to the elements for the duration of the festival season, from extreme heat, to the cold and wet.
The role will require a lot of standing and walking during each shift.
The role requires a positive attitude, confidence, and diplomacy. As it is public facing, unexpected situations will arise regularly, and no day is the same.
Access to the theatre site is step-free via both the East and West Gates. There is a short hill with a steep gradient at the West Gate, so the East Gate is more appropriate for those using a self-propelled wheelchair. All further information on theatre access can be found here.
We are heading into a very exciting time for Opera Holland Park, and we need a welcoming Bar Team with integrity and openness to support the company in delivering a successful 2025 Season.
Essential criteria
- Experience in Bar/Events Management, possibly in a theatre environment
- Excellent leadership skills and the ability to manage staff
- Excellent customer service
- Business and accounting acumen
- Attention to detail
- Patience and ability to remain calm, positive and professional when working under pressure
- Ability to be creative and resourceful in problem solving
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Excellent verbal communication
- IT proficiency
- Collaborative approach
Desirable criteria
- First Aid/Emergency First Aid, Fire Marshal Training
- Knowledge of Opera Holland Park and the performing arts industry
- A little black book of drinks & food industry contacts
Equal opportunities
Opera is for everyone. We commit to creating opera for all people, and working with all people to create opera. We believe it is essential to nurture new and diverse talent, onstage and off. The more diverse our workforce, the stronger our community and the better able we are to achieve these aims.
How to apply
Please send a copy of your CV and covering letter to info@operahollandpark.com with the subject line ‘Bar & Hospitality Supervisor Application’ by 5pm on Sunday 13 April.
