Casual Event Assistant - Bar Staff

Dorking Halls are looking for a Casual Event Assistants (Bar Staff) to work across a wide range of events; comedy, music, theatre, cinema and more!

We need people who have experience working with the public in a busy environment, maybe a theatre, cinema or music venue but we'll consider other related roles. Ideally you'll have worked in a hospitality environment before, perhaps a restaurant, bar, pub or in catering.

What will my main responsibilities be?

Prepare and serve drinks, food and snacks to all customers to Dorking Halls in a warm, welcoming manner. Always be a champion for excellent customer service.

Ensure accurate sales reconciliation using a till system, card machine or cash, as required.

Maintain high standards of hygiene in all service & public areas: bars, kitchen, cellars, cafe and storerooms. Follow a prescribed cleaning rota and carry out any ad hoc cleaning duties necessary.

Be knowledgeable about available products, pricing and promotions and be able to advise about and recommend items to customers when required.

Prepare interval drinks and further retail points for ushers as required.

Direct customers to any other venue facilities i.e. Bars, Toilets, Box Office, Merchandise, etc.

Have an active role in an emergency evacuation, including attending any necessary training and drills.

Carry out light cleaning duties as and when required, including conducting toilet checks.

Be knowledgeable about Dorking Halls, its facilities, upcoming programme and history.

To be aware of the council’s policy on risk management and to escalate any new, emerging or potential risks to the post holder’s line manager.

Carry out such duties as may be required by your manager as appropriate to the post.

From time to time, this role may also require you to act as an usher; the duties for this role are below:

Conduct ticket checks, directing customers to their seats. Seat latecomers as directed by the production or Duty Manager.

In conjunction with the Box Office, resolve any minor seating issues that may arise, escalating anything else to the Duty Manager.

Direct customers to any other venue facilities i.e. Bars, Toilets, Box Office, Merchandise, etc.

Monitor the auditoriums to ensure the safety of audience members and performers. Deal with minor incidents or seek further assistance where necessary i.e. First Aid. Report all incidents to the Duty Manager.

Increase revenue through retails sales, including but not limited to, Ice Creams, Programmes & Merchandise.

Prepare and staff retail positions, ensuring accurate sales reconciliation using a till system, card machine or cash, as required.

Why should you join us?

Our benefits include:

• Free onsite parking at Pippbrook/Dorking Halls
• Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of approximately 15%
• Annual flu jabs and health checks
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders to support your wellbeing
• Training and development opportunities to support your career progression
• The opportunity to play a key role in shaping and improving our workplace environment

Further info

About us

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Alex Gilbert, Deputy General Manager on 01306 879314.

Closing date for applicants: Midnight on 15th November 2026.

Interview dates: To be arranged with the individual

Shift pattern/rota: This is a casual role working across daytimes, evenings, weekends and bank holidays with varying shift lengths, on occasion at short notice.

To comply with licencing legislation this role is open to applicants 18+ only. Applicants under 18 can apply for our Event Assistants (Usher) roles.

How to apply

CV and supporting statement - Click Apply Online, complete the short application form and upload your up-to-date CV along with a supporting statement, to let us know how you meet the essential skills and experience of the job description and person specification.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and drawn directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own), applications may be withdrawn.

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