Bar & Operations Manager

About The Venue Paarl

The Venue Paarl is a premier wedding and events venue set on Blacksmith Estate in Upper Long Street, Paarl. We host weddings, corporate functions and conferences, and we care deeply about getting every detail right — from the first setup of the morning to the last glass cleared at night. We’re a close-knit team building something special: not just a venue, but a place where people make unforgettable memories.

The Role

We’re looking for a hands-on Bar & Operations Manager to take charge of the practical, on-the-ground execution of our events. This is the person who makes sure every event is set up beautifully, runs smoothly on the day, and is broken down and reset properly afterwards — with a particular focus on bar operations, stock control, AV and overall operational readiness.

You’ll work in close collaboration with our Events Manager, Venue Manager and Head of Housekeeping, and you’ll be our primary Bar Manager on every event day. It’s a busy, varied role for someone who is organised, technically capable, calm under pressure and genuinely takes ownership of their work.

Key Responsibilities

Event Setup, Breakdown & Venue Readiness

• Plan and execute venue setup and breakdown for all events, in line with approved function sheets and floor plans
• Set up and reset ceremony, reception and event spaces, coordinating furniture placement and layout changes
• Make sure the venue is clean, safe and fully prepared ahead of every event, and secured before and after
• Conduct pre-event walkthroughs and complete post-event checklists, reporting any issues

Bar Management & Beverage Operations

• Act as Bar Manager on all event days — overseeing bar setup, layout, service and breakdown
• Supervise and direct casual bartenders and bar staff, assigning roles and maintaining service standards
• Manage bar stock, glassware and equipment, and conduct stock takes before and after each event
• Create custom bar menus and attend client meetings (with the Events Manager) to plan beverages and bar arrangements
• Ensure responsible service of alcohol and compliance with venue policies

POS Systems & Bar Administration (Yoco)

• Maintain and update the Yoco POS system — drinks pricing, stock levels, event-specific bar tabs and sales/stock reports
• Send bar tabs to clients after events, update stock levels and reconcile bar sales against inventory

Stock Control & Storage

• Keep the venue loft and storage areas organised, clearly marked and accounted for
• Manage stock movement during setup and breakdown, monitor levels across venue assets and report shortages or damage

Audio-Visual (AV) Management

• Act as primary on-site AV support — set up, test and operate sound systems, microphones, projectors and screens
• Assist clients, DJs, MCs, musicians and speakers with technical requirements and troubleshoot basic AV issues on the day
• Coordinate with external AV suppliers where needed, and pack away, store and maintain equipment after events

Venue Maintenance, Safety & Compliance

• Handle minor repairs and upkeep (lights and basic electrical, furniture repairs, painting), escalating larger issues
• Maintain the first aid kit, arrange fire-equipment servicing and help keep the venue to health and safety standards
• Oversee glass, recycling and waste sorting during and after events

Client, Event & Logistics Support

• Provide on-the-day operational support across weddings, functions and conferences, resolving practical issues discreetly
• Support client viewings and tastings when needed, and assist with wine service
• Handle work-related collections, deliveries and transport of venue items and stock
• Assist with social media content and help set up special venue initiatives such as concerts, music nights and shows

What We’re Looking For

This is a senior, hands-on role and we’re looking for someone properly experienced — a safe pair of hands who can run the operational and bar side of a busy venue with minimal supervision.

• A minimum of 5+ years’ relevant experience in venue operations, events, bar or hospitality management
• A proven track record of taking full ownership and delivering to a high standard, without being chased
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle several operational priorities at once, under pressure
• Real bar and beverage management experience, with a solid understanding of responsible alcohol service and stock control
• Technical confidence — comfortable operating sound and AV equipment and running a POS system (Yoco experience a strong plus)
• Experience supervising and directing staff on event days
• A valid driver’s licence, for occasional collections and deliveries
• Physically fit and able — the role involves lifting, moving furniture, being on your feet and working long event days
• Willing and available to work evenings, weekends and public holidays, as the events calendar requires
• A team player who works well with colleagues, clients, suppliers and casual staff, and represents the venue professionally

The Details

• Position & location: Full-time, based on-site at The Venue Paarl, Blacksmith Estate, Upper Long Street, Groenvlei, Paarl
• Remuneration: Market-related, commensurate with experience
• Hours: Standard 40-hour week (Mon–Fri, 08:00–17:00) on non-event days, with evening, weekend and public-holiday work as the events calendar requires
• Travel: Work-related travel in your own vehicle is reimbursed at the applicable SARS tariff against a fuel log
• Probation: A three-month probationary period applies

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced, hands-on operator ready to take charge of the bar and operational side of a busy events venue, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a short motivation telling us about your relevant experience and your availability.

Email your application to: info@thevenuepaarl.co.za

Subject Line: Bar & Operations Manager

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.