Bar Manager- Summer Festivals 2026

Role: Festival Bar Manager (Seasonal)

Job Overview

Join our summer festival crew as a Festival Bar Manager, where no two events are the same and great leadership makes all the difference. You’ll be responsible for delivering high-quality bar operations across a range of festival environments, from intimate VIP spaces and brand activations to high-energy, high-volume mega bars.

This role suits experienced bar professionals who thrive in fast-paced settings, enjoy leading teams, and take pride in running smooth, compliant, and customer-focused operations. Depending on the size of the bar, you’ll manage teams ranging from 1 to 150+ staff, supported by Assistant Bar Managers and specialist roles.

What All Peppermint Bar Managers Do Well

Regardless of bar size, all Bar Managers are expected to demonstrate the following:

Leadership & Team Culture: Create a positive, motivated working environment where people feel supported and accountable. Lead by example, manage performance fairly, and address challenges calmly and constructively.

Client & Customer Communication: Represent Peppermint professionally when dealing with clients, sponsors, and festival partners. Handle customer issues confidently while maintaining excellent service standards.

Staff Briefings & Training: Deliver clear, engaging briefings covering products, service expectations, licensing laws, and Challenge 25 compliance. Ensure staff understand their roles and Peppermint’s standards from the outset.

Operational Oversight: Keep bar operations running efficiently, identifying and resolving issues quickly. Monitor wastage, loss, or inefficiencies, and support sustainability initiatives such as recycling and responsible stock usage.

Stock Management: Maintain accurate stock control in collaboration with Stock Managers and Runners, ensuring correct levels, minimal wastage, and clear record-keeping & counts.

Compliance & Safety: Uphold licensing laws, health and safety standards, and responsible alcohol service at all times. Ensure staff are trained and confident in compliance procedures.

Working Under Pressure: Adapt quickly in busy, ever-changing festival environments, responding calmly to staffing changes, technical issues, or unexpected challenges.

Bar Manager Levels & Responsibilities- Rates will differ, depending on bar size, this will be discussed in the interview process.

Bar Manager C – Small Bars

Team Size: 1–12 staff
Set-ups: Small bars, VIP areas, brand activations, simple menus

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee bar setup and stock organisation
• Train staff on core service and compliance expectations
• Complete daily paperwork (licensing, cash declarations)
• Monitor stock security and prevent loss
• Use radios to communicate staffing or stock needs
• Skills You’ll Build
• Stock control fundamentals
• Licensing and compliance confidence
• Leading small teams effectively

Bar Manager B – Medium Bars

Team Size: 13-42 staff, including Assistant Bar Managers
Set-ups: Larger menus, draught systems, Mobile Dispense Units (MDUs)

Key Responsibilities

• Delegate tasks to Assistant Managers
• Monitor draught systems and service flow
• Maintain accurate stock levels across multiple points
• Resolve more complex customer or client issues
• Ensure service consistency during peak periods
• Skills You’ll Build
• Advanced delegation and organisation
• Technical draught knowledge
• Confident team leadership

Bar Manager A – Large Bars

Team Size: 43-150+ staff, including specialist assistants
Set-ups: High-volume, high-pressure festival bars

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and brief large teams across multiple areas
• Delegate strategically to Assistant Managers
• Act as the main point of contact for clients and festival management
• Oversee complex stock operations
• Respond quickly to staffing gaps, stock shortages, or equipment failures
• Skills You’ll Build
• Managing large-scale operations
• Strategic problem-solving
• High-level client and stakeholder management
• Additional Responsibilities (All Levels)
• Deliver excellent customer experiences at all times
• Maintain high standards of drink quality and presentation
• Support consistent training across teams
• Work collaboratively with festival organisers and Peppermint management
• Personal Licence Requirement
• Mandatory for Bar Managers overseeing Medium and Large Bars
• May be required for smaller bars depending on client expectations

Progression Tip:
We strongly encourage managers to obtain their Personal Licence, as this increases earning potential and unlocks progression opportunities.

Working Environment

Peppermint Events is a seasonal business, with peak periods between June and September. Most events are outdoors and may involve long hours, standing for extended periods, and working in varied weather conditions. Camping is available at some events. If camping, you’ll need to bring your own tent and equipment.

How to Apply

Please scroll down to complete the application form and upload your most recent CV. If your application meets our requirements, we’ll be in touch to arrange an interview. Pay rates will be discussed during the interview process or upon successful appointment.

Please only apply if you meet the essential criteria and are available for seasonal, outdoor festival work.

🎥 Want a Feel for the Role?

To give you a better insight into the working environment, watch our “Day in the Life of a Peppermint Manager” video here:
👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MZJblR44Pif_56LfxsRX3z2PxwbPdNcG/view?usp=drive_link

Recruitment & Interview Process

Interviews will take place between January and March. If you are successful in being selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly. If you have not heard from us within 14 days, please assume you have not been selected on this occasion. All interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, and video will be required.

If successful, event bookings typically begin from late April to early May, depending on event schedules. Shifts are usually allocated around six weeks before each event goes live, and availability will be confirmed at that stage.

Before applying, please ensure you have read through all role requirements carefully and that you meet the essential criteria.

When completing your application below, clearly state the role you are applying for. You will be asked about your relevant experience or understanding of the role, as well as why it appealed to you – so please make sure you are familiar with the position before submitting your application.