Medlock Square marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of the Etihad Campus — a vibrant, year‑round destination for culture, leisure and entertainment, set alongside two global icons: the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club, and the landmark Co‑op Live arena.
Named after the River Medlock that runs beneath the site, the development celebrates Manchester’s industrial heritage while shaping its next era of city‑defining experiences. Manchester is known worldwide for its sport, music and entertainment — and Medlock Square will build on that legacy, creating a landmark home for exceptional shared moments and elevating the city’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic, fast‑growing destinations.
At the heart of this new district will be an extraordinary food and beverage offer: from relaxed coffee houses and all‑day dining to flagship restaurants and premium culinary experiences. Designed to serve both everyday visitors and major event audiences, Medlock Square will deliver high‑quality hospitality all week long and across the events calendar.
We seek dynamic, guest‑obsessed operators who can build teams, lead from the front, and deliver service that matches the scale and ambition of Medlock Square. You’ll play a vital role in creating welcoming, memorable spaces for everyday guests and major event visitors alike.
As Head Bartender, you will lead the bar operation within a premium, high-energy hospitality environment, delivering exceptional drinks, service, and guest experience.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will set the tone behind the bar, ensuring quality, consistency, and pace across all service periods. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards in drink execution, presentation, and guest interaction, while supporting the development and performance of the bar team.
Working across both event and non-event days, you will play a key role in delivering a distinctive and memorable guest experience, contributing to the overall success of the venue.
In this role you will:
- Lead bar service, ensuring high-quality drinks, consistency, and premium service standards
- Support and develop bartenders, creating a confident, skilled, and high-performing team
- Deliver cocktails, beverages, and bar service in line with concept and brand standards
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and bar setup at all times
- Support stock control, ordering, and minimise waste
- Work closely with the floor team to deliver seamless, high-touch guest experiences
- Contribute to revenue growth through product knowledge, upselling, and service excellence
Essential
- Proven experience as a Head Bartender, Senior Bartender, or Bar Supervisor in a premium or high-volume environment
- Strong cocktail knowledge and experience delivering high-quality drinks consistently
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-energy service environments
- Confident leading a bar team during service
- Strong understanding of licensing, alcohol service, and health & safety standards
- Excellent communication and guest engagement skills
- Calm and organised under pressure
- Passion for drinks, service, and guest experience
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and event days
Desirable
- Experience in a premium or concept-led bar or restaurant
- Experience supporting new openings or bar launches
- Knowledge of cocktail trends, premium spirits, and wine
- Experience with stock systems and bar inventory management
- Experience working in high-profile or event-led venues
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Be part of a flagship destination set to redefine hospitality in Manchester
- Work within a world‑class entertainment and cultural district
- Build and lead new teams from the ground up
- Influence concepts, menus and guest experiences
- Grow your career within a pioneering and high‑profile development
Meals on Shifts – Enjoy lunch & dinner while you work.
Competitive Holiday Allowance - plus bank holidays.
Birthday Day Off- Enjoy an extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
Inclusive & Diverse Workplace – Be part of a team that values diversity and inclusion.
Wellbeing - Support and resources to help you stay well, both in and outside of work.
Eastlands Venue Services Ltd is committed to protecting your personal data. Information provided will be used for recruitment purposes only and handled in accordance with the UK GDPR and our Candidate Privacy Notice. Candidate data is retained for
18 months unless you request removal sooner. For details, contact
[email protected].
