This Role Includes
General Manager — ONAIR, Brighton & Hove
Salary: £35,000 per annum + service charge + KPI-linked bonus
Contract: Full-time. Pension included. Primarily an evening role.
Start: Target mid November 2025.
About ONAIR
ONAIR is a new hybrid venue on Western Road that brings together a live broadcasting
studio, a coworking hub for the music industry, and a carefully curated evening bar. It will
be home to 1BTN Radio, Brighton & Hove’s award-winning underground music station,
whose studio sits at the heart of the space behind a glass wall. Guests can see live shows
broadcast throughout the day and into the evening, creating a direct connection between
the local music community and the audience.
1BTN has been broadcasting for nearly ten years, powered by a collective of more than
one hundred local and international DJs, record collectors, and creatives. The station was
founded on the principles of inclusivity, musical freedom, and community engagement,
supporting under-represented voices and providing airtime to emerging artists. ONAIR
continues that ethos by making the studio visible and interactive, integrating live radio into
the rhythm of the bar and coworking environment.
By day, the space functions as a relaxed, shared workspace designed for people working
in music, sound, and the creative industries. In the evening, ONAIR transforms into a
listening bar: warm lighting, mid-century styling, handmade hi-fi speakers, and a
soundtrack shaped by resident DJs, live radio, and visiting record labels. The food offering
centres on simple boards of cured meats and cheeses, with an emphasis on quality and
provenance.
Opening hours and rota expectations
Daytime coworking: 09:00–17:00, Monday to Friday. (this will be managed by Radio Station manager and Directors)
Bar service:
Monday, Tuesday Closed
• Wednesday to Thursday: 17:00–23:00
• Friday to Saturday: 12:00–23:00
• Sunday: 12:00–21:30
Events: Label nights, album playbacks, radio takeovers, and listening sessions within
these hours.
GM rota: Approximately 45 hours per week across five shifts, weighted to evenings and
weekends. Typical GM late shift 15:00 to close and cash-up, with at least two floor-based
closes per week and presence on all key event nights.
The role
Lead the opening and daily running of ONAIR. You will be the operational anchor for a
small, skilled team and the point of connection between the bar, the music programme,
and the radio studio.
Key responsibilities
Operations and service
• Oversee service standards across floor, bar, and events.
• Build and manage rotas, briefings, and end-of-night procedures.
• Maintain checklists, safe systems of work, and venue presentation.
• Lead and develop a team culture that is calm, kind, and reliable.
Stock, purchasing, and finance
• Manage ordering, cellar, and stock counts with accurate GP tracking.
• Work to clear weekly and monthly KPIs.
• Maintain supplier relationships and negotiate value without compromising quality.
Safety and neighbourhood
• Uphold Challenge 25 and record all training, refusals, and incidents.
• Lead on noise management, door and queue plans, and dispersal.
• Act as key contact for authorities and neighbours when required.
Music and events
• Support the weekly programme with the 1BTN team: schedules, tech checks, playbacks,
and label nights.
• Ensure smooth changeovers from daytime coworking to evening service.
• Keep the space audience-ready while protecting equipment and maintaining a
comfortable listening environment.
People and culture
• Recruit, train, and coach a small, high-standard team.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for guests and staff.
• Keep communications clear, factual, and on time.
What success looks like in six months
• Consistent service and closes, clean handovers, and compliant records.
• Stable team with clear rotas and training.
• GP, wage, and KPI targets on track.
• A balanced weekly rhythm where music and hospitality complement each other.
Requirements
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as Bar or Restaurant General Manager.
• Strong wine knowledge and interest in music culture.
• Confident with budgets, rotas, stock control, and compliance.
• Calm, organised, and able to lead from the floor.
• Personal Licence holder or willing to obtain one.
• Event operations experience desirable.
Benefits
• Competitive base salary + service charge + KPI bonus.
• Pension.
• Ongoing training and development.
• Opportunity to shape a new venue alongside one of the UK’s most respected community
radio stations.
