Underbelly Boulevard Soho - Bar Duty Manager

Job Title: Bar Duty Manager
Department: Bar
Reports To: Bar Manager
Salary: £15.30/hr
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Type: Part-time, permanent
Hours: Approximately 30 hours per week, subject to venue programming

Underbelly Boulevard is a vibrant new live entertainment venue in the heart of Soho, home to music, cabaret, variety, and comedy - with a fully equipped cocktail bar to match. The venue features a 200-capacity auditorium, a studio space available for hire, and daytime event facilities for readings, workshops, and private functions. Known for our creativity, good vibes, and unforgettable nights out, we bring the spirit of the Fringe to the heart of London.

JOB PURPOSE

• Lead, train, and motivate the bar team to deliver outstanding guest experiences with energy and professionalism.
• Provide a safe and secure site for visitors and staff.
• Lead in maintaining an immaculate presentation of public areas.
• Maintain a positive, enthusiastic and collaborative way of working on the ground alongside staff.
• Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of Underbelly Boulevard — including upcoming shows and events, bar menus, and venue policies — to confidently handle guest queries and resolve issues without unnecessary escalation.
• Prepare staff briefing sheets, record attendance, and report sickness, lateness, or absence as required via the rota system.
• Collaborate closely with the Bar Manager on upcoming menus, specials, and service improvements.

ROLE

Bar Management

• Oversee all aspects of bar operation during shifts, ensuring consistency, speed, and quality across programmed shows, private hires and bar events. 
• Lead and motivate the bar team, including training new staff, delegating duties, and fostering a positive, enthusiastic work culture.
• Run bar briefings and debriefs to inform and inspire staff, ensuring excellent guest experiences at all times.
• Manage daily staffing needs — adjusting shift timings, arranging breaks, and assigning roles to keep the team balanced and happy.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, and hygiene, ensuring full compliance with licensing, HACCP, and food handling requirements.
• Monitor stock levels, complete daily checks, assist with ordering, and ensure all storage areas are clean and organised.
• Support service by preparing, serving, and maintaining consistent quality in drinks and food, even under pressure.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of our signature grazing boards (charcuterie boards )as part of the bar service.
• Maintain an organised and clean bar, stock room and back of house areas.
• Demonstrate strong product knowledge, understanding key serves and seasonal menus.
• Handle end-of-shift cashing up, reporting, and closing procedures accurately.

• Collaborate with the Bar Manager to develop cocktail specials, improve menus, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Health & Safety

• Understand and be able to implement the Underbelly Boulevard’s health and safety policies, including emergency and evacuation procedures, and be confident in the execution of these procedures.
• Lead staff in all aspects of safety, emergency and evacuation procedures as required.
• Give inductions to new members of staff, providing in depth knowledge of the Underbelly Boulevard’s evacuation procedures.
• Log any Accidents, Incidents and/or Near Misses.
• Assist in the conducting of health and safety checks when required, reporting any possible hazards that are discovered which could affect visitors or staff members on site.
• Have an awareness of the Underbelly Boulevard’s Safeguarding Policy.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Previous bar supervisory or management experience.
• Minimum 1 year’s experience in a cocktail bar environment, or strong cocktail knowledge with a genuine passion for quality drinks.
• Ability to work well under pressure, stay calm, prioritise tasks, and use initiative effectively.
• Confident presentation skills and the ability to address and engage large groups.
• The ability to work flexible shifts, especially weekends and late evenings on a consistent reliable basis.
• Clear and confident verbal communication skills with guests and colleagues alike.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent timekeeping skills.
• Positive and flexible approach with the ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently. 
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a sense of humour and enthusiasm for team spirit!

Desirable

• First aid trained.
• Advanced knowledge of cocktails, spirits, or wine.

STAFF BENEFITS

• Work in one of Soho’s most creative and dynamic venues.
• Free entry to shows at Underbelly venues (subject to availability).
• Training and development opportunities within Underbelly.
• 25% discount at Underbelly bars.
• Staff social events.
• Industry events and private training sessions sourced by Bar Manager.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Underbelly is committed to reducing its environmental impacts in its everyday operations. We are also committed to maintaining the open-access policy of Underbelly. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

It is the policy of Underbelly to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements that cannot be shown to be justifiable.

We expect employees to support these commitments and to assist in their realisation.

https://underbellyboulevard.com