Front of House and Bar Manager

Overview

Are you an emerging hospitality champion who loves the arts, thrives in a bustling team environment, and knows how to keep a busy bar running like clockwork? If so, we want to hear from you.

Job Title:

Front of House and Bar Manager

Reports to:

Events and Hires Manager
Pay: £13.65 per hour

Hours:

Approx 21 hours a week (flexible)
Probationary Period: 6 months
Deadline: 10am, Monday 13th July (

Note:

we reserve the right to close applications if a suitable candidate is found before the deadline.)

The Bristol Improv Theatre (BIT) is looking for a hardworking, friendly, trustworthy and ambitious Front of House and Bar Manager to join our close-knit team.

As the welcoming face of our venue, you will play a pivotal role in elevating our audience experience while taking ownership of our commercial hospitality operations. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a dedicated front of house team, find creative ways to optimize our bar income, and directly contribute to the sustainability of the UK's first dedicated improv theatre.

The Bristol Improv Theatre is the UK's first full-time dedicated improv theatre. We create, teach and perform spontaneous theatre that is welcoming, creatively ambitious and unapologetically entertaining. We host renowned improv and comedy acts from all over the UK and overseas, as well as being a hub for talented local troupes.

Our venue, located just off the Triangle in Clifton, is a home for Bristol's amazing improv community. Some people join as students, taking our classes to build confidence and unlock creativity; others jump on stage at monthly improv jams, or perform in shows with the community theatre group, the Unscripted Players. Others just turn up and enjoy the shows and stay for a pint in the bar afterwards;

our theatre has often been described as the friendliest place in Bristol. We also offer bespoke improv training to help businesses with teamwork, creativity and confidence.

Please send a CV and cover letter of no more than 500 words, or a video application lasting no longer than 3 minutes, to  by 10am on Monday 13th July 2026. We reserve the right to close applications early if the right candidate is found before the deadline.

Essential

• 2+ years in a supervisory role in hospitality, ideally in a bar, theatre, cinema, or arts venue.
• Ability to remain calm, decisive and assertive.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A demonstrable commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Highly trustworthy
• Strong understanding of Licensing Act requirements
• High level of initiative and can work autonomously
• Good understanding of Health and Safety law
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required
• Proficient in, or quick to learn, modern venue technologies, including ticketing systems, POS systems, and digital rota management tools
• Comfortable with the physical demands of an active venue environment, including standing for extended periods and manual handling of stock.

Desirable

• A genuine passion for the performing arts.
• First Aid at Work certification.
• Possession of a Personal License for the sale of alcohol, or a willingness to obtain one.

• Foster and create a welcoming and inclusive community environment that is in line with the theatre's brand and values.
• Duty manage two shifts a week and provide supervision and on-shift training for staff.
• Duty manage for high-profile or busy events.
• Act as the first point of escalation for audience complaints or accessibility needs.
• Work closely with the staff team to ensure the smooth running of all front of house systems.
• Manage a small, dedicated team of casual bar staff, ensuring a friendly and reliable work environment.
• Find or provide cover during staff absences.
• Create and manage monthly rotas, ensuring staffing levels are optimised for show capacities and interval rushes.
• Be an out of hours emergency contact for front of house staff (this responsibility is shared between the management team on rotation).
• Ensure the team is knowledgeable about the upcoming events, drink specials, and safety protocols.

The home of live unscripted performance in the West of England.