ob Description:
About The Winchester Orangery
The Winchester Orangery is a bright, elegant, and bustling all‑day venue known for warm hospitality, beautiful surroundings and a guest experience that feels effortless. We’re a place where people come to celebrate, connect, and linger and we’re looking for a VenueManager who brings the personality, polish and passion to make every visit memorable.
The Role
As Venue Manager, you are the heartbeat of the Orangery. You set the tone, lead the team and ensure the venue runs with energy, precision and genuine warmth. You’ll balance the art of hospitality with the science of great operations; driving table turnover without ever compromising the guest experience.
You’ll also take ownership of our private events offering, ensuring every celebration feels special and commercially successful.
This is a role for someone who thrives on a busy floor, loves people, and knows how to create an atmosphere that keeps guests returning again and again.
Key Responsibilities, Leadership & Culture
- Lead from the front with charisma, confidence and a people‑first approach
- Build, motivate and mentor a high‑performing team
- Champion a culture of warmth, professionalism and accountability
- Ensure every team member understands what great hospitality feels like
Guest Experience
- Deliver exceptional service standards across every shift
- Create a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere that guests remember
- Handle feedback with grace, confidence and genuine care
- Maintain a seamless flow of service, even at peak times
Operational Excellence
- Manage table turnover with smart pacing, organisation and communication
- Oversee daily operations including rotas, stock and compliance
- Ensure the venue is immaculate, efficient and guest‑ready at all times
- Work closely with the kitchen to maintain smooth service and timing
Private Events & Bookings
- Lead the management of private events from enquiry to execution
- Promote the Orangery as a go‑to venue for celebrations, gatherings and special occasions
- Build strong relationships with hosts, ensuring their vision is understood and delivered
- Coordinate with the team to produce clear event briefs and seamless delivery
- Identify opportunities to grow event revenue through smart marketing, upselling and community engagement
Commercial Performance
- Drive revenue through excellent service, smart table management and upselling
- Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities to improve takings
- Support marketing, events and local partnerships
- Maintain cost control without compromising quality or experience
- Identify opportunities to partner with small local artisan food producers to elevate the menu, strengthen community ties and enhance the venue’s unique local offering
About You
You’ll shine in this role if you are:
- Naturally charismatic with a warm, engaging personality
- Obsessed with great hospitality and memorable guest experiences
- Organised, proactive and calm under pressure
- Skilled at managing table flow and busy services with ease
- Confident leading private events and promoting the venue
- A strong communicator who builds trust with guests and teams
- Experienced in a management role within a fast‑paced hospitality environment
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and performance incentives
- Service Charge and Tips
- Opportunities for growth within a dynamic group
- Training and development tailored to your strengths
- A supportive, people‑focused culture
- The chance to lead one of Winchester’s most loved venues
Pay: £14.00-£15.10 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
