The team at Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners (WHC) and The Rum Story are seeking a hands-on Bar Supervisor to lead the operational delivery of our events on a casual basis, mostly in The Vault, which is a unique and impressive space within The Rum Story, and occasionally on our historic harbour!
This is a dynamic public-facing role that could be perfect for someone who enjoys creating great customer experiences, overseeing an enthusiastic team, and ensuring smooth service during a variety of events, from baby showers and small family celebrations to corporate parties, weddings and festivals.
Given the casual nature of the role it is likely to suit candidates looking for supplemental work – such as those wishing to benefit from opportunities to earn alongside studying, recent returners to the workplace who might not yet be in a position to commit to more regular/full-time positions, or part-time employees elsewhere who are looking to boost their income through additional work, though these examples are by no means exhaustive.
See the full job specification here 👇
Post: Bar Supervisor (casual basis)
Reporting to: Events and Marketing Officer
Overview
The team at Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners (WHC) and The Rum Story are seeking a hands-on Bar Supervisor to lead the operational delivery of our events on a casual basis, mostly in The Vault, which is a unique and impressive space within The Rum Story, and occasionally on our historic harbour!
This is a dynamic public-facing role that could be perfect for someone who enjoys creating great customer experiences, overseeing an enthusiastic team, and ensuring smooth service during a variety of events, from baby showers and small family celebrations to corporate parties, weddings and festivals.
Given the casual nature of the role it is likely to suit candidates looking for supplemental work – such as those wishing to benefit from opportunities to earn alongside studying, recent returners to the workplace who might not yet be in a position to commit to more regular/full-time positions, or part-time employees
elsewhere who are looking to boost their income through additional work, though these examples are by no means exhaustive.
WHC is a Trust Port, a not-for-profit organisation that safely manages and maintains Whitehaven
Harbour and its wider estate for the benefit of all. We are committed to optimising our commercial revenues in order to continually improve by reinvesting in our assets, ensuring all of those assets are managed and proactively maintained to provide a safe, sustainable and enjoyable environment and experience for all users.
At the heart of the community, we celebrate our 400-year history to drive the future and protect the legacy of this unique local institution.
We are proud of our core values; we will:
• actively listen and put people at the heart of what we do
• treat people fairly and inclusively, embracing equality and diversity
• be honest, open and transparent in our dealings with customers, colleagues and partners
• stand up and take responsibility for our actions
• provide a safe and secure environment for all
• strive for continuous improvement and a better future
The Rum Story, in the town centre, is an immersive, indoor heritage attraction set within the original shop, cellars, bonded warehouse, courtyard and stables of the Jefferson family business. Across three floors, visitors get to explore Whitehaven’s historic connections with Africa and the Americas, and uncover the powerful global story of rum, sugar and enslavement.
We have a building that oozes with history, a hugely popular kinetic clock, thought-provoking art installations and films, lots going on for families and history buffs, a dog-friendly courtyard area and a café operated independently by a local family.
Other hireable spaces include an Education Suite and a Board Room, which are unique spaces and can be hired separately to The Vault, which we truly believe is a venue like no other!
Key duties and responsibilities
• Operate and manage the bar during events
• Monitor and report on stock including wastage
• Lead, motivate and support bar staff, ensuring venue policies are followed and the delivery of service consistently meets standards
• Open, run and close the venue
• Ensure compliance with licensing laws, health and safety requirements and venue policies
• Act as the key point of contact on the day for each lead booker and handle any customer issues professionally
• Work closely with the Events Officer to ensure smooth event delivery, operational planning and continuous development of income-generating initiatives
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation and service throughout the venue
• Handle end-of-night reporting and cashing-up procedures
• Provide occasional support for harbour events such as helping to run The Rum Story stall during community festivals, historic ship visits, and other seasonal activities
Person specification
Essential
• This position requires the handling of alcohol; therefore all applicants must be 18 or older
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Robust understanding of licensing regulations and responsible alcohol service
• Flexible availability, including mainly evenings and weekends
• Previous experience in a hospitality setting, including opening and closing licensed premises
• Ability to remain calm and organised at all times
• Team leadership skills
• Strong grasp of maths in an events venue or retail setting
• Track record of handling cash and reporting
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Provide evidence of a valid Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or be prepared to have one carried out by the employer
Desirable
• Knowledge of stock management
• Previous work in an events venue offering weddings or other high-pressure entertainments
• Personal Alcohol Licence holder
• First Aid at Work training
• Fire Marshal training
• Appreciation of local history and heritage
Headline terms & conditions
Contract and hours: Casual hours arrangement, requiring flexibility to meet the event-based working pattern and the ability to work evenings and weekends.
Rate of pay: Up to £13.71/hour for Bar Supervisor duties depending on age and experience. You may occasionally be offered shifts in other departments, which will be paid at the applicable National Minimum/Living Wage
Paid holiday arrangements: Statutory rolled-up holiday pay is paid with your wages for hours worked
Trial period: As this is a casual position, the length and terms of the trial period will be discussed and agreed upon with the successful candidate
How to apply
Please send a CV and covering letter to Grace Law, Events and Marketing Officer, at Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners/The Rum Story, 27 Lowther Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7DN or email grace@whitehavenhc.org.uk
Deadline: 4pm on 28th July 2026
Interviews: w/c 10th August at The Rum Story, Lowther Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7DN.
Equal opportunities statement:
WHC/The Rum Story are committed to promoting equal opportunities
in employment. All job applicants receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (protected characteristics). We are required by law to ensure all employees are entitled to work in the UK. Prospective employees,
regardless of nationality, must be able to produce original documents before employment starts, to satisfy current immigration legislation
