Cocktail Bar Manager
Manchester City Centre
£35k-£40k Salary
Full Time | Permanent
Bonus Scheme
Valenti Recruitment is proud to be partnering with an exciting new premium restaurant and cocktail bar opening in Manchester city centre to recruit an experienced Cocktail Bar Manager.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a brand-new opening from the very beginning and play a key role in shaping the bar operation, drinks programme, team and service standards.
We are looking for a hands-on Bar Manager with strong experience in premium, high-volume hospitality and genuine technical cocktail knowledge.
You will take ownership of the day-to-day running and commercial performance of the bar, while leading and developing a high-performing team and working closely with the wider restaurant leadership team.
Key responsibilities
- Recruit, train, lead and develop the bar team
- Maintain exceptional cocktail and guest-service standards
- Take ownership of the drinks menu, including recipe development, costing and batching
- Deliver and train the team on premium tableside cocktail service
- Work with advanced cocktail techniques including infusions, clarified serves and house-made ingredients
- Manage suppliers, ordering, stock control and wastage
- Manage GP, labour costs and bar performance
- Produce rotas and manage staffing levels
- Ensure licensing, allergen, health & safety and food-safety compliance
- Work closely with the restaurant and kitchen leadership teams during busy service
- Support pre-opening training, supplier trials and launch planning
- Help establish standards and culture across the bar from day one
What we're looking for
We are particularly interested in speaking to experienced Cocktail Bar Managers, Senior Bar Managers and Assistant Bar Managers from premium cocktail bars, high-end restaurants or quality hospitality venues.
You will need:
- Proven bar management experience in a premium, high-volume environment
- Strong technical cocktail and mixology knowledge
- Excellent knowledge of classic cocktails, including Negroni-style serves
- Experience with cocktail batching and advanced preparation techniques
- Strong knowledge of stock control, GP, wastage and labour costs
- Experience leading, training and developing bar teams
- Confidence delivering premium, personality-led guest service
- A strong eye for detail and presentation
- The ability to remain hands-on during busy service
A Personal Licence is desirable, although candidates willing to obtain one will also be considered.
Experience of opening a new bar or restaurant would be advantageous but is not essential.
What's on offer
- Competitive salary
- Performance-related bonus
- Staff discounts
- Genuine career progression
- Ongoing training and development
- The opportunity to help shape a major new Manchester hospitality opening
Apply
Valenti Recruitment is managing this recruitment process on behalf of our client.
If you are an experienced Bar Manager with genuine cocktail expertise and you're looking for an opportunity where you can help build something from the ground up, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply with your CV and Valenti Recruitment will contact suitable candidates with further details.
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Sick pay
Application question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have managing or supervising a premium cocktail bar or high-end restaurant bar?
- Please briefly describe your current or most recent bar management role, including the type of venue, team size and level of responsibility you had.
- What experience do you have managing the commercial side of a bar, including GP, stock control, wastage, labour costs and rotas?
Work Location: In person
