Assistant Manager at The Lost Close

About Us

The Lost Close offers premium whisky tastings, immersive drinks experiences and storytelling-led tours in a remarkable underground venue in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Hidden just off the Royal Mile, the space was rediscovered in 2019 during renovation works and has since been thoughtfully transformed into one of the city’s most distinctive heritage experiences.

Part of CODE Concepts, The Lost Close brings together exceptional hospitality, rich local storytelling and a carefully curated drinks offer in an atmospheric historic setting that welcomes visitors from around the world. As our business continues to grow, we are looking for an Assistant Manager to support the Head of Events and Experience in the day-to-day running of the venue, while helping us deliver outstanding guest experiences and further strengthen the quality and reputation of the business.

About You

You will have experience in a management role within hospitality, tourism, premium food and drink, or another experience-led environment. You will bring strong whisky knowledge, established industry connections, and experience sourcing products for a tasting, bar, venue or retail setting.

You will be confident leading and developing teams in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment, with experience in recruitment, onboarding and training. You will have a strong understanding of service standards and a proven ability to deliver excellent guest experiences.

Commercially aware and highly organised, you will be comfortable with stock control, cost management, and using guest feedback, sales performance and operational insight to improve results. Strong communication skills, relationship-building ability, and a proactive, hands-on approach are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Management

• Provide day-to-day operational leadership across shifts, stepping into the rota where required to ensure smooth and effective delivery.
• Act as shift lead and key point of contact for on-the-ground decision-making, problem-solving and escalations.
• Line manage the Storytellers, providing clear direction, support and accountability in their day-to-day roles.
• Conduct regular one-to-ones, offering structured feedback, guidance and development support.
• Support performance management processes, recognising strengths, addressing challenges and encouraging improvement.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and motivating team culture built on collaboration, accountability and high performance.
• Lead by example in service standards, professionalism and attitude, ensuring the team reflects the values and quality of The Lost Close.
• Support the Head of Events and Experience with wider team communication and people management across the venue.
• Take ownership of your own professional development, building leadership capability, whisky knowledge and wider industry awareness.

Recruitment, Onboarding & Retention

• Lead the recruitment process for new team members, including shortlisting, interviewing and selection.
• Oversee onboarding to ensure all new starters feel welcomed, informed and aligned with the culture, standards and expectations of The Lost Close.
• Support the successful integration of new team members through structured induction, clear guidance and ongoing support.
• Help build a strong, engaged and high-performing team by identifying talent, encouraging development and supporting retention.

Training, Coaching & Performance

• Design and deliver engaging, effective training sessions tailored to different roles and responsibilities across the venue.
• Ensure all team members are fully trained and up to date on procedures, product knowledge, service standards and operational expectations.
• Continuously assess individual and team performance, providing regular coaching, feedback and development support.
• Promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement, with a particular focus on whisky knowledge, storytelling and premium guest experience delivery.
• Support team members in building confidence, capability and progression within their roles.

Operational Excellence, Quality & Compliance

• Monitor daily operations to ensure procedures, service standards and brand expectations are consistently upheld.
• Drive a culture of accountability, safety and quality across all areas of the business.
• Support the implementation, review and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with all relevant operational, licensing, health and safety, and company policies.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, organisation and operational readiness across the venue at all times.

Whisky Programme, Stock Management & Supplier Relationships

• Play an active role in shaping and maintaining the venue’s whisky offering, ensuring it reflects the quality, character and storytelling of The Lost Close.
• Take an active role in stock control, including ordering, monitoring stock levels, stock takes, and managing usage, wastage and cost.
• Work closely with the Head of Events and Experience to ensure stock levels are commercially effective, operationally practical and aligned with the guest experience.
• Identify, introduce and source new whiskies for the collection, helping to keep the offer distinctive, relevant and exciting for guests.
• Use strong industry knowledge and existing connections within the whisky world to identify opportunities for collaboration, sourcing and product development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with distilleries, brand partners, suppliers and whisky professionals to enhance the venue’s reputation and support future opportunities.
• Stay actively engaged with the whisky community, keeping up to date with trends, releases and developments that could inform business growth.

Experience Development & Innovation

• Work closely with the Head of Events and Experience on the development and delivery of new projects, initiatives and guest experiences.
• Bring creative ideas and operational insight to help evolve the venue’s offer in line with guest expectations, market trends and brand direction.
• Support the refinement of existing experiences to ensure they remain engaging, commercially effective and operationally deliverable.
• Assist in developing new concepts, events, partnerships and service enhancements that strengthen the distinctiveness of The Lost Close.

Commercial Performance & Budget Support

• Support the Head of Events and Experience in achieving commercial goals, including revenue targets, cost management and customer retention.
• Contribute to budget oversight through cost awareness, labour planning, stock control and effective use of resources.
• Monitor team performance, operational outcomes and guest feedback to identify opportunities for improvement, growth and optimisation.
• Take a data-informed approach to decision-making, using sales performance, customer insight and operational trends to support the overall success of the venue.
• Help ensure The Lost Close operates as a commercially strong, creatively distinctive and guest-focused business

Benefits & Perks

Grow With Us – Development That Makes a Difference

• Personal Development Plans
  Every team member gets access to a tailored development plan designed to help you achieve your goals, whether you want to progress, move into a new role, or build new skills.
• Growth Mindset Culture
  We embrace curiosity and continuous learning. You’ll be encouraged to take initiative, try new things and learn from every experience.
• Career Progression Opportunities
  From internal promotions to cross-functional moves, we’re committed to helping you grow. Many of our leaders started on the front line, and we’ll support you in doing the same.
• Learning & Training Access
  We offer on-the-job training, leadership coaching and access to external learning opportunities, so you can continue developing in your role.
• Recognition
  We celebrate success and regularly recognise standout team members. Every six months, one CODE star wins a fully paid trip to explore another city.
• Free Getaways
  Enjoy up to five complimentary overnight stays each year at CODE and Destiny Student properties for you and one guest.
• Family & Friends Discount
  Your loved ones can enjoy up to 30% off stays, valid for up to seven nights per year.
• Birthday Voucher
  Celebrate your birthday with a voucher as a thank-you from us.
• Local Experience Perks
  Enjoy discounted local tours and free entry to our Lost Close Tour. Friends and family receive 30% off too.
• Perks on Shift
  Get a free hot drink every shift, plus 25% off all food and drinks.
• Team Socials
  From social events to team-building activities, we’re all about good energy and great company.
• Paid Volunteering Day
  Take one paid volunteering day each year to support a cause that matters to you.