Bar Manager - Blenheim Palace

Freemans Event Partners; Woodstock; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Freemans Event Partners is hiring Bar Managers for Blenheim Palace Christmas Light Trails. Join a team delivering high‑quality bar service in a festive, outdoor setting at one of the UK’s iconic venues.

Shifts run from mid‑November to January, offering flexible, event‑based work with opportunities to work at other major events nationwide. Leadership and customer service are essential for guiding staff and ensuring smooth operation.

Qualifications

• Previous bar management or supervisory experience in hospitality
• Strong leadership and team motivation
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Able to make decisions in a busy environment
• Stock control, cash handling and bar operations understanding
• Knowledge of responsible alcohol service and licensing compliance
• Organised, proactive and able to manage priorities
• Reliable, punctual and professional
• Willing to work in outdoor winter event
• Available mid-November to January, evenings and weekends

Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day operation of designated bar
• Lead and support team to deliver fast, friendly and efficient service
• Allocate duties and support team during each shift
• Ensure all team members follow procedures, guidelines and uniform requirements
• Monitor stock levels, oversee replenishment and minimise waste
• Ensure tills and payment systems are operated correctly and transactions processed
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation
• Ensure responsible alcohol service and Challenge 25 compliance
• Support bar setup and close‑down procedures
• Monitor service levels during busy periods and respond to challenges
• Communicate with wider management and ops teams to ensure successful delivery of events
• Maintain a safe working environment and health and safety procedures

Skills

Bar management

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Stock control

Cash handling

Decision making

Problem solving

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Location: Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Contract: Casual, Event-Based

Shifts Available: Mid-November 2026 – January 2027

Join Our Team at Blenheim Palace Christmas Light Trails.

We're recruiting experienced and enthusiastic Bar Managers to join our team at Blenheim Palace for the spectacular Christmas Light Trails.

Be part of the team delivering an unforgettable visitor experience at one of the UK's most iconic historic venues, as Blenheim Palace is transformed for the festive season.

With shifts available from mid-November through to January, this is a fantastic opportunity to take on a flexible management role during one of the busiest periods of the year.

As a Bar Manager, you'll play a key role in overseeing bar operations, supporting your team and ensuring visitors receive exceptional service throughout the event. You'll help create a welcoming, efficient and well‑organised environment while maintaining high standards of service, safety and presentation.

With flexible, event‑based shifts and opportunities to work at other major sporting events, festivals and live venues across the UK, there are plenty of opportunities to continue working with Freemans Event Partners throughout the year.

The Role:

As a Bar Manager, you'll be responsible for overseeing the day‑to‑day operation of your designated bar, leading and supporting your team to deliver fast, friendly and efficient service throughout the Blenheim Palace Christmas Light Trails.

You'll help ensure the bar runs smoothly during busy periods, maintain excellent operational standards and create a positive working environment where your team can thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day‑to‑day operation of your designated bar, ensuring service runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Lead, motivate and support your team to deliver exceptional customer service.
• Allocate duties and support team members throughout each shift.
• Ensure all team members follow company procedures, operational guidelines and uniform requirements.
• Monitor stock levels, oversee replenishment and minimise waste.
• Ensure tills and payment systems are operated correctly and all transactions are processed accurately.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation across the bar area.
• Ensure responsible alcohol service and compliance with Challenge 25 and licensing requirements.
• Support bar setup and close‑down procedures, ensuring the area is ready for service and left in excellent condition.
• Monitor service levels during busy periods and respond proactively to operational challenges.
• Communicate effectively with the wider management and operations teams to ensure the successful delivery of each event.
• Help maintain a safe working environment, ensuring health and safety procedures are followed at all times.

About You:

We're looking for people who:

• Are aged 18 or over.
• Have previous bar management or supervisory experience within hospitality, events or a similar fast‑paced environment.
• Have strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and support a team.
• Have excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Are confident making decisions and resolving issues in a busy operational environment.
• Have a good understanding of stock control, cash handling and bar operations.
• Understand the importance of responsible alcohol service, Challenge 25 and licensing compliance.
• Are organized, proactive and able to manage competing priorities.
• Are reliable, punctual and professional.
• Enjoy working as part of a team and leading by example.
• Are available for shifts between mid-November and January, including evenings and weekends.
• Are comfortable working at an outdoor seasonal event during the winter months.

What You'll Receive:

• Flexible, event‑based work around your availability.
• Regular shift opportunities from mid-November through to January.
• The opportunity to manage a bar at the spectacular Blenheim Palace Christmas Light Trails.
• The chance to develop your leadership and operational management experience.
• A supportive team environment working alongside experienced event professionals.
• Valuable experience managing bar operations at a major seasonal visitor attraction.
• Opportunities to work at some of the UK's biggest sporting events, festivals and venues with Freemans Event Partners.

About Freemans Event Partners:

Freemans Event Partners is an award‑winning event hospitality provider, delivering exceptional food, drink and guest experiences at some of the UK's and Europe's leading sporting venues, festivals, attractions and live events.

With over 50 years of experience, we're passionate about creating unforgettable guest experiences while providing rewarding and flexible opportunities for our people.

If you're an experienced hospitality professional who enjoys leading a team, thrives in a fast‑paced environment and takes pride in delivering exceptional service, we'd love to welcome you to the team at Blenheim Palace this Christmas.