Assistant Bar Manager- Summer Festivals 2026

Assistant Bar Manager (Seasonal)

Job Overview

As an Assistant Bar Manager, you’ll play a key role in supporting Bar Managers across festivals and events throughout the UK. You’ll help keep bar operations running smoothly, support teams on the ground, and ensure a high-quality customer experience, even at peak festival pressure.

This is a hands-on, fast-paced role that suits confident hospitality professionals who enjoy problem-solving, supporting people, and adapting quickly. Responsibilities will vary depending on the size and type of bar, meaning no two events (or shifts) are ever the same.

Types of Bars You May Support

You may work across a range of bar environments, including:

Large Bars – Supporting operations across teams of 60+ staff, often split into specialist departments

Medium & Small Bars – More hands-on team and operational support

Ale Bars – Managing draught beer systems, keg tapping, and racking

VIP / Boutique Bars – Premium service environments with table service elements

Brand Activation Bars – Sponsor-led bars requiring strong brand awareness and presentation

Key Responsibilities

Your duties will depend on the size and structure of the bar, but may include responsibility for one or more of the following areas.

Staffing Assistant Manager Responsibilities

Staff Sign-In & Sign-Out: Support accurate sign-in and sign-out procedures to ensure correct payroll tracking and documentation.

Break Management: Coordinate staff breaks fairly and efficiently, ensuring service levels are maintained during peak trading periods.

Staff Welfare: Monitor staff wellbeing throughout shifts and report any incidents, accidents, or concerns to the Bar Manager.

Paperwork & Compliance: Ensure all required paperwork is completed and signed correctly in line with instructions from the Bar Manager.

Job Allocation: Assist with assigning staff roles such as Till Operators, Servers, and Bar Backs to ensure smooth operations.

Cellar / Stock Assistant Manager Responsibilities

Kegs & Draught Equipment: Train and support staff to change kegs safely and efficiently, ensuring minimal downtime and smooth service.

Packaged Stock & Shelf Replenishment: Oversee Bar Backs to ensure shelves remain stocked during busy periods.

Mobile Dispense Units (MDUs) & Pouring Machines: Ensure MDUs are correctly staffed and operated. Monitor beer temperatures to reduce wastage and report technical issues promptly.
Full MDU training will be provided if you do not already have experience.

Lorry & Stock Flow Management: Monitor stock movement, ensuring unopened stock is returned and accurate stock counts are maintained. Communicate updates to the Bar Manager.

You will require your own steel toe cap boots for this role. Safety gloves will be provided.

Technical Assistant Manager Responsibilities

Till Distribution & Tracking: Sign tills in and out correctly, ensuring all documentation and till numbers are accurately recorded.

Till Preparation & Security: Prepare and charge spare tills for service, ensuring all tills are attended and secured at all times.

Till Training & Support: Train staff on till use, refunds, and troubleshooting. Resolve issues quickly to maintain service flow.

Theft Prevention: Ensure tills are never left unattended or accessible to the public.

Licensing & Compliance Support

All Assistant Bar Managers are expected to actively support licensing compliance, including:

Challenge 25: Ensure staff are correctly checking ID and understand acceptable forms of identification.

Proxy Sales Awareness: Remain vigilant for potential proxy sales and escalate concerns to the Bar Manager where needed.

Managing Intoxication: Identify signs of intoxication, support staff with refusals of service, and escalate situations involving customer welfare or medical concerns.

Smaller Bar Responsibilities

On smaller bars, you may cover multiple areas (staffing, stock, and technical support) in coordination with the Bar Manager. While operations may be less complex, maintaining efficiency, compliance, and service standards remains essential.

Skills & Experience

• Experience in bar operations or hospitality, ideally within festivals or large-scale events
• Confident leadership skills with the ability to support and motivate teams
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities
• Flexible and adaptable approach to different bar environments
• Understanding of stock control, customer service, and licensing standards
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-pressure situations

Working Environment

Peppermint Events is a seasonal business, with peak demand between June and September. Most roles are outdoors and may involve long shifts, 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.

🎥 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=sharing

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.

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, 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.