Bar Manager | Charlotte, NC | JMO | NE559

Bar Manager New Upscale Restaurant Opening

Build the bar. Develop the team. Help create a beverage experience guests remember.

A growing hospitality organization is seeking a talented Bar Manager to join the opening leadership team of a new upscale restaurant. This is an opportunity to help launch the beverage program, build and train the opening bar team, and establish the systems and standards behind an exciting new concept.

The ideal candidate brings genuine cocktail knowledge and strong operational discipline. You understand how to create an engaging bar experience while controlling costs, maintaining consistency, developing bartenders, and supporting the financial success of the restaurant.

What You'll Do

• Lead beverage and bar planning throughout the restaurant-opening process
• Help develop, test, cost, and execute the cocktail and beverage program
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and develop the opening bar team
• Establish recipes, specifications, service standards, and training materials
• Create prep lists, opening and closing procedures, inventory systems, and bar checklists
• Maintain consistency in cocktail preparation, presentation, portioning, and speed of service
• Oversee daily bar setup, production, execution, cleanliness, and organization
• Manage liquor, wine, beer, mixers, garnishes, glassware, and bar supplies
• Conduct accurate inventories and maintain appropriate product levels
• Monitor beverage cost, purchasing, waste, breakage, comps, and variance
• Build strong relationships with distributors, vendors, and brand representatives
• Train bartenders on spirits, wine, beer, cocktails, responsible alcohol service, and guest engagement
• Develop lead bartenders and future beverage leaders
• Remain visible and actively engaged during busy services
• Work behind the bar and support the team when business demands it
• Partner closely with the General Manager, AGM, and culinary leadership
• Support private events, group dining, and special programming
• Maintain polished standards for service, presentation, cleanliness, and team appearance
• Identify opportunities to grow beverage sales and improve profitability
• Ensure compliance with liquor laws, responsible-service requirements, and company policies
• Lead the bar with an ownership mentality

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Bar Manager, Beverage Manager, Assistant Bar Manager, Lead Bartender, or comparable beverage leader
• Experience in an upscale, polished casual, high-volume, or cocktail-focused restaurant
• New restaurant opening experience strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, and current beverage trends
• Proven ability to train and develop bartenders while maintaining consistent execution
• Experience with inventory, ordering, recipe costing, beverage cost, and variance control
• Ability to balance creativity with speed, consistency, and profitability
• Strong hospitality instincts and confidence engaging with guests
• Polished, professional, and energetic leadership presence
• Ability to remain calm, organized, and decisive during high-volume service
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Understanding of responsible alcohol service and applicable liquor regulations
• ServSafe Alcohol, TIPS, or comparable certification preferred
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods

The Leadership Style We Value

We are looking for a hands-on leader who can inspire creativity while maintaining structure and accountability. The right Bar Manager will earn the team's respect through knowledge, consistency, preparation, and a willingness to work alongside them.

You should enjoy teaching, developing talent, engaging with guests, and creating an atmosphere that feels polished, lively, and welcoming. Just as importantly, you should understand that a successful beverage program must be operationally sound and financially responsible.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $65,000$75,000 , based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Professional development and advancement opportunities
• Opportunity to help shape a new beverage program from the beginning

If you are a beverage leader who combines creativity, hospitality, and disciplined bar management, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.