About Us

We’re Heriot-Watt University Student Union, an independent charity buzzing with energy, driven by and for our students. We’re all about doing good, that’s why all surplus funds generated through Liberty’s Café, Geordies Bar and the Student Union Shop are channelled straight back into crucial student support services like our Advice Hub. So, yes, we're a charity, but we also mean business.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At HWSU, diversity isn’t just celebrated; it’s our strength. We thrive by bringing together voices from all walks of life, and we’re excited for you to help us champion this mission.

Role Overview

As our Bar & Catering Manager, you'll be the heartbeat of our union’s social life. It’s your gig to keep our bars and eateries top-notch, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors leaves happier. You’ll not only manage our day-to-day operations but also bring fresh, fun ideas to the table that keep our students coming back for more.

What You’ll Do

• Shape the Environment: Keep our bars and kitchens humming with energy. Ensure that every meal and drink from our counters is a hit.
• Orchestrate Success: Motivate your team and elevate their performance with your energy and vision.
• Design Unforgettable Nights: From quiet coffees to big bash events, you’ll make sure all our gatherings are the talk of the campus.
• Keep the Standards Sky High: Whether it’s the precision in plating or the chill of a perfectly served drink, you know it’s all in the details.

Key Responsibilities

• Spot-On Service: Guarantee top quality across all food and beverage offerings, keeping everything up to scratch.
• Budget Boss: Handle the finances like a pro—ensure we’re smart with every penny so we can keep investing in student experiences.
• Supplier Superhero: Forge strong relationships with suppliers to get the best deals that keep our menus exciting and affordable.
• Team Cheerleader: Lead from the front and support your crew, making sure everyone is trained, motivated, and ready to excel.

Your Superpowers

• Hospitality Hero: You’ve got a knack for hospitality and love making people’s day.
• Visionary Leader: You see the big picture and guide your team to success with enthusiasm and clear goals.
• Finance Wizard:  Budgets, forecasts, and spreadsheets—whatever it is, you handle it with ease.
• Creative Thinker: You’re full of ideas that make dining more than just eating out—it’s an experience.

activities

principal duties

• Ensure the F&B department is presented to a high standard at all times.
• Management of stock, ensuring stock levels are maintained and stock takes are undertaken, setting selling prices based upon true cost prices, and overseeing orders and deliveries ensuring they are recorded correctly.
• Create our menu alongside the cook and work with them to maintain standards and monitor Food Hygiene.
• Maintain good working relationships with suppliers, including negotiating prices where required, and working with the Head of Commercial Development when new suppliers are identified.
• Manage, support and lead staff team within the F&B department, including creating rotas, maximising attendance, training and induction, recruitment, staff reviews and setting and monitoring standards in line with our values
• Responsible for managing staff on shift to ensure the departments operate smoothly and efficiently, standards are maintained and staff are skilled and motivated
• Monitoring financial budget, ensuring costs are kept within expected parameters.
• Working with the Head of Commercial Development, support the introduction of new income streams, concepts and opportunities as required, ensuring staff are well informed and motivated.
• Manage our venue bookings and work with Head of Commercial Development to create and deliver our own events
• Responsible for cash held on-site, including regular safe checks.
• Responsible for health and safety, compliance, loss prevention and process management relating to Food & Beverage operations
• Key holder, with responsibility for opening / closing when required

other duties

• Take on other tasks or activities that are relevant for the role from time to time
• Follow all HWUnion policies, procedures, and governing documents.
• Undertake personal and professional development as required to maintain appropriate knowledge and skills.

What next?

You'll find the full job description below. If you'd like an informal chat about the role, contact Stewart, Head of Commercial Development on stewart.macdonald@hw.ac.uk.

When you're ready, click "Apply Now" below to fill in our online application form.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Click here to download the Job Description