Bar & Venue Manager
26 days ago
Oxford
We're looking for someone exceptional to help lead one of Oxford's last truly independent music venues. The Library is a craft beer pub, pizza joint and grassroots music venue located in the heart of Cowley Road. We serve 12 lines of carefully selected beer, including five rotating taps, alongside 18" pizzas by the slice and a busy programme of live music, comedy and events. Hiding in plain sight on Cowley Road, we're big enough to be busy but small enough that every decision you make has a visible impact. We're independent, owner-operated and passionate about creating a venue that people genuinely want to spend time in. This isn't a corporate hospitality role. We're looking for someone who wants to take ownership, bring ideas, build a team and help shape the future of a venue with huge potential. About the Role As Bar & Venue Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the business while working closely alongside the owners. This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll be managing shifts, developing staff, overseeing the cellar, planning events, driving sales and ensuring customers have an outstanding experience. You'll have genuine input into: Event programming Beer selection Food and menu development Marketing ideas Business growth The future direction of the venue For the right person, this is an opportunity to run the venue as if it were your own. What You'll Be Responsible For Leading and developing a team of up to 10 staff Creating a positive and high-performing culture Running busy evening and weekend services Cellar management and beer quality Stock control, ordering and supplier relationships Event planning and delivery Recruiting, training and developing staff Growing sales and improving commercial performance Maintaining high operational standards across the venue Helping build The Library's reputation as one of Oxford's best independent venues About You You might already be a manager, or you could be an ambitious supervisor or assistant manager looking for the opportunity to step up. Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys hospitality, loves being around people and takes pride in creating great experiences. You'll ideally have: Previous supervisory, assistant manager or management experience in a pub, bar or hospitality venue Experience leading teams and developing people Good beer knowledge or a genuine interest in craft beer Strong organisational and communication skills Experience planning or delivering events Commercial awareness and an understanding of what drives sales The ability to stay calm and lead from the front during busy services We want someone energetic, positive and proactive. Someone who spots opportunities rather than problems and enjoys finding ways to make things better. Why Work at The Library? Our team stay because it's a genuinely enjoyable place to work. We're independent, which means good ideas can become reality quickly. We encourage creativity, value initiative and give people the freedom to make a real impact. You'll be joining a venue where: The team support each other Customers are friendly and engaged Creativity is encouraged New ideas are welcomed No two weeks look the same You can genuinely influence the future of the business What We Offer £32,000 - £35,000 salary Free pizza on shift Significant autonomy and responsibility Creative input into beer, food and events Opportunities for progression as the business grows The chance to help shape an independent Oxford institution If you're excited by great beer, live events, independent venues and the opportunity to build something special, we'd love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and a short introduction telling us why you'd be a great fit for The Library. TPBN1_UKCT