Bar Manager

Position Overview

The Bar Manager is responsible for overseeing all bar operations, ensuring exceptional guest experience, strong financial performance, and a well-trained, motivated bar team. This role combines hands-on leadership with operational oversight, inventory management, staff development, and vendor relations.

• Oversee daily bar operations during service, ensuring efficiency, quality, and consistency

• Maintain high standards of hospitality, presentation, and speed of service

• Ensure compliance with all local and state alcohol laws and health regulations

• Lead by example behind the bar when needed

• Manage all bar ordering, inventory counts, and par levels

• Monitor pour costs, waste, breakage, and comps to meet financial targets

• Implement inventory systems and conduct regular audits

• Forecast product needs based on volume, events, and seasonal changes

• Build and maintain strong relationships with liquor, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverage vendors

• Negotiate pricing, deals, allocations, and promotional support with distributors

• Coordinate tastings, staff education, and new product rollouts with vendors

• Track invoices, credits, and ensure timely reconciliation

• Collaborate with ownership and beverage leadership on cocktail menus, spirits selection, and seasonal updates

• Develop and maintain bar recipes, specs, and prep standards

• Support special events, activations, and beverage programming

• Recruit, hire, and train bartenders and barbacks

• Develop ongoing training programs focused on technique, product knowledge, service standards, and compliance

• Schedule bar staff effectively to support service and labor targets

• Coach, mentor, and manage performance, including evaluations and disciplinary actions

• Assist with budgeting and bar P&L management

• Review sales reports and adjust operations to maximize revenue

• Maintain accurate documentation for inventory, training, and compliance

• 3–5+ years of bar management experience in a high-volume or quality-driven environment

• Strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, and bar operations

• Proven experience with inventory management, ordering, and vendor negotiations

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays