How to Hire a Bar Manager

Bar managers are critical to the success of the bar. A great bar manager will oversee the daily operations, ensure customer satisfaction, manage staff, and be responsible for the financial health of the establishment. A great bar manager can boost profits, improve staff morale, and enhance the bar’s reputation. On the flip side, a poor manager can lead to dwindling sales, high staff turnover, and a tarnished reputation. This is why you should really take your time and understand the process for how to hire a bar manager if you want to get the right person.

Bar Manager Responsibilities

These are the basic essential duties that a great bar manager must handle:

Overseeing daily bar operationsHiring, training, and managing staffEnsuring customer satisfaction and handling customer complaintsManaging inventory and ordering suppliesEnforcing compliance with alcohol regulations and other lawsFinancial responsibilities: budgeting, setting prices, accounting, etc.Promotional and marketing activities in response to the latest industry trendsMaintaining health and safety standards

Qualities of an Excellent Bar Manager

In addition to performing all the required duties, a great bar manager can be a cut above other bar managers if they have the traits of the best bar managers:

Leadership and management skillsStrong communication abilitiesCustomer service skillsFinancial acumenProblem-solving and decision-making abilitiesKnowledge of the bar industry and current trendsOrganizational skills

Steps to Hire a Bar Manager

To find the right person, you should first develop the standards for your hiring process.

courtesy of smallbiztrends.com

Creating a Comprehensive Bar Manager Job Description

Clearly outline the responsibilities, required experience, skills, and expectations. Mention specific responsibilities like shift scheduling, inventory management, staff management, etc. Don’t forget to mention the rewards of the position (such as bonuses) in the bar manager job description.

Where to Find Good Bar Manager Candidates

You can search for good bar manager candidates using different job platforms like online job boards (e.g., Indeed, Glassdoor), hospitality industry-specific websites, local classifieds, referrals, and hospitality and/or bartending schools.

Essential Certifications and Qualifications for a Bar Manager

Depending on your region, a bar manager might be required to have certifications in responsible alcohol service (like TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol in the U.S.). Other useful qualifications might include degrees or certifications in hospitality management.

Interviewing Potential Bar Manager

Here is a sample of great questions to ask someone interviewing for the bar manager position:

courtesy of smallbiztrends.comTell me about a time when you handled a difficult customer situation.How do you motivate a team during a slow business period?Describe a situation when you had to handle a conflict between bar staff members.How do you manage inventory and reduce waste?

Checking References and Past Experience

Of course, you’ll need to check references and review the application to note past bar manager experience. Or, you may be hiring a former bartender who has taken management courses or who has demonstrable management skills.

Job Offer, Salary and Onboarding

Generally, the average bar manager salary will correlate with the size and revenue of the bar. Larger establishments or those in prime locations may pay more due to the increased responsibilities and potential for higher profits.

Training and Development Opportunities for Bar Managers

It’s essential for a bar manager to stay updated with the latest trends in the beverage and hospitality industry. That’s one of the bar manager’s duties. Trends influence customer expectations, and staying current can give a competitive edge. Compliance issues, especially those related to licensing and serving alcohol, are crucial. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines or closure.

Tools and Software for Bar Managers

The right tools and software can make bar management much easier for staff and bar managers.

courtesy of smallbiztrends.comPoint of Sale (POS) systems: Helps with sales tracking, inventory management, and financial reporting.Scheduling software: Tools like Deputy or 7shifts for staff scheduling.Inventory management software: Systems like Barkeep or Partender.Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software: To manage customer databases and marketing campaigns.

FAQs: How to Hire a Bar Manager

What’s the difference between a bar manager and a bartender?

A bartender is a mixologist who serves drinks to the customers. They are skilled in customer service and have ongoing experience in how bars are managed.

A bar manager oversees all aspects of the bar, from inventory to operations and profitability. Many bar managers get their start in the business as bartenders.

How much experience should a bar manager have?

Typically, individuals should have several years of experience in the bar or hospitality industry, having served roles like a bartender or assistant manager. This ensures they understand the intricacies of the business and have demonstrated an ability to handle responsibilities.

What certifications should a bar manager possess?

A bar manager might be required to have certifications in responsible alcohol service (like TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol in the U.S.). Other useful qualifications might include degrees or certifications in hospitality management.

courtesy of smallbiztrends.com

Management training in other fields may be appicable to the skills needed by a bar manager. Also, a bartender who has taken mixology classes will have a in-depth knowledge of safe and legal operations of a bar.