About Us: 

Reading Students’ Union is at the heart of campus life at the University of Reading. Every year, we bring thousands of students together through a wide range of services and a varied programme of events – from popular club nights and live entertainment to our flagship Summer Ball. 

Our events celebrate the diversity and creativity of our student community, offering something for everyone. Alongside entertainment, we provide quality food and drink, flexible event spaces, and welcoming social environments where students can relax, connect, and enjoy campus life. Whether it’s a big night out or a catch-up over lunch, Reading Students’ Union is where students come together.

About the team:

This is an exciting time to join our newly formed commercial team, as we recruit three Venue Managers to support the operational delivery and development of our food and beverage venues, event spaces and entertainment programme.

These roles are essential to the smooth and effective running of our commercial operations. We are seeking experienced hospitality professionals who can thrive in a high-volume environment, lead staff teams with confidence, consistently deliver exceptional standards of service, maintain strong commercial controls across stock, cost, and income, and collaborate across the organisation to support an inclusive and engaging student events programme.

These are hands-on, operational roles that require strong leadership, commercial awareness, and a commitment to excellence. Working closely with the wider operations team, you’ll help create outstanding experiences for students and customers while contributing to the Union’s broader strategic and financial objectives.

What you'll be doing:

You'll oversee our bars, catering outlets, and event spaces: managing teams, ensuring high standards of service, and keeping operations running smoothly. From student nights to society socials, you’ll be at the centre of it all.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day operations across Reading Students’ Union bars and catering services and events
• Lead teams to deliver safe, efficient, and customer-focused service
• Oversee stock control, supplier management, and ordering processes
• Ensure all activity is compliant with licensing, health & safety, and food hygiene regulations
• Support recruitment, training, and development of venue and operational staff
• Monitor budgets, control costs, and contribute to income targets
• Work with colleagues and student representatives to support a high-quality and inclusive program of events

About you: 

• Proven experience in venues, entertainments and hospitality, ideally in a busy or multi-purpose setting
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• A high level of attention to detail and a commitment to operational standards
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends in line with venue requirements
• Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving abilities
• A proactive, professional approach to working in a student-led environment
• Personal License and/or Food Safety qualification (desirable – training can be provided)

Why us?

• Join a well-established and purpose-led organisation
• Play a key role in shaping the student experience and create a sense of belonging at the University of Reading
• Access a wide range of professional development and training opportunities
• Benefit from generous holiday allowance, including Christmas closure and employee discounts (see our full list of benefits on our careers page)
• Work in a collaborative and supportive team environment

Key details:

Role title: Venue Manager 

Department: Commercial Enterprise 

Salary: £30,981.64 per annum

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week, annualised)

Working pattern: 5 days out of 7, evenings and weekend work included 

Please apply below including a cover letter outlining your skills and experience, and why you want to work for Reading Students' Union.

Person Specification:

The table below outlines the qualifications, experience, skills, and personal attributes we are looking for in successful candidates.

Reading SU strives to be an equal opportunities employer. We champion diversity and remove barriers to inclusion, and are committed to ensuring that our workforce is an inclusive community that celebrates difference. We develop positive policies in all aspects of our work that promote equal opportunities for everyone, irrespective of their age, disability, ethnic background, gender or gender identity, home country, sexuality, race or religious beliefs.