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Bar Manager (Lexington)
161 East Reynolds rd
compensation:
Excellent $$$ plus Bonus
employment type:
full-time
experience level:
senior level
job title:
Bar Manager
QR Code Link to This Post
Location: Lexington, KY
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Ownership / General Manager
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced, high-energy, and business-minded Bar Manager to oversee the daily operations of our beverage program and front-of-house service. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can balance the art of exceptional hospitality with the science of tight financial controls. You will be responsible for staff management, inventory control, cocktail/menu curation, and ensuring an unforgettable guest experience while maintaining maximum profitability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operations & Floor Management
Lead daily floor operations, ensuring the bar runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Maintain a high-energy, welcoming atmosphere for guests and handle customer feedback with grace and professionalism.
Ensure strict compliance with all local, state, and federal alcohol laws (including checking IDs and monitoring over-service).
Oversee cleanliness, organization, and sanitation standards behind the bar and in seating areas, adhering to health department codes.
2. Staff Leadership & Culture
Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard top-tier bartending, barbacking, and service staff.
Create fair and optimized weekly staff schedules that balance labor cost goals with operational needs.
Provide ongoing training on mixology, product knowledge, step-of-service, and upselling techniques.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture to minimize turnover.
3. Financial & Inventory Control
Manage full beverage inventory (liquor, beer, wine, mixers, and garnishes); conduct accurate weekly/monthly weigh-ins and counts.
Analyze pour costs and implement strict waste-reduction strategies to meet target cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) percentages.
Oversee ordering and build strong relationships with local distributors and vendors.
Utilize the POS system to track sales trends, manage cash handling procedures, and generate daily/weekly operational reports.
4. Beverage Program & Marketing
Maintain and evolve the beverage menu, ensuring a balance of profitable classics and innovative features.
Collaborate on marketing initiatives, happy hour promotions, and special events to drive foot traffic.
Qualifications & Skills
Experience: 2–3+ years of experience as a Bar Manager, Assistant Manager, or Head Bartender in a high-volume environment.
Financial Literacy: Strong understanding of bar math, including calculating pour costs, managing labor percentages, and tracking inventory variances.
Tech Savvy: Proficiency with modern POS systems (e.g., Toast, Clover) and inventory management software.
Leadership: Proven ability to manage, motivate, and hold a diverse service team accountable.
Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work late nights, weekends, and holidays as required by the business.
Certifications: Must have (or be willing to obtain) standard local alcohol server training/certifications.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.