Job description

Duty and Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Support the Commercial Operations Manager and Commercial Management Team in the day-to-day operation of all food, beverage and events within Lower Deck and other Greenwich Students' Union spaces.
• Take an active role in leading operational shifts, ensuring venues operate safely, efficiently and in line with organisational standards.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality food, beverages, events, and service to meet the expectations of our diverse student community and visitors.
• Assist in managing maintenance issues and maintaining cleanliness, presentation, and a welcoming atmosphere in the venues.
• Work with the Commercial Management Team in stock management, ensuring availability, correct stock levels, and achieving gross profit margins.
• Ensure beverages are served in compliance with licensing regulations and company policy.
• Participate in maintaining high levels of presentation across our bars and spaces.
• Engage with customers and provide support to the team during service.
• Assist in implementing efficient roster management to ensure effective operational cover and staffing during peak hours and events.
• Help ensure casual staff receive appropriate induction, training, appraisal, and supervision.
• Monitor staff deployment and expenditure to maintain excellent service within budget.
• Support the Commercial Operations Manager in providing suitable instruction and direction to staff for delivering bars and entertainment services in line with policies.
• Aid in responding quickly to changing business patterns while managing costs and staffing levels within budget.
• Assist in completing departmental operating plans, strategic reviews, and KPI reports as required.
• Work with the Commercial Management Team in recruiting, training, and leading a skilled team of food service professionals.
• Support staff development through ongoing training, performance evaluations, and regular feedback sessions.
• Assist in running team incentives to promote sales and upselling.

Food and Drink

• Work with the Commercial Management Team in continuously reviewing and enhancing our food and beverage offerings to align with student preferences and market trends.
• Support the management of relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure a consistent and reliable supply chain.
• Be knowledgeable about the products sold and be able to make recommendations to customers.
• Participate in running offers and promotions at the correct times.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Take a Lead in planning and coordinating special events and functions held within the food and beverage outlets.
• Collaborate with event organisers and clients to understand their requirements and deliver exceptional service during events.
• Ensure timely and appropriate preparation and layout of the venue for events/bookings.
• Collaborate with the Marketing coordinator on Social Media posts of events and venue functions.
• Ensure all administration that you are responsible for is carried out in the correct manner.
• Control admission procedures to the premises in line with the legal requirements and policies of GSU.

Finance and Reporting

• Assist in managing department budgets and expenses.
• Prepare incident, accident, and end-of-day reports.
• Work with the Commercial Management Team to set and achieve financial targets and budgets for the outlets.
• Comply with GSU's Financial Regulations, Standards, and Procedures, particularly in relation to stock control, purchasing, timesheets and payment of contractors and artists.
• Ensure prompt submission of relevant financial information to the finance department.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Work within licensing, health, and safety policies, safeguarding, hygiene and other regulations pertaining to the operation of the venue, ensuring all staff are trained appropriately.
• Support the Commercial Operations Manager in maintaining strict adherence to food hygiene and safety standards, conducting regular checks to ensure compliance.
• Contribute to written risk assessments for all events in line with policies and procedures.

General Responsibilities

• Represent and be an ambassador for GSU.
• Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop, or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position.
• Maintain and improve competencies through continuous professional development.
• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct and practices.
• Support and promote workplace liberation, diversity, equality, and inclusion of opportunity.
• Treat with confidentiality any personal, private, or sensitive information about individual organisations, clients, staff, and Project data.
• Actively seek better ways to assist GSU in becoming a more sustainable workplace.
• Any other duties commensurate with the accountabilities of the post

Personal Specification

Essential Attributes

• Previous experience as a supervisor or Assistant Manager with significant industry experience in high-turnover venues, covering a comprehensive range of events.
• Experience in managing a varied staff team, demonstrating strong leadership and team development skills.
• A proven track record of successfully working towards financial targets and the ability to understand budgets in an evolving marketplace, showing adaptability and business acumen.
• Experience in managing and developing a complex and diverse range of activities showcasing creativity and imagination.
• Exceptional customer service and creating a welcoming environment for students.
• Excellent communication skills and a positive attitude while interacting with clients and co-workers.
• Excellent self-motivated problem solver, with the ability to meet deadlines effectively.
• Ability to handle difficult or conflict situations and communicate effectively both orally and in writing at all levels.
• Excellent time management, organisational, and planning skills.
• Demonstrated accountability, responsibility, reliability, and amenability.
• Familiarity with relevant software and tools for managing schedules, inventory, and reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, as well as an understanding of social media platforms.
• Must be willing to work late nights and weekends as required.

Desirable Attributes

• Formal relevant catering qualifications – Health and Safety Level 3, First Aid etc.
• Corporate hospitality, events, and entertainment experience.
• Good experience in managing health & safety and security legislation.
• Technical understanding of lighting, sound, and other production equipment.
• Understanding and knowledge of working within the student sector.

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements

• All Commercial Services staff may be asked to work at other campus outlets on an ad hoc basis to assist with day-to-day operations and events.
• Innovative and forward-thinking approach to continued improvement.
• Able to travel extensively within the Borough and Region.
• Able to work unsociable hours and stay overnight where necessary.
• Work well in a team with a flexible approach to work.
• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• An ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the Organisation.