About Secret Vault
Secret Vault is an established nightclub in Nottingham city centre, known for hosting busy club nights, student events, DJ performances and independently promoted events. This year we are going to next level and getting some major headliners in.
We welcome a diverse crowd and work with a range of promoters, DJs and performers to deliver energetic, well-run nights in a safe and enjoyable environment.
We are looking for an experienced, confident and hands-on Venue Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day and night-time operation of the club and bar.
Position overview
As Venue Manager, you will be responsible for the overall running of Secret Vault.
This is a practical management role that combines bar operations, staff leadership, event delivery, promoter relationships, customer service, compliance and commercial performance.
You will work closely with the owners, external promoters, DJs, security teams and venue staff to ensure that every event is properly planned, professionally delivered and commercially successful.
You will be expected to take ownership of the venue during trading hours, make confident decisions and deal calmly with problems as they arise.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence how the venue operates, improve events and contribute to the continued development of Secret Vault.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the nightclub and bar during opening hours.
- Lead, supervise and motivate bar staff, supervisors, security teams and other venue personnel.
- Work closely with external promoters to ensure their events are properly planned, prepared and delivered.
- Act as the main venue contact for promoters, DJs, performers, suppliers and contractors.
- Ensure the venue is fully prepared before opening, including the bar, staffing, security, sound, lighting, entrances and customer areas.
- Oversee bar operations and maintain high standards of service, presentation and customer care.
- Manage stock levels, ordering, stock control, wastage and regular stock checks.
- Prepare staff rotas and ensure appropriate staffing levels are in place for each event.
- Monitor bar sales, staffing costs, event performance and overall profitability.
- Manage cash handling, banking, till procedures and accurate end-of-night reporting.
- Deal professionally with customer complaints, incidents and difficult situations.
- Ensure guests receive a welcoming, safe and enjoyable experience.
- Work with security teams to ensure effective entry procedures, crowd management and incident handling.
- Ensure the venue operates in accordance with its premises licence, the licensing objectives, health and safety requirements and company procedures.
- Maintain accurate records relating to incidents, refusals, staffing, cash and venue operations.
- Oversee the cleanliness, maintenance and general presentation of the venue.
- Identify operational problems and take prompt action to resolve them.
- Review events afterwards and recommend ways to improve attendance, bar sales, service, efficiency and profitability.
- Support the owners with the continued development and growth of the venue.
Experience and qualifications
Previous management experience within a nightclub, late-night bar, music venue, events venue or similarly busy hospitality business is strongly preferred.
Applications may also be considered from experienced assistant managers or supervisors who can demonstrate that they are ready to take responsibility for managing a venue.
Experience in the following areas would be particularly valuable:
- Managing nightclub, bar or hospitality teams.
- Working directly with nightclub or event promoters.
- Managing licensed premises and understanding licensing responsibilities.
- Preparing rotas and controlling staffing costs.
- Managing bar stock, ordering, wastage and stock counts.
- Cash handling, banking and till reconciliation.
- Working alongside security and door supervision teams.
- Managing busy events and resolving problems under pressure.
- Monitoring sales, costs and event performance.
An understanding of current nightlife trends, music genres and customer expectations would be an advantage.
A personal licence would be beneficial, although it is not essential if the candidate has suitable experience and is willing to develop their licensing knowledge.
Key qualities and competencies
We are looking for someone who is:
- A confident and capable leader.
- Reliable, organised and highly responsible.
- Calm, practical and decisive under pressure.
- Commercially aware, with an understanding of sales, costs and profitability.
- Comfortable managing staff, setting expectations and holding people accountable.
- Able to build productive working relationships with promoters and external partners.
- A strong communicator with good negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- Hands-on and willing to assist wherever needed.
- Passionate about nightlife, music, hospitality and events.
- Knowledgeable about current nightlife trends and different music genres.
- Professional when dealing with customers, staff, DJs, promoters, security teams, suppliers and authorities.
- Attentive to detail and committed to maintaining high standards.
- Able to work independently and take ownership of decisions.
- Flexible and available to work evenings, late nights, weekends, bank holidays and key event dates.
Hours and working pattern
This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week.
Hours will be arranged around the operational needs of the venue and will include a combination of planning, administration, venue preparation and event management.
As Secret Vault is a nightclub, regular evening, late-night and weekend work will be required. However, the role will be managed within the agreed 37.5-hour working week rather than expecting the Venue Manager to work excessive hours as standard.
The working pattern may vary depending on the events calendar, with flexibility required for bank holidays, student events and particularly busy dates.
Perks and benefits
- A key management role within an established Nottingham nightclub.
- The opportunity to influence events, venue operations and the future direction of Secret Vault.
- Opportunities to build relationships with promoters, DJs and nightlife industry professionals.
- Staff discounts.
- Casual dress.
- Free entry to selected venue events.
- Opportunities for progression as the business develops.
Pay: £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Employee discount
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- How many years of management experience do you have within nightclubs, bars, music venues, events or hospitality?
- Please briefly describe the venues you have managed and your main responsibilities.
- Do you have experience working directly with nightclub or event promoters? If so, please provide a brief example.
- Do you have experience managing bar staff, rotas, stock control and cash handling?
- Are you available to work evenings, late nights, weekends and bank holidays?
- Why do you believe you would be a good Venue Manager for Secret Vault?
Work Location: In person
