What is a Bar Manager?

Published
27 Jan 2020

27 Jan 2020

If you have natural leadership skills, you are responsible and love to be in a fun and busy atmosphere – then a bar manager position could be the career for you.

It isn’t all fun and games though, you will be on your feet for long periods of time, working hard to ensure you and your team are meeting targets, and giving customers the best experience possible. It definitely isn’t your average 9-5 office job. You will be responsible for the general day-to-day (or night) operation of the bar.

As a bar manager you will be running the show – firstly keeping your staff happy so that they can continue to keep customer’s happy at all times. Everyone will be looking to you for guidance and direction, so you will need to be experienced enough to keep calm under pressure and solve any issues that come your way.

Main Responsibilities as a Bar Manager

So, what will your main responsibilities be as a Bar Manager?

Duties typically include:

  • Controlling stock
  • Hiring, supervising, training and disciplining staff
  • Dealing with any problems or complaints
  • Keeping up to date with licensing legislation
  • Helping to serve drinks, cleaning and collecting glasses
  • Organising and advertising entertainment on the premises
  • Enforcing health and safety policies
  • Managing budgets

What is a Bar Manager’s salary?

Now we’re getting down to the nitty gritty…

 The average starting salary for a bar manager is between £18,000 and £24,000. Once you have gained more experience you could earn up to £40,000. This will vary depending on the area that you work in, the size of the company and your team, and how much experience you have.

How to develop your Bar Manager career

If you want a bit more independence in your job, why not look into becoming a pub tenant. You will be responsible for the entire running of the pub. You will already have experience of managing in a similar environment, however now you will have the freedom to make all of the decisions yourself.

Other ways in which you can develop your career is by becoming a hotel manager, an area manager or a regional manager. This will give you even more responsibilities than you have as a bar manager.

Are you up for the challenge? If so, take a look at the Bar Manager roles on Hospitality Jobs UK and don’t forget to register your CV!