Bar Supervisor

Role Overview

Riverside Studios is a multi-arts centre located on the banks of the River Thames in Hammersmith, presenting contemporary theatre, film, visual arts, and television production. Alongside its artistic programme, Riverside Studios offers a vibrant hospitality experience for audiences, visitors, and event clients.

The Bar Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily bar operations, ensuring efficient service delivery, and maintaining high standards of hospitality across all bar areas. The role involves leading front-of-house bar teams during busy service periods, including pre-show, interval, and post-show service, while maintaining strong stock control and revenue performance.

This position requires a hands-on leader who can maintain service pace during high-volume theatre intervals while ensuring exceptional guest experience, compliance with licensing regulations, and effective team coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Bar Operations & Service Delivery

• Supervise daily bar operations across all public-facing bar areas
• Ensure fast, efficient service during peak periods, particularly theatre intervals
• Maintain high standards of product presentation, cleanliness, and bar organisation
• Monitor stock availability and ensure bars remain fully operational during service
• Ensure drinks are served consistently according to venue standards
• Resolve customer queries or complaints professionally
• Support the implementation of promotional offers and upselling initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all licensing laws and responsible alcohol service
• Maintain safe, clean, and organised bar environments
• Ensure team adherence to food safety and hygiene standards
• Record incidents, maintenance issues, or operational concerns promptly

Stock Control & Product Management

• Monitor bar stock levels and ensure adequate product availability before service
• Support stock ordering processes and inventory management
• Ensure proper stock rotation and storage practices
• Minimise wastage and record breakages or discrepancies
• Support accurate stock counts and inventory audits

Event & Performance Service Support

• Support bar operations during private events and special performances
• Coordinate with events and kitchen teams to ensure smooth service delivery
• Adjust staffing and service setup based on event requirements
• Ensure bars are appropriately prepared before audience arrival and intervals

Team Leadership & Staff Supervision and Training

• Lead and motivate bar teams during busy service periods
• Conduct pre-shift briefings covering service priorities, stock availability, and promotions
• Allocate duties across bar staff to ensure efficient service flow
• Provide training and on-the-job coaching to maintain service standards
• Support new staff onboarding and competency development
• Maintain positive team morale and clear communication during high-pressure service periods
• All team members up to date on required compliance training

KPIs

• Service speed targets achieved during interval service windows
• Queue times maintained within operational benchmarks (e.g., under 5 minutes)
• Average transaction value growth through effective upselling
• Reduction in service errors
• Positive team feedback and staff engagement levels
• Stock variance maintained within agreed tolerance (e.g., <1–2%)
• Reduction in product wastage and breakages
• 100% completion of scheduled stock counts

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous bar supervisory experience in hospitality, events, or theatre environments
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to manage high-volume service periods
• Good knowledge of bar operations and stock control
• Excellent customer service skills

Desirable

• Personal Licence Holder (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience in arts or cultural venues
• Knowledge of POS and stock management systems