Backstage Duty Manager

Department/Team: Backstage Operations

Hours: 24 hrs weekly contract (working flexibly across evening, weekend, and Bank Holidays; in line with performance schedules and according to business needs).

Location: The Old Vic, The Cut, London, SE1 8NB

Salary: £16.31 per hour

Responsible to: Backstage General Manager

Backstage

Backstage is a project for the future – a six-storey space for creativity, education and community right next door to our historic building. Together with award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins, we have built a low-carbon building that includes:

• A welcoming public café and workspace during the day, which evolves into a vibrant bar and restaurant at night
• A Clore Learning Centre for our award-winning outreach work
• A Writers’ Room where creatives can work
• A free to use Script Library
• A modern and flexible rehearsal room which can transform into a Studio theatre
• An event space and terrace

We believe Backstage creates a stronger The Old Vic for the future, providing a welcoming space for our generation and the next.

Within Backstage, the F&B offer is primarily centred around the ground floor and first-floor café and bar space – but also extends to event catering provision and a grab-and-go offer for the theatre. The daytime artisanal café will serve the very best coffee, coupled with delicious baked goods. A comfortable place where culture meets great coffee in a vibrant and dynamic space.

This same space then seamlessly transitions into an enticing evening bar – a destination. A socially inspired bar/dining offer; celebrating cultural diversity, vibe and buzz in a stylish and comfortable environment coupled with a strong ‘sense of place’ as an intrinsic part of The Old Vic as a whole.

The Backstage F&B team is responsible for all Food & Beverage related activities within Backstage and The Old Vic theatre itself. The team includes the Operations Director, Backstage General Manager, Head of FOH Operations, Head of Customer Experience, Backstage Chef, Chef de Partie, KPs, Backstage Duty Managers, and Backstage FOH Crew (Bartenders, Baristas and Waiting staff).

The post holder reports to the Backstage General Manager. By the nature of the post, they will work with all departments of The Old Vic Group.

Role summary

The role of the Backstage Duty Manager is to manage the Backstage Operations, including all relevant staff for designated service and events, as specified by the Backstage General Manager. Always ensuring the comfort and safety of The Old Vic’s audience.

• Operate the EPOS/till systems and accurately process all transactions.
• Solve EPOS/till systems problems and challenges if required.
• Carry out opening and closing duties, according to the rota.
• Assist with stock rotation, stock counts and stocktake as required.
• Report maintenance, health & safety, or customer service issues to management.
• Support events, private hires, and theatre hospitality functions as necessary.
• Keep up to date with knowledge of products, menus, wines, beers and any ‘specials’.
• Support Backstage General Manager with staff training and product knowledge.
• Carry out closing the Backstage building and set alarm system.

• Acting as the primary point of contact for staff and guests.
• Representing The Old Vic values and mission to staff, company, customers and clients.
• Leading on fire evacuation to ensure the safety of guest and staff.
• Liaising with staff and management in events of emergency and evacuation.
• Managing the daily Headline Security Team, to ensure that the building and patrons are safe and secure, following procedures and protocols.
• Ensure H&S is always adjured to staff and audience.

• Create a daily briefing sheet for…