Job Description

Job Title: Venue Manager

Location:

[Wandsworth Town

Reports to:

Directors / Owners

Contract:

Full-time (flexible hours including evenings and weekends)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced, creative, and commercially minded

Venue Manager

to lead the day-to-day operations of a new multi-use venue combining art workshops, a cafe, and an evening bar with live music and vinyl DJs. THE PURPLE OWL is a new community with big potential. This role requires someone equally comfortable managing people, programming creative activity, delivering excellent hospitality, and building a vibrant community-led space.

The Venue Manager will oversee all aspects of the venue, ensuring high standards across workshops, cafe service, and night-time events, while driving revenue, reputation, and audience growth.

Key Responsibilities1. Venue & Operations Management

Oversee daily operations across all areas of the venue (workshops, cafe, bar, and events) Ensure the venue operates smoothly, safely, and in line with licensing, health & safety, and food hygiene regulations Develop and implement operational procedures and systems Manage opening/closing routines and rota planning
2. Creative Programme & Workshops

Oversee the scheduling and delivery of art workshops throughout the week Liaise with artists, facilitators, and creative partners Ensure workshops are well-promoted, well-attended, and deliver a high-quality participant experience Support the development of new creative programming aligned with the venue's vision
3. Cafe & Daytime Hospitality

Manage the cafe operation, ensuring excellent service and product quality Maintain strong relationships with local suppliers (coffee roasters, bakers, food producers) Monitor stock, wastage, margins, and ordering Ensure consistent presentation and a welcoming atmosphere
4. Night-Time Bar, Live Music & DJs

Oversee evening bar operations, live music, and DJ events Work with promoters, musicians, and DJs to programme engaging events Ensure compliance with licensing laws and sound regulations Manage staffing, security, and customer experience during night-time trading
5. Team Leadership & Staffing

Recruit, train, and manage a diverse team (baristas, bar staff, workshop coordinators, technicians) Create rotas and manage payroll budgets Foster a positive, inclusive, and creative workplace culture Conduct regular team meetings, reviews, and performance management
6. Financial & Commercial Management

Take responsibility for budgets, cash flow, and daily takings Monitor KPIs across cafe, workshops, and events Identify opportunities to grow revenue and improve efficiency Report regularly to the Directors on performance and strategy
7. Marketing, Community & Partnerships

Work with marketing support to promote events, workshops, and offers Build relationships with local creatives, businesses, and community groups Represent the venue positively within the local arts and hospitality scene Support social media and on-the-ground promotion where needed
Person Specification / Essential skill sets

Proven experience managing a hospitality, arts, or mixed-use venue Strong leadership and people management skills Excellent organisational and time-management abilities Experience working with events, live music, or creative programming Strong understanding of food & beverage operations Confident handling budgets and financial reporting Flexible approach to working hours (including evenings and weekends)
Desirable

Background in arts, culture, or creative industries Personal licence holder (or willingness to obtain) Experience working with local suppliers and community-led projects Marketing or event promotion experience
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

On-site parking
Work Location: In person