Are you excited by the opportunity to work in The Union's brand new student bar?

Want to learn the ropes of how to create exciting cocktails and support our conferencing team at huge events like Welcome and Punk Fest?

As part of the bar and events team, you’ll be responsible for delivering excellent customer service while serving a variety of drinks, including items from a basic cocktail menu, and assisting with food service in line with 5-star food safety standards. You’ll maintain a clean and welcoming bar and front-of-house area, restock supplies, and handle cash and card transactions accurately.

You'd also be supporting the conferencing team with a diverse calendar of exciting events, following all relevant health, safety, and licensing regulations, and developing strong product knowledge. You’ll represent The Union with professionalism and integrity, especially during key events such as Welcome Week and Manchester Punk Fest.

Who are we? 

Located in the heart of Manchester, The Union is part business, part charity, part membership body. Operating independently from Manchester Metropolitan University, our aim is to support and represent each one of our student members. Each year our growing team of around 50 full time and up to 100 part time staff, work alongside elected student leaders to make change, improve lives and help fulfil student potential.

The Union is one of 550 students’ unions across the country. And we’re one of the most exciting - with over 38,000 student members and 100 student groups, a huge range of services and a bold strategy.

What's the job? 

Working within an inclusive, empowering, and aspirational culture, you'll be assisting in the day-to-day operation of Boundary (The Union's new bar), providing excellent customer service. This role will involve the preparation and service of food and drink as well as keeping all areas clean and tidy.

Main activities / tasks

• Serving an array of drinks, including a basic cocktail menu
• Knowledge and adherence of food safety and licensing laws
• Demonstrate excellent customer service
• Assist in the service of a food menu whilst ensuring a 5* approach to food safety guidelines
• Ensuring the bar and front of house areas are clean and tidy
• Restocking the bar
• Assisting the conferencing team in delivery of a varied calendar of events
• Follow health and safety guidelines
• Handling cash and card payments and accurately using the till system
• Become knowledgeable in all aspects of bar work, including a strong product knowledge
• By example, promote a positive image of The Union at all times through high personal standards of integrity and professionalism
• The post holder will be required to work specific Union events at key times of the year, including (but not limited to): Welcome week, Manchester Punk Fest and Manchester Psych Fest.

Qualifications

• You must be a student of Manchester Metropolitan University for the 2025/2026 academic year

 

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Experience

• Demonstrable experience of working in a comparable customer facing role (desirable)

 

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Knowledge and skills

• Must be willing to complete mandatory Food Safety, Health & Safety and Licensing training ahead of role commencement. This training will be provided and paid for

 

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Personal attributes

• You’ll be the face of Boundary so having a friendly, welcoming and all-round excellent approach to customer service
• Strong listening and communication skills
• Great attention to detail

 

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Values and ethics

• Understanding of and commitment to the principles of equity, inclusion and diversity, and The Union’s values

Why apply?

There has never been a better time to work for The Union. Based just off Oxford Road, in the centre of vibrant Manchester, The Union will train you thoroughly, reward you well and encourage you to build a long-term career that inspires you.

The exact opposite of corporate, we’re progressive, creative individuals working to make a difference in unconventional workplaces. In return for your passion and experience, we offer the flexibility for work-life balance, a competitive salary for the non-profit sector and excellent holiday allowance.

We’re committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from all protected characteristics and are particularly interested in applications from people of colour and disabled people.

We want to support diverse and inclusive work environments and are actively looking for people who share our values.