Bar Manager- Summer Festivals 2025

Job Title: Festival Bar Manager

Job Overview:

Join our Summer Team as a Festival Bar Manager, delivering exceptional beverage experiences across diverse festival venues. We seek seasoned professionals to lead dynamic teams at various bar setups—from VIP lounges and brand sponsor activations to medium-sized and mega bars. You’ll oversee teams ranging from 1–150+ staff, including Assistant Bar Managers, and play a critical role in ensuring the smooth execution of high-volume festival bar operations.

General Responsibilities Across All Levels:

All Bar Managers at Peppermint Events are expected to demonstrate the following competencies, regardless of the size or complexity of the bar:

-Leadership & Team Environment:
Build a motivated, collaborative team environment. Hold team members accountable, address concerns constructively, and ensure a positive work culture.

-Client & Customer Communication:
Engage confidently with clients, ensuring their expectations are met. Address customer concerns promptly while maintaining service excellence.

-Staff Briefings & Training:
Deliver clear, concise staff briefings on products, service standards, licensing regulations, and Challenge 25 compliance. Ensure staff are trained to Peppermint’s service standards.

-Operational Oversight:
Ensure efficient bar operations by monitoring for inefficiencies and reducing wastage or theft. Support sustainability initiatives, such as recycling and stock efficiency.

-Stock Management:
Maintain accurate stock records, minimise wastage, and manage stock levels in collaboration with Stock Managers and Runners.

-Compliance:
Enforce licensing laws, Challenge 25 policies, and health and safety regulations. Conduct licensing training for staff, ensuring responsible alcohol service practices are followed.

-Adaptability in High-Pressure Environments:
Adjust quickly to the fast-paced, dynamic festival environment, handling unexpected challenges with ease.

Role-Specific Responsibilities & Progression Opportunities:

Bar Manager C (Small Bars)

Team Size: 1–12 staff

Setup: Small activations, VIP areas, or bars with simple menus (e.g., beer, wine, spirits with mixers).

Key Responsibilities:
Manage setup and stock organisation, train staff on essential tasks, complete daily paperwork (licensing, cash declarations), and monitor for stock theft. Use radios to liaise with event teams for stock and staffing needs.

Skills to Develop:
Basic stock management, compliance knowledge, operational efficiency, and confidence in leading small teams.

Bar Manager B (Medium Bars)

Team Size: 13–42 staff, including Assistant Managers.

Setup: Bars with larger menus, draught systems, and Mobile Dispense Units (MDUs).

Key Responsibilities:
Delegate responsibilities to a small team of Assistant Managers, ensure staff follow service standards, monitor draught systems, and maintain accurate stock levels. Resolve more complex client issues and ensure service efficiency.

Skills to Develop:
Advanced delegation, team management, technical expertise (draught systems), and strong organisational capabilities.

Bar Manager A (Large Bars)

Team Size: 43–150+ staff, including multiple Assistant Managers and specialised assistants (Stock, Cellar, Till, MDU).

Setup: High-pressure, high-volume festival bars.

Key Responsibilities:
Train large teams, delegate responsibilities to Assistant Managers, conduct briefings on products and compliance, and manage extensive stock operations. Act as the main point of contact for clients and festival management. Handle staffing shortages, stock issues, or equipment failures efficiently.

Skills to Develop:
Expertise in managing large teams, strategic delegation, high-level problem-solving, and strong client relations.

Additional Responsibilities for All Bar Managers:

Inventory & Stock Management:
Stock monitoring, coordinate with the stock department regarding shortages, and manage wastage to contribute to cost-effectiveness.

Customer Experience:
Focus on ensuring customer satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and upholding service excellence.

Quality Assurance & Training:
Maintain high standards of beverage quality and presentation. Conduct comprehensive training for staff to ensure consistency across the team.

Compliance & Safety:
Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations, and conduct licensing training (including Challenge 25 protocols).

Collaboration:
Foster strong collaboration with festival management, optimizing event coordination and bar performance.

Personal Licence Requirements:

Mandatory for Bar Managers overseeing Medium and Large Bars.
Bar Managers may also require a Personal Licence for smaller bars depending on client requirements.

Progression Tip:
We encourage all managers to obtain their Personal Licence to enhance employability and open up higher-paying opportunities.

Working Conditions:

This role requires working outdoors in various weather conditions, standing for long periods, and adapting to flexible schedules based on festival timings.

Operating Environment and Context: Our business is seasonal, with peak demand during the summer months—particularly between June and September. Many of our events take place outdoors, and camping is available for onsite events. Please note, for camping events, you’ll need to bring your own tent and camping gear.

How to Apply:
Please scroll down to complete the application form and upload your most recent CV. If your application meets our criteria, we will contact you to arrange an interview. Rate details will be shared during the interview process or upon successful employment.

Please note: Only apply if you meet the essential criteria for this role and are available for seasonal work in demanding outdoor environments.