Job Overview
Employer: Axholme Brewing Company Ltd (trading as Docks Beers)
Maternity Cover: Fixed term Contract to cover Maternity Leave inital 9 Month Period
Hours: 35 hours per week (including weekends) Hours will increase during busy times.
Docks Academy encourages and adopts a flexible working approach, therefore, any time accrued can be taken in lieu at a future date.
During quiet periods, the Academy team flexes to support other departments in the business where necessary such as Taproom, Outbound Events and DocksFest.
Salary: £13.50 per hour
Holiday: 23 days annual leave (pro-rata) + 8 bank and public holidays/span>
Closing Date: Friday 25th April 2025, 5pm
Start Date: Monday 2nd June 2025
About Us
Docks Beers is an independent brewery and taproom located in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, known for its dedication to crafting accessible, high-quality beers. Our brewery is committed to pushing the boundaries of brewing while ensuring our space remains welcoming and inclusive to all.
Located above our brewery and taproom is Docks Academy, a dynamic and versatile cultural venue that opened its doors in March 2020. The Academy offers a flexible space accommodating up to 200 seated or 300 standing guests. It hosts a diverse and engaging programme, including live music performances, theatre productions, stand-up comedy, performing arts showcases, lectures, creative workshops, exhibitions and private occasions.
Under the strategic leadership of our Directors, Docks Academy is not just a venue but a cultural hub. Our mission is to enrich the local community’s access to the arts by bringing high-calibre performers and cultural experiences from across the UK and beyond to the heart of Grimsby. Simultaneously, we are deeply invested in nurturing and supporting local grassroots talent, offering them a platform to grow and engage with new audiences.
We are passionate about ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or ability, can experience the joy of live performance and cultural expression. As such, our venue strives to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, reflecting our belief that culture should be available to all.
The Role
We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised, and experienced Deputy Venue Manager to join our team. This hands-on and dynamic role will support the Docks Academy Senior Management Team to ensure the highest standards in event delivery, customer service, and overall venue operations. The Deputy Venue Manager will work closely with the Senior Venue Management Team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and contribute to creating an excellent visitor experience. Main areas of work include the delivery of Docks Academy events, supporting the implementation of health and safety procedures, overseeing the administration of Academy schedules, managing front-of-house and bar operations, coordinating the visitor experience, developing accessibility advocacy, and ensuring the operations and maintenance of the venue space.
The role will include evening and weekend work, as well as taking part in some outbound events attended by the business.
Roles and Responsibilities (not an exhaustive list)
● Be available to duty manage or manage bars throughout the academy schedule.
● Contribute the implementation of safety protocols and emergency procedures, including conducting training with relevant staff to ensure all are up to change with any relevant changes to health and safety procedures and policies.
● Support the Senior Venue Management Team in planning and coordinating events hosted in the venue.
● Assist with scheduling, set up and breakdown of events.
● Assist Senior Venue Management Team with administrative tasks, including:
● Schedule (Artist, Stage & Light and Staffing)
● Book security, tech crew and load in / load out crew when required
● Continually collaborate with security personnel to ensure a secure environment for events.
● Distribute artist information received by the Head of Music.
● Contribute ideas and ensure audiences’ journeys and experience are second to none.
● Advocate for accessibility procedures and develop policies and procedures to ensure the venue can aspire to be accessible for all
(Visual story / Attitude is Everything / Further staff training / Access Audit delivery).
● Coordinate maintenance assistance for repairs and improvements.
● Assist in financial tasks, including reviewing Academy spending, logging budgets and invoicing.
● Create ideas in which the Academy can improve spend per head at various events.
● Review systems used within the Academy and ensure they are still fit for purpose (Ticketing systems / Audio systems / Radio communication systems).
● Identify requirements and needs with regards to recruitment, staff and supervision of venue staff.
● Oversee the management of staff / security schedules to ensure adequate coverage during various types of events, ensuring monitoring and adjusting staff levels based on business needs and event progress.
● Oversee the cleaning team, manage cleaning schedules, and ensure the venue is set up to required specifications for events, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and presentation.
● Conduct staff training sessions on standards, customer interaction, disability awareness, fire evacuations and emergency procedures.
● Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
● Review the overall visitor experience.
● Manage relevant budgets and create / implement strategies to maximise revenue and profitability.
● Coordinate staff schedules of all bar, front of house and box office staff and assign roles.
● Rota’s – ensure optimal number and skill mix of staff needed for an event depending on ticket sales / risk rating of the event.
● Christmas Party administration
● Ordering stock and producing a stock management system.
● Ability to manage multiple events and tasks simultaneously, including scheduling, setup, and breakdown of events.
● Strong organisational skills to ensure smooth event execution, manage dressing rooms, artist riders, and briefings for staff and security
● Being able to handle the time-sensitive nature of event setups, breakdowns, and artist needs, while also maintaining the venue
● Knowledge of bar processes, including stock management, pricing, setting up the bar (e.g. labelling beers), and deep cleaning
● Ability to monitor and order supplies, ensuring the venue is stocked with cleaning products, bar stock, and other essentials
● Skills in monitoring and maintaining bar equipment, and coordinating repairs or replacements when needed.
● Understanding customer preferences and profitability to suggest and develop drink menus and offerings.
● Proficiency with spreadsheets (e.g., managing ticket sales, inputting information into schedules, bar reviews, evaluation data)
● Strong written and verbal communication skills to manage emails, phone calls, and venue inquiries
● Ability to keep schedules up-to-date, track ticket sales across multiple platforms, and ensure records are accurate
● Ability to lead by example, foster a positive work environment, and ensure staff are supported during events.
● Skills in training staff on bar operations, new drink offerings, sales techniques, customer service, and health and safety standards
● Experience in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding staff, along with supporting payroll processes
● Capacity to evaluate staff performance, provide constructive feedback, and encourage growth within the team
● Understanding of health and safety procedures, ability to conduct weekly checks, and ensuring compliance with regulations
● Familiarity with basic first aid procedures and awareness of venue security
● Ability to contribute ideas and initiatives that enhance the audience’s journey and experience at the venue
● Skill in handling customer complaints, enquiries, and ticket-related issues, ensuring smooth service and resolving problems effectively
● Ability to support marketing initiatives, such as distributing flyers and posters, to promote events and attract audiences
● Engaging with the local community to maintain a positive presence and increase visibility for events and the venue
● Willingness to assist other departments when necessary, such as covering shifts in the taproom, outbound events, and DocksFest, showing adaptability and cross-functional collaboration.
● Working well with others, fostering good relationships with team members, artists, and event staff
● Friendly and professional demeanour when interacting with customers and artists, ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued.
You may be asked to undertake alternative or additional duties as may be commensurate with your skills, experience and capabilities.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this role, please register your interest with a covering letter / CV to Katie-Lou Green, Venue Manager of Docks Academy (katielou@docksacademy.com)
Interviews: Week Commencing – 28th April 2025