Role: Assistant Bars and Duty Manager
Company: Islington Assembly Hall
Salary: £36,345- £37,437
Closes: 09/07/2025
Job overview
Are you passionate about event management and the world of hospitality and ready to take the next steps in your career?
Islington Assembly Hall, an iconic London venue, is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Bars & Duty Manager (ABDM) to join our team.
Islington Assembly Hall (IAH) is an 950-capacity venue managed by Islington Council. For over 13 years, IAH has been operating as a live music venue in the heart of the borough bringing the community huge names including Skepta, Ezra Collective, Coldplay and Jack White to name a few.
IAH host a diverse range of events, including live music concerts (80% of total business), wedding receptions, private and corporate functions and council events. Our bar service is a vital component of our business, playing a significant role in generating income.
As Assistant Bars & Duty Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our events, with a focus on delivering exceptional bar services. This is a unique opportunity to be part of an exciting and vibrant team, where no two days are the same.
If you have a strong background in bars and/or events, are a proactive, customer-focused and detail-oriented professional looking for a dynamic role in a thriving venue, we want to hear from you.
Please read the job description and person specification below. If you would like to talk to us more about this opportunity or ask us questions about the application form and process, we are hosting an open day at Islington Assembly Hall on Wednesday 2ndJuly. Email us on [email protected] or call Sammy on 02075272743 to confirm your attendance.
The position requires the post-holder to work late nights, weekends and some early mornings.
Recruitment dates:
Open day for application support: Wednesday 2nd July
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 9th July
Expected Interviews date: Tuesday 15th July
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the Bars and Duty Manager, Sammy Winters, 02075272743.
Main Duties
You will manage the smooth running of events at Islington Assembly Hall, overseeing the functionality of the bars and supervising all event staff.
You will work closely with the coordination team to provide a professional service to our clients and customers, ensuring policies and procedures for the venue are adhered to, licensing objectives are met, and the safety of customers is prioritised.
During events you will be the main point of contact for our key event stakeholders including promoters and reps within the music industry.
Working with fellow ABDM, you will train and manage the bar staff, box office and cloakroom staff ensuring a professional and efficient service.
You will collaborate with the Bars & Duty Manager, developing an understanding of our diverse customer demographics. You will develop and deliver strategic drinks initiatives aimed at boosting the spend per head during events with suggested products, promotions and marketing plans.
You will need to show initiative and be proactive in identifying potential issues and hazards and be able to solve problems quickly.
Work benefits:
- 31 days annual leave (increasing to 36 days after five years in service)
- Islington Council match 8% pension contribution
- Excellent learning and development opportunities, appropriate to your role
- Respectful working environment
- Wellbeing support
- Chance to contribute to the strategic direction of the venue
- Discount on Better gym membership
- Interest Free Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
You will be committed to the Council’s core values of public service, quality, equality and empowerment and to demonstrate this commitment in the way duties are carried out.
Working for the team, service and our organisation
Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future.
We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.
To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.
Our offer to you We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
- Excellent local government pension scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.