Bar Manager

Team Leadership & Mentorship

Bar Manager, Trial+Error

Pursuit Spirits | Whiskey Row, Louisville, KY | Full-time, Salaried

About Trial+Error

Trial+Error is the cocktail lounge beneath Pursuit Spirits at 722 W Main St on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row. It’s an intimate, creative bar built for guests who want more than a pour with an inventive cocktail program, private events, hands-on cocktail classes, and seasonal pop-ups like our Halloween takeover and The Lodge, our ski-lodge-themed holiday bar that runs all December.

Pursuit Spirits was born from the creators of the award-winning Bourbon Pursuit podcast. We blend deep industry knowledge with bold creativity to craft unique, high-quality American whiskeys. We make whiskey for those who know good whiskey, and Trial+Error is where we get to show what it can do in a glass.

Our Core Values

• We are obsessed with customer success. Our growth is anchored by every distributor, supplier and retail customer that believes in our pursuit.
• We don't take ourselves too seriously but we do seriously good work. Our passion delivers excellence by improving ourselves professionally and personally and we have fun in the pursuit of making moments for others.
• We defy convention and are intentional in action. We continually reimagine ourselves in pursuit of what is next.
• We don't see problems, only solutions. We rely on each other as a team and are quick to resolve issues, while being empowered to make the best decisions with good intentions to further our pursuit.
• We may not agree but we're honest and build trust through accountability. We value diverse perspectives and take collective responsibility, while holding ourselves and each other accountable, in the pursuit of our shared goals.

Why Should You Come Work With Us?

• Be a Trailblazer: We aren’t some stodgy corporation. Work alongside a very small team of passionate individuals who want to shape the future of the whiskey experience in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Growth and Creativity: You won’t be stuck in a box. Collaborate in a fast-growing, dynamic company that encourages new ideas and creative freedom to discover new solutions.
• Best In Class: Play an integral part in delivering unforgettable moments for whiskey lovers through our products, storytelling, and visitor experience.

The Role

We’re looking for a Working Bar Manager to own the Trial+Error bar program and build an exceptional guest experience. You’ll lead the bar team, develop a rotating cocktail menu that showcases Pursuit Spirits, work with marketing to develop assets for social media, run the bar on our busiest nights and events, and keep the operation profitable and tight. This is a hands-on leadership role. You’ll be the key person during peak service, private events, and pop-ups, and you’ll have real creative ownership of the program. You’ll report to the General Manager and lead a bar team of four.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the success of the entire bar staff by training them to be world-class and play an integral role in the hiring process.
• Build and manage bar staff schedules to ensure optimal coverage.
• Lead by example, setting high standards for hospitality and efficiency.

Cocktail Program Development

• Create and maintain an innovative, upscale, rotating cocktail menu aligned with the Pursuit Spirits brand.
• Develop menus and concepts for seasonal pop-ups, including our Halloween pop-up and The Lodge.
• Stay current on industry trends and guest preferences to keep the program evolving.
• Partner with marketing and design to keep menus fresh and on brand.

Bar Operations Management

• Run the bar during peak service and maintain excellent standards under pressure; take control of situations during service that require manager-level attention, including intoxicated or disgruntled customers, capacity flux, and employee management.
• Oversee daily bar prep, ensuring all ingredients, garnishes, and tools are ready for service.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and FIFO procedures.
• Own pour cost and beverage cost targets by managing purchasing, par levels, dead stock, and weekly sales reviews.
• Lead monthly beverage inventory with accurate counts and data entry
• Manage ordering and deliveries from wholesalers and warehouse pick-ups.
• Keep the bar clean, organized, and compliant with all health, safety, and alcohol regulations.

Private Events and Experiences

• Own bar execution for private events, corporate parties, and full buyouts, working alongside our marketing teams.
• Teach guests the art of the cocktail in our Choose Your Own Cocktail Adventure class
• Create a welcoming, engaging atmosphere that makes every visit memorable

Marketing & Activations

• Collaborate with the General Manager and marketing team on special events, pop-ups, and activations from the planning stage through execution
• Help develop content for social media, newsletters, and menus
• Pitch in on pop-up setup, decor, and breakdown

What You Bring

• 2+ years as a bar manager or lead bartender in an upscale or craft cocktail bar.
• Strong background in cocktail creation with an emphasis on craft and innovation.
• Proven success managing bar staff, schedules, and inventory.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams on events while keeping the brand consistent.
• Strong organization, communication, and leadership skills.
• Composure under pressure without losing attention to detail.
• Responsive to email and real-time communication during operating hours.
• Comfortable with Canva, Google Workspace, and Square POS experience a plus.
• Able to stand for long shifts and lift up to 50 lbs
• Available evenings, weekends, and holidays, including peak pop-up seasons
• A genuine passion for spirits and an affinity for Pursuit Spirits products

Why Join Us?

• Real creative ownership. Lead a standout cocktail program and set the standard for excellence as one of Louisville’s best.
• A small team that moves fast: No stodgy corporate layers. Good ideas get tried and great ones stick.
• Growth: Help shape the future of the Whiskey Row experience as we grow.

Compensation and Benefits

• $60,000 to $65,000 OTE (base salary plus quarterly performance bonus tied to revenue, expense, and program goals).
• Company-sponsored health insurance.
• Two weeks paid time off.
• Consistent days off. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
• Budget for continuing education.
• Opportunities to travel to industry events where Pursuit Spirits is a sponsor.
• $50/month Pursuit allowance that accrues, good for merch, drinks, or bottles at our Whiskey Row locations.
• 50% paid monthly parking.

How to Apply

Interviews begin the week of October 26, with a target start in mid-November, just in time to help launch The Lodge.

Pursuit Spirits is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person