Due to team expansion, we're looking for a confident and motivated Bar Shift Leader to join our busy Wetherspoons franchise in the Students' Union. This is a hands-on role across both Sanctuary bar and Asylum nightclub where you'll lead on shifts, support the team, and help deliver great customer service in a fast-paced and sociable environment. Shifts are worked on a rota basis across our opening hours, including late nights and weekends so flexibility in working hours is essential. In return, you can enjoy better work-life balance with no trading between Christmas and New Year and greater flexibility to take annual leave during our quieter spring and summer periods. In addition to your salary, you'll also have the opportunity to earn extra through our annual bonus scheme, subject to departmental net profit targets being achieved.
If you enjoy leading by example, thrive in a lively atmosphere, and want to be part of a venue that's at the centre of campus life, we'd love to hear from you.
A little bit about us
Hull University Students’ Union is a registered charity, with a large trading subsidiary; Our vision mission and values are set out below.
Vision: For every student to feel, seen, heard, valued and empowered.
Mission: HUSU exists to champion student priorities helping you succeed in your studies and beyond. As your Students’ Union, we represent your voice to the University of Hull and to other representative bodies, making sure your academic interests and wellbeing are supported. We offer loads of opportunities to get involved, from societies and sports to events, campaigns, and student-led change. Whether you are here to meet new people, make a difference, or just enjoy your time at university, we are here to support your journey and help build a community where everyone feels they belong.
Our Trading Subsidiary provides an on campus Bar in partnership with J D Wetherspoon, a mini-supermarket in partnership with SPAR, and our nightclub and live gig space Asylum.
Our Values:
Inclusive - We are committed to fostering equity, diversity, Inclusion and belonging, by continuously adapting our services to meet the evolving needs of our members.
Innovative – We look to the future seeking new opportunities, collaborations and partnerships; we are imaginative, creative and progressive
Positive – We continually work to improve your Union, we are confident, optimistic and solution focused.
Fun – We focus on making your time at university as enjoyable as possible.
Supportive – We listen, look out for your best interests and make sure your voice is heard.
About the Role
The Bar Shift Leader role is essential in ensuring our customers receive a first-class service and demonstrate your excellent customer service skills along with your proven ability to motivate, supervise and support others.
Role Purpose
Lead the bar team to deliver friendly, efficient service and a welcoming atmosphere at all times.
As a Shift Leader, you will supervise a team of Team Leaders and Bar Associates, ensuring high standards of CQSMA (Cleanliness, Quality, Service, Maintenance, Atmosphere) are achieved consistently.
You will act as Duty Manager during your shifts, overseeing the safety and security of the Students’ Union building as well as the smooth running of the bars' operation, ensuring all operations meet the highest service and compliance standards.
This role carries keyholder and building security responsibilities. The postholder will act as the on-site point of contact for operational issues during their shift and ensure that all incidents are reported in line with company policy.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead, motivate and support Bar Team Leaders and Bar Associates to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
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Act as the Duty Manager for the building, serving as the point of contact for any issues arising on shift.
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Ensure CQSMA standards are consistently maintained and exceeded across all areas.
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Support opening and closing procedures, including end-of-night cashing up, safe counts and security lock-up of the building.
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Deliver outstanding customer service; serve and present beverages to company standards.
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Supervise, coach and develop team members; provide feedback and recognise achievement.
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Monitor and maintain stock levels, cellar management, and product quality to minimise waste and control costs.
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Handle deliveries, report losses or damages, and ensure accurate stock rotation.
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Ensure all health, safety, food hygiene and licensing regulations are followed at all times.
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Accurately report sickness and absence and communicate key information to the Bars General Manager, Assistant Bars General Manager & Kitchen Manager.
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Promote and execute food and drink promotions; encourage upselling through team knowledge and enthusiasm.
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Contribute to business improvements through ideas, feedback, and positive leadership.
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Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming bar and front-of-house environment at all times.
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Attend and contribute to team meetings and training sessions.
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Carry out instructions given by the management team and JD Wetherspoon Head Office.
Reports to: Bars General Manager & Bars Assistant General Manager
Direct reports: These include Bar Associates and Service Leaders.
Indirect reports: These include Kitchen Associates and Service Leaders.
About You
Person Specification - Essential
- Supervisory or duty management experience in a hospitality, bar or event-led environment.
- Fluent in English (spoken & written).
- Basic IT or EPOS system literacy.
- Availability to work varied shifts, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends.
- Friendly, sociable, and customer-focused; calm under pressure.
- Demonstrates leadership ability, able to motivate, coach and communicate effectively.
- Confident, self-motivated, and capable of working independently when acting as Duty Manager.
- Honest, reliable, and professional in appearance and conduct.
- Strong sense of personal responsibility for safety, security and compliance.
- Good team player with the ability to build positive relationships at all levels.
- Understanding of responsible alcohol service and licensing obligations.
- Good organisational and problem-solving skills; ability to prioritise in a busy shift.
Person Specification - Desirable
- Personal Licence holder (or willingness to obtain).
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Experience with cash handling, end-of-night reconciliation and safe procedures.
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Knowledge of cellar management, including line cleaning, stock rotation and temperature control.
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Familiarity with EPOS, stock control and ordering systems.
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Understanding of CQSMA standards and how to maintain them within a team.
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Proven ability to train, mentor and motivate others to achieve targets.
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Understanding of basic HR procedures, including absence reporting and performance feedback.
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Experience delivering or supporting small events, theme nights or promotions.
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Awareness of health & safety and fire safety procedures within a licensed venue.
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Knowledge of allergen management and food-safety best practice.
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Enthusiasm for hospitality and an interest in progressing within management.
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First Aid at Work qualification (or willingness to obtain).
Benefits
We believe our people are our greatest asset, so we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support wellbeing and help staff thrive both professionally and personally. Alongside the benefits, you’ll have access to development opportunities to grow your skills and achieve your full potential within an innovative and supportive environment.
- Generous annual leave entitlement - 27 days plus bank holidays plus 3 extra days between Christmas and New Year
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Employer funded Health Cash Plan
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Pension Scheme
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Exclusive discounts in our SPAR shop, Wetherspoon Sanctuary, and Asylum, plus an opportunity to get free tickets to events.
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Employee Assistance Programme
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Shopping discounts and rewards
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On-site parking at a minimal cost
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Discounted membership at Hull University Sport and Fitness Centre
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One day paid Volunteering day a year
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Option to attend all staff event days
- Commercial bonus scheme based on the department's net profit.
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Staff feeding includes a meal and a drink from a selection of the menu.
Additional Information
We are committed to ensuring our workforce accurately reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We positively encourage applications from all individuals irrespective of gender, age, home country, ethnic background, sexuality, religious beliefs or disability.
All candidates will be treated equally and all appointments made on merit.
If you require any further information or wish to discuss this role please email [email protected] or telephone 01482 466323.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applicants.
Closing date: Sunday 16th August 2026
Interview dates: Thursday 20th August / Monday 24th August
Proposed start date: 1st September 2026 (or as soon as possible depending on notice periods)
