Bar Manager

Position Summary

The Bar Manager oversees bar operations and supports the overall performance of the dining room, ensuring a consistently high level of service, product quality, and guest experience. This role works closely with the General Manager and Beverage Director to maintain operational standards, develop the bar team, and drive a strong, positive team culture.

The Bar Manager maintains a visible presence during service, leading the team in real time while ensuring seamless coordination between the bar and dining room.

This role requires a hands-on leader with a strong understanding of beverage operations, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering thoughtful, high-level hospitality.

Reports To : General Manager

Core Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of bar operations, ensuring consistency in beverage quality, presentation, and execution
• Partner with the Beverage Director on beverage program development, including research, development, and ongoing refinement
• Maintain deep knowledge of spirits, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic offerings to support team education and guest engagement
• Support the creation and maintenance of beverage and spirits education materials
• Manage inventory and ordering to maintain accurate counts, optimal stock levels, and minimal waste
• Partner with the Finance team on budgeting, invoicing, and overall departmental financials
• Build and maintain vendor relationships and support product sourcing
• Oversee and support daily bar production and operations
• Create and manage bar schedules to ensure proper staffing, efficiency, and compliance with labor laws
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing bar team
• Cultivate a loyal base of regulars and foster a lively, welcoming bar atmosphere

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the bar and dining room teams, ensuring consistency in technique, product knowledge, and service standards
• Foster and maintain a culture of accountability, professionalism, and hospitality that reflects the company’s core values
• Lead pre-service meetings for the team, setting clear expectations for each shift
• Identify and cultivate high-potential team members for growth and advancement within the organization
• Oversee training, and ongoing performance management to ensure consistency and growth across the team
• Maintain a strong presence on the floor to support, guide, and motivate the team
• Lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, composure, and a solution-oriented mindset
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment
• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration between dining room and kitchen teams

Service & Guest Experience

• Uphold and continuously refine service behind the bar and in the dining room to reflect company values and expectations
• Oversee daily dining room operations, including opening and closing, ensuring smooth and efficient service
• Maintain a strong, visible presence on the floor, anticipating guest needs and resolving issues proactively
• Act as the primary point of escalation for service-related challenges
• Ensure seamless coordination between the dining room, bar, and kitchen teams
• Manage reservations and seating to optimize flow, covers, and guest satisfaction in a high-volume environment
• Uphold and refine service standards, ensuring alignment with company values
• Maintain expert knowledge of the menu, beverage program, and brand standards
• Ensure all guest-facing areas meet the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health regulations
• Align staffing levels with business needs, making real-time adjustments as needed
• Lead guest recovery efforts to ensure concerns are resolved and guests leave with a positive experience

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of bar management experience in a high-volume restaurant or bar
• 2+ years of bartending experience in a high-volume environment
• Strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, and beverage operations, with a commitment tocontinuous learning

• Experience managing a bar program, including ordering, inventory, invoicing, cost control, and financial tracking
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and retain high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working service on the floor, with the ability to support both bar and dining room operations
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain composed under pressure and make decisive, guest-focused decisions
• Highly organized, adaptable, and professional, with a strong sense of accountability and urgency
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (8+ hours), and to crouch, bend, and lift or move 25+ lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays