Overview
Bar Manager - The Meridian, Armagh
A new bar. A blank canvas. The right person to run it.
McKeever Hotels is opening The Meridian in Armagh - a new bar built from the ground up as its own standalone identity, with the backing, ambition, and creative partnership to become one of the best on the island. We are working alongside a renowned bar and beverage creator on the concept and drinks programme, in the spirit of the world's best - think Dead Rabbit, Connaught Bar, Schofield's. Now we need the person who can take that vision and actually run it.
This isn't a supporting role. You will have full responsibility for The Meridian as a business - P&L, stock, wages, rotas, supplier relationships, the lot. We want someone who thinks like an owner, because in every way that matters, you will be running your own show.
Don't mistake the location for the scale of the ambition. This is a city built on relentless detail and craft - we are bringing exactly that standard to the bar, and we want a manager with the talent and reputation to make Armagh a destination in its own right.
What You'll be Doing
- Opening The Meridian from the ground up: systems, team, supplier relationships, the works
- Owning the P&L: revenue, cost control, wage percentages, stock management
- Building and leading a team that reflects the standard we are setting
- Working hand-in-hand with our beverage creator to bring the drinks programme to life, then making it your own night to night
- Setting the tone for service, culture, and standards from day one
- Being the face of The Meridian - hosting press, industry guests, and VIPs, and representing the bar publicly alongside our beverage creator
- Reporting into McKeever Hotels' senior leadership, with real autonomy to run things your way
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience running a bar at a high level - ideally someone who has opened a venue before, or led one through real growth
- Commercial confidence - you understand margins, wage control, and stock as well as you understand a great drink
- A leader people want to work for, not just work under
- Real personality and presence - someone comfortable in front of a camera, a journalist, or a room full of guests, because this role is as much about the public face of the bar as the running of it
- Someone who takes pride in detail, because that's what guests remember
- Ambition. We are not looking for someone to maintain a bar - we're looking for someone to build a reputation.
What's in it for You
A strong package, dependant on experience - reflecting the seniority and trust this role carries. Beyond that: genuine autonomy, the backing of an established and growing family business, and the chance to build something from nothing alongside one of the industry's best. If you have been waiting for the role that lets you prove what you can really do, this is it.
McKeever Hotels is a family-owned hospitality group with a growing portfolio of properties. We back our people, invest in our venues, and care about doing things properly.
Ready to build something worth talking about? Get in touch!
Access to a vehicle for work purposes is necessary for this role, as occasional travel may be required in line with business needs.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this role at this time.
McKeever Hotels is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process and employment practices.
Pay: From £40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance programme
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Armagh BT60 4FR: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Are you available to work evenings, weekends, late finishes and public holidays as required by the needs of a premium bar operation?
- How many years’ experience do you have managing a bar, cocktail bar, hotel bar or premium hospitality venue?
- Have you had direct responsibility for bar financial performance, including revenue, wage control, stock, wastage, margins or GP?
- Have you ever opened a new bar, launched a new concept, or led a bar through significant growth or repositioning?
- Briefly describe the strongest bar, venue or hospitality operation you have managed. What were you responsible for and what did you improve?
- Are you confident acting as the public face of a venue, including hosting guests, dealing with VIPs, supporting press/social media activity and representing the bar publicly?
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
