Hippie Chic is looking for an experienced, hands-on General Manager to lead the day-to-day running of the venue and to take ownership of hosting events and functions across both Hippie Chic and Yellow Submarine. This is a senior, high-visibility role suited to someone who thrives on delivering great guest experiences, leads a team from the front, and can juggle the operational demands of a busy bar/venue with the planning and execution of private events, functions, and themed nights.
- Oversee the full day-to-day operation of Hippie Chic, including front of house, bar service, and general venue standards
- Recruit, train, rota, and manage bar and floor staff, ensuring shifts are adequately covered and service standards are maintained
- Manage stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships for the venue
- Control labour and cost margins in line with budgeted targets, reporting regularly to ownership
- Ensure full compliance with licensing law, health & safety, food hygiene (where applicable), and fire safety regulations
- Handle day-to-day customer queries, complaints, and incidents professionally and calmly
- Open and close the venue, including cash handling, till reconciliation, and end-of-day reporting
Events & Functions (Hippie Chic and Yellow Submarine)
- Act as the primary point of contact for private hire enquiries, functions, and events across both venues
- Manage the full events process: initial enquiry, proposal, booking confirmation, deposit collection, and final invoicing
- Plan and coordinate event logistics — room/space setup, staffing levels, bar and drinks packages, AV/music requirements, and timings
- Liaise with clients in the lead-up to events to confirm requirements and manage expectations
- Host and personally oversee events on the night/day, acting as the main point of contact for the client and ensuring smooth running from setup to close
- Coordinate staffing rotas across both sites to ensure functions are properly resourced without compromising regular trade
- Work with the marketing function to promote available event dates, packages, and themed nights (e.g. sports screenings, live music, private parties)
- Conduct post-event follow-ups and gather feedback to continuously improve the offering
Team Leadership
- Lead by example on the floor and behind the bar during both regular trade and events
- Motivate and develop the team, fostering a positive, guest-focused culture across both venues
- Conduct regular staff briefings ahead of events to ensure the team understands requirements and standards
Essential:
- Proven experience as a General Manager, Assistant Manager, or Events Manager within hospitality/bars/venues
- Strong track record of planning and hosting private events or functions
- Confident, personable communicator, comfortable liaising directly with clients
- Solid understanding of licensing, health & safety, and food hygiene compliance
- Experience managing staff rotas, recruitment, and performance
- Financially literate — comfortable with margins, stock control, and budgets
- Flexible availability, including evenings and weekends, with willingness to work across two sites
Desirable:
- Personal licence holder (or willingness to obtain one)
- Experience with themed events, sports screenings, or live entertainment nights
- Existing local supplier or client network
Pay: From £33,345.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
