Job DescriptionOverview
Upton Barn & Walled Garden is one of Devon's leading wedding and event venues, creating exceptional weddings, private events and corporate events in a unique countryside setting.
We are looking for an experienced, motivated and proactive Operations & Bar Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious operational leader looking to play a key role in the continued growth and development of the business. Working closely with the Directors and fellow members of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day operational performance of the venue, lead our bar operations and help shape the future direction of Upton Barn & Walled Garden.
No two days are ever the same. From maintaining exceptional venue standards and leading the operational team to developing systems, improving efficiencies and supporting the delivery of outstanding weddings and events, you'll play an integral role in ensuring everything behind the scenes runs seamlessly.
As a venue hosting weddings and events throughout the week, this is a full-time role (40 hours per week) working five days from seven, including regular evenings, weekends and bank holidays in line with the wedding and events calendar. Flexibility is essential.
Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operational management of the venue, ensuring consistently high standards across all operational areas.
- Take ownership of the presentation, readiness and maintenance of all operational venue spaces.
- Lead all aspects of the venue's bar operation, including stock management, supplier relationships, ordering and Gross Profit performance.
- Develop and continually improve operational systems, procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Coordinate maintenance programmes, repairs and contractor activities to ensure the venue remains fully operational.
- Recruit, lead, coach and develop the Operations & Bar Team.
- Prepare team rotas, allocate workloads and monitor operational performance.
- Ensure compliance with Company Health & Safety procedures and operational standards.
- Support the implementation of recommendations from external Health & Safety consultants and ensure operational compliance across the venue.
- Monitor operational expenditure and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
- Prepare operational reports, KPIs and improvement plans for the Directors.
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Wedding & Event Manager and Sales, Client Experience & Business Development Manager to ensure the successful delivery of weddings, private events and corporate events.
- Support the planning and implementation of new products, services and business initiatives.
- Contribute ideas that improve operational performance, customer experience and the long-term success of the business.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in hospitality, venue or operational management.
- Previous experience managing bar operations, stock control and supplier relationships.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
- Strong commercial awareness and financial understanding.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining exceptional standards.
- Confident making decisions and solving problems in a fast-paced environment.
- A professional, positive and proactive approach.
- Experience managing operational budgets would be advantageous.
- Personal Licence Holder would be advantageous.
- Experience within weddings, hospitality or premium events would be beneficial.
- A genuine desire to contribute to the continued growth and development of the business.
Working Hours
- Full time - 40-hour week
- Five days from seven
- Regular evening and weekend working
- Bank holiday working required
- Flexibility is essential to meet the needs of weddings and events calender
What We Offer
- Company pension.
- Free on-site parking.
- The opportunity to work as part of a supportive and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
- A supportive, friendly and collaborative working environment.
- The chance to work at one of Devon's leading wedding and event venues.
Pay: £35,360.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Cullompton EX15 1RA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Bar management: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Personal Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
