Job Description

The Macs Farm is seeking a highly organised and proactive Bar and Catering Manager to join our passionate team. In this role, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day running of our bar and catering services across all aspects of the business -- from weekend campers and pop-up food nights to weddings, private events, and seasonal events. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic, outdoor-focused environment and can lead a team to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational (On-the-Ground)

Oversee all aspects of the bar, including setup, service, stock control, licensing, and close-down procedures. Manage and operate the on-site kitchen (The Mac Shack), including menu development, staffing, compliance, and service delivery. Monitor operational performance across the hospitality division and provide regular reports to the management team to support strategic decision-making. Coordinate food and bar services for events, private hires and corporate bookings. Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and presentation across all catering and bar operations. Serve as the on-site Duty Manager on a rotational basis throughout the summer, overseeing all aspects of the site's operations and addressing any issues arising from the bar, kitchen or campsite. Provide on-the-ground support during live event days, coordinating catering, managing service, solving issues, and assisting the team where needed. Foster a supportive and encouraging work environment that empowers and inspires seasonal staff to deliver excellent customer service. Be the main point of contact for staff queries, complaints, or feedback.

Staffing & Payroll

Oversee and manage all staffing aspects associated with bars and catering, including recruiting, onboarding, training, motivating and appraising. Lead the recruitment of a Cook and collaborate closely to design and implement a diverse, high-quality menu tailored to different days, service times, and special events, ensuring it meets both operational needs and customer expectations. Ensure all team members are briefed, supported, and motivated. Manage monthly PAYE systems, timesheets, and holiday tracking. Create and manage staff rotas, including proactive cover for sick days or last-minute changes.

Strategic Financial Management

Maximise profitable sales through strategic planning and cost controls. Oversee the profit and loss performance across the hospitality division. Implement effective cost-saving strategies, including optimised staffing levels, stock rotation to minimise waste, and the development of innovative, cost-efficient menus. Ensure cashing up, reconciliation, and reporting is done accurately.

Suppliers and Stock

Plan and manage the seasonal street food vendor calendar. Handle vendor outreach, booking, contracts, and logistical planning. Oversee ordering, deliveries, and stock management for the bar, kitchen, and events. Build relationships with local suppliers, breweries, and vendors. Monitor and manage stock across bar, food truck, and events. Champion sustainable procurement practices by sourcing locally, seasonally, and ethically for both bar and kitchen operations, reducing environmental impact and supporting responsible suppliers.

Compliance

Enforce and maintain strict Health and Safety standards across all bar and kitchen operations, ensuring a safe and compliant working environment. Maintain up-to-date Health & Safety documentation, including risk assessments and food safety records. Ensure all staff are trained in relevant procedures.

Licensing & Documentation

Handle applications and renewals for alcohol licensing and food hygiene ratings. Maintain accurate records for inspections or audits.

What We're Looking For:

Experience in hospitality or catering management in a busy, dynamic environment -- ideally with both operational and admin responsibility. Strong commercial acumen with proven experience in budget management, stock control, and supplier negotiations and relationships. Strong organisational and communication skills. Comfortable working independently and managing multiple streams of work. Confident people manager with experience recruiting, training, developing, and leading mixed teams Good understanding of food hygiene, health & safety, and staff licensing requirements. Confident with basic payroll systems and contracts (training can be provided). Passionate about creating great guest experiences and supporting local food & drink. IT literate -- comfortable using Excel, POS systems, basic accounting tools and rota and stock management software. Food Hygiene Level 2 or 3 certification (or willing to obtain). WSET qualification (desirable). Full driving license preferred due to rural location. Experience working with outdoor or single pop-up events (desirable). Knowledge of sustainable procurement and waste reduction within bar and kitchen management (desirable).

What We Offer:

Opportunity to develop and grow the bar and catering side of the business Involvement in unique events and a creative, collaborative team Beautiful countryside work environment and use of farm facilities Staff discounts and meals on shift
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 16.00 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

Hassocks BN6 8GT: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:

Customer service: 1 year (preferred) Managerial: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person