Front of House Manager - Kingswood Arts : Job Details

An experienced Front of House Manager with relevant experience is needed to join our team at Kingswood Arts, a leading not-for-profit arts centre and cultural hub based in Southwark on a full-time basis. 

Kingswood Arts is a former stately home nestled within the Kingswood housing estate in Dulwich, South London. After some years as a library and then vacant, the house has been reopened and redeveloped into a mixed-use community arts centre and wedding/events venue supported by Hartshorn Hook Enterprises. 

The role will require someone who understands how events work from start to finish. From greeting the customer to the final locking-up procedures, this person needs to ensure the highest standards and top-quality service. 

This is an excellent opportunity to progress your career with a well-established company!

About Us

Kingswood Arts is a new not-for-profit arts centre and cultural hub designed to support its local community through creativity. Located in a stunning 32-room mansion, we offer a range of free and affordable activities, events and performances for young people and families involving music, drama, dance and visual arts. 

We aim to support and give voices to marginalised communities and those who face barriers to accessing arts and culture. Our programme is and always will be co-created with our local community, relevant, affordable and accessible. 

About the Role

To manage Kingswood Arts' front of the house, with a large focus on weddings, events, and hires. You will lead a team of casual staff who deliver top-quality customer service and experiences for our clients. You will oversee daily operations, ensure employee productivity, monitor the efficiency of all processes, and create a positive work environment for employees.

You will play a key role in the organisation and operations of our public creative programme, including planning, logistics, and delivery. As Front of House Manager, you will report to the General Manager, and the Front of House Casual Team will report directly to you. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as on-the-day manager for all Weddings and large events
• Alongside the Wedding and Events Sales manager, help to maintain a confident and high-quality front-of-house team 
• Lead on the training and development of the FOH team 
• Arrange and execute all room set-ups and preparations ahead of weddings and events 
• Provide high-quality food and drinks service at events 
• Where required, deputise for the Wedding and Events sales manager, including but not limited to supporting with viewings and coordination 
• Work with the Wedding and Events Sales Manager on reporting and analysis of events, constantly looking at ways to improve efficiency and service 
• Take deliveries and visitors and generally support the Kingswood Arts office and management of tenants, classes and shows  
• Work with the cleaning & building, and facilities team to ensure the house is clean, tidy and well-maintained 
• Ensure health, safety, and compliance are well managed and up to date - especially relating to F&B 
• Helping to manage access, health and safety and safeguarding across the public programme and participation activities 
• Assist with marketing and audience development as required 
• Support with other areas of the organisation in line with business needs

Required Experience:

• Experience working in events 
• Experience managing people 
• Experience working in a multi-purpose building 
• Acted as a keyholder in a previous position
• Knowledge of financial management and bookkeeping procedures 
• Team management skills 
• Strong organisational skills 
• Strong problem-solving skills 
• Availability to work in shifts, including weekends 

Desirable Experience:

• Experience working on large-scale Weddings 
• First Aid & health and safety training 
• Experience in arts and cultural events planning and delivery 
• Kitchen or bar experience

Benefits:

• Employee discounts and deals for food & beverage offerings across London - such as at The Lucky Club and The Farrier
• Invitations to press nights and launches
• Ticket discounts or complimentary tickets to our shows
• An extra day's holiday for your birthday

Sounds interesting? Click the APPLY button to send your CV for immediate consideration.

Candidates with previous experience or job titles, including; Hospitality Manager, Guest Services Manager, Reception Manager, Customer Service Manager, Venue Manager, Client Relations Manager, Front Desk Manager, Visitor Services Manager, Lobby Manager, and Guest Experience Manager may also be considered for this role.