Assistant Bar Manager

Department: Food & Beverage

Location: The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa, Monaghan

Reporting To: Food & Beverage Manager / Hotel Management

Areas of Responsibility: Bar and Function/Event Bars

Role Purpose

The Assistant Bar Manager will support the effective day-to-day operation of Bar and the hotel’s function and event bars, ensuring consistently high standards of guest service, team performance, operational efficiency and compliance.

Working closely with the Food & Beverage Manager and wider management team, the Assistant Bar Manager will take an active, hands-on role in service and will assist in leading the bar team across daily operations, weddings, conferences, functions and special events.

Key Responsibilities

Bar Operations & Guest Experience

• Support the day-to-day operation of Bar and all function/event bar areas.
• Ensure consistently high standards of service, presentation and guest care.
• Lead by example during busy service periods and maintain a visible presence on the floor.
• Ensure bars are correctly set up, stocked and prepared ahead of service and functions.
• Respond professionally and promptly to guest queries, requests and complaints.
• Support the delivery of weddings, conferences, private functions and other hotel events.
• Liaise with the Meetings & Events team and other departments to ensure event requirements are delivered correctly.
• Ensure effective opening and closing procedures are followed.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and support bartenders, bar assistants and other Food & Beverage colleagues during shifts.
• Assist with daily team briefings and communicate relevant function, service and operational information.
• Allocate duties and sections to ensure appropriate coverage and efficient service.
• Support the induction and training of new colleagues.
• Coach team members on service standards, product knowledge, upselling and responsible alcohol service.
• Monitor performance, attendance, timekeeping, presentation and conduct, escalating concerns to management where appropriate.
• Promote a positive, professional and respectful working environment.

Functions & Events

• Review function sheets and event requirements in advance to ensure appropriate preparation.
• Coordinate bar set-up, staffing, stock and equipment requirements for weddings, conferences and functions.
• Work closely with the Meetings & Events team to ensure agreed timings and service standards are achieved.
• Oversee function bar service and ensure bars are efficiently closed and reconciled following events.
• Support the management of high-volume events and multiple bar operations where required.

Stock & Financial Controls

• Assist with stock management, ordering, rotation and storage.
• Monitor stock levels and minimise waste, breakages and unnecessary losses.
• Participate in stocktakes as required.
• Ensure appropriate controls are followed in relation to complimentary drinks, wastage and transfers.
• Ensure all transactions are correctly processed through the hotel POS system.
• Support cash handling, till reconciliation and end-of-shift procedures.
• Promote appropriate upselling and commercial awareness within the team.

Standards, Health & Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all bar areas are maintained to high standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation.
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies and procedures, licensing requirements and responsible service of alcohol.
• Follow all food safety, HACCP, allergen, fire safety and health & safety procedures relevant to the role.
• Ensure equipment is used safely and defects or maintenance issues are reported promptly.
• Assist management in maintaining appropriate training and compliance standards within the department.

Key Working Relationships

The Assistant Bar Manager will work closely with:

• Food & Beverage Management
• Hotel Management
• Meetings & Events Team
• Kitchen Team
• Weddings Team
• Front Office
• Maintenance
• People & Culture

Candidate Requirements

The successful candidate should have:

• Previous experience in a busy hotel, bar, restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience, ideally within a bar operation.
• Experience working with functions, weddings or events is highly desirable.
• Strong guest service and communication skills.
• Good knowledge of bar operations, beverages and service standards.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise during busy periods.
• Confidence in supervising and motivating a team.
• Good attention to detail and commercial awareness.
• A flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays in line with business requirements.

Key Competencies

• Guest Focus
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Communication
• Organisation & Planning
• Attention to Detail
• Commercial Awareness
• Problem Solving
• Accountability
• Flexibility
• Maintaining Standards Under Pressure

Benefits

• Meals on duty
• Complimentary gym membership
• Uniform provided
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Health insurance contribution
• Employee hotel discounts across The iNUA Hotel Collection
• Training and development opportunities
• Career progression within the Collection
• Employee recognition and wellbeing initiatives

Our Expectations

The Assistant Bar Manager is expected to demonstrate the standards and values of The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa and The iNUA Hotel Collection at all times, contributing positively to the guest experience, colleague experience and overall success of the hotel.