Bar Manager

Collaboraction Theatre Company of Chicago Chicago, Illinois Compensation: $22.00–$27.00 per hour, commensurate with experience Employment Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt Schedule: Variable, based on performances, events, rentals, and organizational needs Position Overview Collaboraction Theatre Company of Chicago is seeking a responsible, organized, and hospitality-minded Bar Manager to oversee beverage operations at the House of Belonging, our 99-seat theatre and 49-seat lounge and cabaret in the Kimball Arts Center. The Bar Manager is responsible for maintaining and developing Collaboraction’s bar operations, including beverage ordering and inventory, bar procedures, beverage service, responsible alcohol service, and coordination of bartending coverage. The position supports performances, community programs, private events, rentals, and other activities taking place at Collaboraction. The Bar Manager will also work as a bartender when scheduled and may plan and coordinate events in the lounge as needed. The position works closely with the Operations Manager and other Collaboraction staff to ensure that the bar is well organized, appropriately stocked, safely operated, and welcoming to guests. Primary Responsibilities Bar Operations Oversee the day-to-day operation of Collaboraction’s bar. Maintain a clean, organized, welcoming, and service-ready bar environment. Follow and maintain Collaboraction’s established opening and closing procedures and checklists. Maintain beverage, bar supply, and service inventories. Conduct regular inventory counts and monitor product usage. Identify purchasing and restocking needs and place orders for approved beverages and bar supplies. Receive, organize, and properly store beverage deliveries and supplies. Maintain appropriate storage of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, mixers, garnishes, and bar supplies. Recommend new beverages or products for consideration and work with organizational leadership on beverage offerings. Help develop and maintain the bar menu. Bartending and Guest Service Bartend as part of the position when scheduled ($16/hr + tips), including preparing and serving beverages, operating the point-of-sale system, maintaining the bar, and completing opening and closing duties. Provide welcoming, professional, and inclusive service to patrons, artists, staff, community partners, and event guests. Follow Collaboraction procedures for responsible alcohol service, identification checks, refusal of service, and responding to intoxicated or otherwise unsafe patrons. Address routine guest-service concerns and escalate significant concerns to the Operations Manager or other appropriate staff. Bar Staffing and Training Coordinate with the Operations Manager to ensure appropriate bar coverage for performances, events, rentals, and other programs. Schedule or coordinate bartending shifts as assigned. Train and onboard bartenders in Collaboraction’s bar procedures, service standards, point-of-sale system, opening and closing procedures, and responsible alcohol service. Provide direction and support to bartenders regarding bar procedures and expectations. Coordinate with volunteers when volunteers are assisting with bar service. Lounge and Event Planning Plan and coordinate events held in Collaboraction’s lounge when assigned. Develop bar-service plans for lounge events, including beverage offerings, staffing, setup, supplies, service procedures, and closing. Coordinate bar needs for performances, private events, rentals, community programs, and other activities. Communicate with event partners and rental clients regarding bar-related logistics and beverage service. Collaborate with the Operations Manager and other staff to ensure that bar and lounge events are prepared and well supported. Point of Sale, Cash Handling, and Inventory Operate Collaboraction’s point-of-sale system and ensure accurate processing of beverage transactions. Follow established procedures for cash handling, credit card transactions, refunds, voids, discounts, and other POS functions. Complete required end-of-shift procedures and communicate discrepancies or concerns promptly. Maintain accurate inventory records and participate in scheduled inventory counts. Monitor beverage usage and communicate significant discrepancies or unusual inventory activity to the Operations Manager. Follow Collaboraction’s established procedures for tips and tip distribution. Compliance and Safety Follow all applicable Illinois and Chicago laws, liquor-license requirements, and Collaboraction policies governing alcohol service. Maintain required alcohol-service certifications. Ensure that employees working in the bar meet applicable training and certification requirements. Maintain a clean and sanitary bar and service area. Report bar equipment, facility, or other operational concerns to the Operations Manager. Help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for patrons, artists, staff, and community members. Collaboration and Communication Work closely with the Operations Manager and organizational leadership to ensure that bar operations support Collaboraction’s programming and organizational needs. Communicate purchasing needs, inventory concerns, staffing needs, equipment issues, and other bar-related matters in a timely manner. Participate in relevant staff meetings, training, and planning as needed. Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and community-centered workplace. Schedule and Physical Requirements This is a part-time, hourly position with a variable schedule. Weekly hours will fluctuate based on Collaboraction’s performance, event, and rental calendar and may range from very limited administrative hours in some weeks to approximately 25 hours in busier weeks. There is no guaranteed minimum number of hours per week. The position requires regular evening and weekend availability, with occasional additional hours for special events. The position requires the ability to stand for extended periods, move throughout the venue during events, and lift and carry beverage cases and other supplies weighing up to approximately 30 pounds. Compensation The Bar Manager will be paid $22.00–$27.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. The position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable law. The Bar Manager receives their regular hourly rate for all hours worked and does not participate in bartender tip pools. The Bar Manager may also work scheduled bartending shifts at Collaboraction’s standard bartender rate. Bartending shifts are separate from Bar Manager duties and are compensated according to the organization’s bartender pay and tip policies. About Collaboraction Collaboraction Theatre Company of Chicago is a nonprofit theatre for social change based at the House of Belonging in Humboldt Park. We create original devised theatre and live experiences designed to cultivate empathy, dialogue, and action while building meaningful connections among artists, audiences, and communities. Equal Employment Opportunity Collaboraction Theatre Company of Chicago is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities and seek to build a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. #J-18808-Ljbffr