Bar Manager

Typical job description and responsibilities

A Bar Manager has a lot of responsibilities.

Bar Manager Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform daily checks of inventory and know when to re-stock

• Figure out how to use a budget for re-stocking

• Ensure that the rules established by the bar are followed at all times by the employees under your supervision

• Address issues such as rowdy customers or customers that harass your staff

• Ensure customer satisfaction

• Find replacement if an employee falls ill or takes leave due to an emergency

• Fulfill the duties of an employee in case of emergency if there is no replacement

The job is fast-paced due to the number of responsibilities that you are given. On any given shift you must have the ability to multitask as any issues concerning the bar, staff or customers will fall on you. Bigger establishments usually operate with a team of managers but smaller to medium bars may require just one manager. 

The job can become easier with experience in the industry. Motivating your staff is probably the only way to ensure that your job goes smoothly. Some bars offer wonderful perks besides financial compensation that can make the job much more fun. For those with a particularly outgoing personality becoming a Bar Manager is a great fit.

Following training as a Bar Manager, you will be equipped with the skills to:

• Monitor staff activities

• Ensure all safety procedures are followed

• Approve the sale of alcohol

• Solve work-related issues

Bar Managers are also responsible for:

• Training and motivating staff

• Recruiting new staff

• Staying up-to-date with licensing legislation

• Making sure stock such as wine and beer are stocked correctly

• Making sure health and safety rules are followed

Working Conditions

Working as a Bar Manager can be a fun job if you have the right team and can motivate them. Even though you will spend a lot of time on your feet if you can get the best out of your team you may find that the job is not as stressful. There are many different aspects of the job that you will be expected to be knowledgeable in and it is a good idea to keep learning about the industry. 

Probably the most uncertain thing about becoming a Bar Manager are the hours that you will have to work. It’s best to understand what your schedule would be like before accepting employment. In some cases, you can be a Bar Manager for a restaurant and in that instance, your hours may not be as erratic but your hourly wage may be a bit less.

Skills and personal qualities required: 

An Bar Manager also needs to be:

• A great multi-tasker

• Physically fit

• A quick problem solver

• Great at communication

• Knowledgeable of licensing laws and health and safety regulations

Education required

There are no specific qualifications such as GCSEs required to take your SIA course. However, because all you need is your SIA qualification, you will be competing with a lot of people from countries around the world who have the right to work in the UK. You should have a very strong command of English as you will be required to listen and understand situations as well as write reports and communicate with your team.

Benefits of the job:

• Increased earnings as you learn more about the service industry

• Developing communication skills

• Some bars may offer free food and drinks while you are on duty

• Great at communication

• Development of leadership skills

You can also expect to:

• Learn about the Service industry

• Learn about Management skills

• Learn about customer Service

Life skills they would acquire

This job has so many different aspects that you will have to be a great multi-tasker. This could help you in your personal life as well. There is also the fact that you will learn how to become an effective leader to get the most out of your staff. This can help you to learn the finer points of diplomacy. As we’ve mentioned it will also challenge you to remain physically fit as you face your duties.

Here are a few skills that you will learn during your course and can hone as you get more experience on the job:
 

• Conflict management

• Confidence

• Customer service dealing with the general public

• Teamwork