Bar & Duty Manager - TESTBED

Reporting to: General Manager

Supported by: Regular bar staff, bar supervisors

Pay Range: 32k – 36k depending on experience, training, and qualifications

Type: Full time, permanent. Evenings/weekends/bank holidays as required. This is an on‑site role.

Start Date: ASAP

Who We Are

TESTBED is a cultural venue in Leeds exploring new ways to bring people together through music, art and ideas. Built as a large, adaptable space, we host everything from live shows and club nights to talks and wider cultural programmes. Now moving into its 2.0 phase, TESTBED has evolved in increments - we are now expanding our programme, growing our audience and shaping a venue that reflects the energy and diversity of Leeds.

A core part of the full‑time team planning and launching Testbed v2.0, the Bar and Duty Manager will be responsible for planning and managing all bar operations and taking on the Duty Manager role at appropriate events. This is a hands‑on role, with the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the development and (re) launch of a creative, vibrant, and professional venue entering its next phase.

• Recruit, train, and manage a team of bartenders, bar supervisors, and support staff; conduct performance evaluations, nurture the team whilst ensuring they are completing their role requirements, provide honest feedback and coaching; resolve conflicts and manage any issues; manage staffing levels to meet demand efficiently.
• Ensure all staff are suitably trained and briefed on venue processes and procedures, The Licensing Act 2003 and any other relevant legislation, key safety information, emergency procedures, and company wide policies.
• Maintain knowledge of licensing and other relevant legislation to ensure compliance to all times, take the role of delegated DPS at appropriate events.
• Lead by example, mucking in when needed but also taking a strategic approach to ensure all responsibilities are met.
• Lead by example, mucking in when needed but also taking a strategic view to ensure all responsibilities are met.
• At certain events, assume the responsibilities of Duty Manager, ensuring smooth operations and all venue policies and procedures are implemented, maintaining high standards of performance across all departments. Producing the event specific Addendum (briefing document) for sign off.
• Ensure the venue ethos is embedded into all your endeavours

• Ensure all customers receive exceptional service by maintaining a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere, a proficient and professional operation, and engaging with staff and guests to foster a positive and enjoyable environment.
• Handle customer complaints or concerns in a discrete, professional and timely manner, ensuring relevant incidents and complaints are escalated instantly.
• Constantly critique and develop the bar offering, from serves, to staff, from process, to layout. Make suggestions for improvements and their implementation. Be aware of trends across bar operations and the drinks industry to support this aim.
• Feed into overall customer experience across wider venue operations, commenting on what is working and what could be improved upon.

• Manage inventory control, including ordering, receiving, and storing alcohol, mixers, garnishes, and bar supplies. Ensure regular stock takes take place and discrepancies are instantly investigated.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels to prevent shortages or overstocking, manage this budget.
• Track and report any wastage or breakages.
• Monitor bar sales and profits, ensuring budgets are met. Implement targets, competitions, and fun incentives for bar staff to drive gross margin.
• Ensure accurate till reconciliation at the end of shifts, provide Event Management with bar specific costs at the end of each event for the venue P&L.
• Handle the purchasing and budget management for the bar, ensuring costs are managed in line with forecasts.
• Ensure procurement, contracting, HR, GDPR, purchase ordering, approval and payments processes are followed.
• Prepare reports for management regarding sales, stock levels, and staff performance.
• Assist external auditors…