Crafting the Perfect Bar Manager Job Description + Template

Behind every bustling bar is a team that helps it run, and behind that team is a manager who keeps things on track. When you’re hiring a bar manager, you know the ins and outs of what you need from the role. But how do you put that information out there so that you attract the right candidates? Crafting a bar manager job description with care will help you hire the next person that handles your craft beers with care.  

Your hiring process should be seamless from start to finish for both you and your potential candidates. That means asking thoughtful questions, establishing a detailed framework for the open position, and being upfront and transparent with your interviewees.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the key components of a bar manager role, what to look for in a potential candidate, and what to consider during the interviewing and hiring process.

What is the role of a bar manager?

A bar manager role requires a lot of responsibility, and includes both internal and customer-facing elements. Your bar manager helps to organize your bar so that the team runs smoothly and customers have a good experience. This means your bar manager creates team schedules, helps hire and train staff, ensure health and safety compliance, and communicates with customers. 

Other essential bar manager skills are: 

• Leadership: A bar manager needs to manage your team by developing strong working relationships and setting clear expectations with employees. They should be able to translate direction from their supervisor to the rest of the team. 
• Problem solving: Bar and restaurant environments are fast-paced, so a bar manager should be able to resolve conflict, assist customers, and make on-the-spot decisions that are best for staff and customers alike.
• Organization: A bar manager has many different responsibilities beyond day-to-day operations, such as hiring, training, promotion, creating schedules, and managing payroll, so you need somebody who can stay organized and keep a level head.
• Soft skills: A good bar manager maintains a safe and organized environment, but also encourages a fun, positive, and enjoyable experience for both staff and customers. Your bar manager should understand team morale and strong customer service. 

What to think about when hiring a bar manager.

Now that you know what type of candidate would be a perfect match for a bar manager role, you can dive into the key elements of the hiring process. Each candidate you consider will come from different backgrounds, cultures, and have unique personalities and experiences. 

Using a bar manager job description template can help attract qualified candidates by clearly outlining the responsibilities and qualifications needed for the position. Consider the following when hiring for a bar or restaurant environment, especially in bar management.

Where to find the right candidates.

Nowadays there are many qualified candidates searching for work, but the question is whether they’re the right fit for you. Posting your job description online is the best way to find a new bar manager, and you can try different sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, ZipRecruiter, and Google for Jobs. You might even consider partnering with a recruiter to help you search for the perfect fit if you are able to.

Aside from web options, you should tap into your network of partners and local small businesses. Other business owners in the restaurant and bar industry may have strong recommendations, both for potential candidates and other places to expand your search. 

Provide an ideal workplace environment.

An ideal workplace environment is one of the key components job seekers consider when they are looking for work, and a business culture match has become a top priority. In fact, Millennials prioritize ‘people and culture fit’ above everything else when evaluating companies, and 86% of job seekers avoid companies with a bad reputation.

The primary reasons candidates decide to work for a company include good work/life balance, a sense of meaning and purpose, a flexible structure, and a positive, welcoming work environment. It’s important that you take into account these factors when assessing your own workplace, as well as how you can apply that to your hiring process. Consider what benefits you can highlight for potential candidates in your bar manager job description.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is also an important aspect of a healthy and ideal workplace environment. Diversifying your team helps create a welcoming and inclusive space to employees and customers alike, and offers equitable opportunities to all candidates.

DEI should be applied to all aspects of your business, including recruiting and hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing employment. You should regularly review your job postings to look for any biases and use inclusive language. It’s also important to get feedback from your current employees, including bar staff, about their experiences working for your business.

Take your time.

You’ll be relying on your chosen candidate to keep every aspect of your bar running smoothly, and that means it’s important to take the time needed to find the right person. Whether because you have many candidates or the perfect fit doesn’t show up right away, it’s worth it to be thoughtful with your choices. 

But remember, you can work smarter, not harder. There are great automated tools that can help you hire and onboard employees easily and manage administrative tasks in one place. This includes posting jobs to online job boards, tracking applicants, and scheduling interviews.

Get to know your new bar manager: Questions to ask in an interview.

The key to a good interview is asking the right questions to identify an effective bar manager. This will help you learn everything you need to know about the candidate—their soft skills, hard skills, personality, and background. There are several different categories to consider when asking questions in an interview.

Background and personality

• Tell us a bit about yourself, interests, background, and what led you to work in this industry?
• How would your friends and coworkers describe you as a person?
• What’s a project or achievement you’re really proud of?
• What’s a hobby or passion that really inspires you outside of work?

Work experience

• Tell us about your work background in the hospitality industry and how it applies to this position.
• What was your primary contribution at your most recent job?
• What type of work environment do you thrive in?
• How do you deal with conflict? When a customer makes demands, how do you respond?
• Was there an experience where you faced a big challenge, and how did you overcome it?
• What was the most interesting project you worked on?

The open bar manager position

• What drew you to working with our business?
• What unique areas of expertise do you have that make you the right candidate for this position?
• What would you say is your strongest attribute as an employee?
• How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time during busy shifts?
• How do you communicate with staff and customers most effectively?
• Do you see an opportunity for growing our business that you can help realize? How would you approach that?

Goals and aspirations

• What are your career path interests?
• What are your long-term professional and personal goals?
• What skills or expertise are you hoping to develop, and how would you achieve that in this position?
• How does working at this company fit in with your long-term goals?
• How do you see this bar manager position contributing to your career growth?

Bar manager duties and responsibilities: Our bar manager job description template just for you!

Ready to hire your next bar manager? We’ve created a sample job description to help you present bar manager responsibilities and attract great candidates.

Feel free to copy and paste our description below, or use it as inspiration for your own. Just remember to customize it to fit the needs of your job opening and establishment!

We’re looking for our next bar manager!

Our establishment is seeking a talented and experienced bar manager to lead our bar operations. As a bar manager, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the bar, including staff management, inventory control, menu development, and ensuring an exceptional customer experience.

Our bar managers are key to creating a vibrant and profitable bar atmosphere while maintaining the highest standards of service and quality. If you’re passionate about craft beverages, have a flair for hospitality, and excel in a leadership role, you might be just the bar manager we’re looking for.

What you’ll do: Duties & responsibilities

• Oversee daily bar operations and ensure smooth service
• Hire, train, and manage bar staff, including bartenders and barbacks
• Develop and update drink menus, including specialty cocktails
• Manage inventory, place orders, and control costs
• Ensure compliance with alcohol regulations and health/safety standards
• Handle customer inquiries and resolve any issues promptly
• Implement marketing strategies to increase bar revenue
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure food and beverage pairings
• Monitor industry trends and introduce innovative ideas
• Manage cash handling procedures and financial reporting
• Organize and oversee special events or promotions

Who you are

• Experienced: You have significant experience in bar operations and management
• Knowledgeable: You have extensive knowledge of spirits, cocktails, and bar techniques
• Leader: You can effectively manage and motivate a team
• Customer-focused: You’re committed to providing exceptional guest experiences
• Business-savvy: You understand profitability and cost control in bar operations
• Creative: You can develop unique drink concepts and bar promotions
• Organized: You excel at multitasking and prioritizing in a fast-paced environment
• Communicator: You have strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Adaptable: You’re willing to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Who we are: What to expect

• We pride ourselves on our innovative cocktail program and exceptional service
• We value creativity and encourage our bar team to contribute ideas
• Our focus is on creating a welcoming atmosphere for our guests
• We offer competitive compensation and opportunities for professional growth
• We provide ongoing training to keep our team at the forefront of industry trends

In addition to being a skilled mixologist, strong leader, and customer service expert, a bar manager must be able to meet the following skill-based responsibilities to be a great match for this position:

• Proficiency in bar management software and POS systems
• Strong understanding of liquor laws and responsible service practices
• Excellent inventory management and cost control skills
• Ability to analyze sales data and implement strategies to increase revenue
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Skill in developing and implementing staff training programs
• Ability to create and manage budgets
• Experience in handling administrative tasks such as scheduling and payroll
• Creativity in developing signature drinks and bar promotions
• Strong networking skills to build relationships with suppliers and industry professionals

How to apply, and what happens next

[Include specific application instructions and next steps in the hiring process]

How Homebase helps you manage your hiring.

Hiring a new employee as a small business owner is a big job and takes a lot of careful consideration. But when it’s time to jump in and start the hiring process, there are free hiring and onboarding tools like Homebase that help you post jobs, track applicants, and onboard new employees all in one place. We help you post and promote your jobs to online job boards directly from our mobile app.

Homebase takes the headache out of hiring by helping you identify the best candidates, message candidates, and schedule interviews, and get them up and running with the materials they need to succeed.

Ready to hire? Get started for free today.