WaterBear is a college of music with campuses in Sheffield and Brighton, and a thriving online provision. The college is an innovator in the sector, with a unique approach to brand, collaborations and a flexible course delivery model.
We are a College of Falmouth University and benefit from a close strategic relationship with our university partner.
THE POST
We are seeking to appoint a Venue Manager, based at the WaterBear Green Room.
JOB PURPOSE
- To manage and run the WaterBear Green Room
- To act as manager and main point of contact for the WaterBear Green Room
- To maintain high levels of safety, security and hygiene at all times, developing clear policies and procedures to support this
- To function as the WaterBear Green Room DPS
- To ensure all activity in the WaterBear Green Room is aligned with, and reinforces the integrity of, the WaterBear brand, ethos and values, and supports educational delivery
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You will work closely with the Head of Estates to ensure the following key tasks and responsibilities are met and upheld.
Venue Operations Management
- Oversee all daily activities to ensure safe and smooth running of operations at the WaterBear Green Room
- Ensure the WaterBear Green Room is advanced, prepared and ready to host each event, with all staff briefed, trained and ready to perform their duties
- Undertake any other duties which may be reasonably requested to ensure the smooth running of the WaterBear Green Room
Leadership and Staff Management
- Manage the Bar, Front of House, Security and all other operational staff, and any additional casual staff engaged as part of the events programme, as required
- Ensure that all bar staff are fully trained in a robust and detailed manner, specifically in relation to evacuation procedures, health and safety practices, and health and hygiene practices
- Brief, support and coordinate staff to deliver successful events
Brand Representation and Venue Experience
- Publicly represent WaterBear in a prepared and professional manner at all times
- Ensure the ambience, vibe, look and feel of the space are consistently maintained in line with expected standards of the WaterBear brand and ethos
- Ensure that all visitors to the WaterBear Green Room receive the best possible customer service experience
Financial Management and Cash Control
- Create and manage budgets effectively, minimising expenditure where possible without compromising on quality of experience
- Manage and account for digital and cash payments made at the WaterBear Green Room, ensuring accuracy of record keeping and security procedures are maintained
Health, Safety and Compliance
- Ensure all front and back of house areas are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, and are safe, secure, and health and safety compliant at all times
- Ensure that all building fire alarm, CCTV and security systems are maintained and fully operational at all times
- Ensure all periodic inspections and checks to meet licensing and health and safety obligations are carried out appropriately, and certification, risk assessments and any other due diligence and/or auditable paperwork is completed and professionally maintained
- Uphold and diligently enforce the terms of the personal and venue licences, specifically relating to the retail sale of alcohol, ensuring the health, safety and comfort of all visitors to the venue, keeping up to date with relevant updates and changes to law
Security and Licensing Management
- Function as a primary key holder for the building, responding to security and fire alarm calls as required
- Function as the Designated Premises Supervisor, liaising regularly with police and local businesses to ensure safe and smooth running of all public events, maintaining compliance with all relevant legal requirements
- Oversee all licensing administration and associated due diligence
Stock & Resource Management
- Ensure that venue stock (food, drink, merchandise, etc.) is maintained and managed in line with requirements for the planned venue usage
Event Delivery and Client Support
- Support all venue hirers, bands and artists to ensure high-quality outcomes and success of each event
Marketing and Promotion
- Work with the Marketing team to ensure all relevant WaterBear Green Room activity is captured and maximised to support the WaterBear strategic marketing plans
- Take a proactive role in the marketing and promotion of each event, working collaboratively with the Marketing team and any external promotional agencies or third parties.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
- At least one year's prior bar management and cellar experience
- An existing personal licence to sell alcohol
- Excellent communication skills
- An ability to work from own initiative
- Excellent attention to detail
- Reliable with excellent time keeping and time management
- Proficient in IT, particularly a good knowledge of Microsoft Office 365
- Ability to promote growth of a newly established grassroots venue
Desirable
- Keen interest in, and knowledge of, music
- Skills and experience with musical equipment
- Full clean driving licence with own vehicle
WORKING PATTERN
This is a full-time position. Flexibility around working hours is a requirement and there is an expectation that this role will support college events, including but not limited to open days, acquisition events and other college events as required.
HOW TO APPLY
- Please submit a CV and covering letter
- Closing date for all applications is 4.30pm on Friday 7 August 2026
- Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we may close the vacancy before the closing date if sufficient suitable applications are received.
Pay: £28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Experience:
- bar management and cellar: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- personal licence to sell alcohol (required)
Work Location: In person
