The Definitive Guide: How To Become A Bar Manager

What is a Bar Manager?

• Job Description

  If you have natural leadership skills, you are responsible and love to be in a fun and busy atmosphere – then a bar manager position could be the career for you.
  
  It isn’t all fun and games though, you will be on your feet for long periods of time, working hard to ensure you and your team are meeting targets, and giving customers the best experience possible. It definitely isn’t your average 9-5 office job. You will be responsible for the general day-to-day (or night) operation of the bar.
  
  You will be running the show – firstly keeping your staff happy so that they can continue to keep customer’s happy at all times. Everyone will be looking to you for guidance and direction, so you will need to be experienced enough to keep calm under pressure and solve any issues that come your way.

• Hours of Work

  As a bar manager, you will be required to work long and unsociable hours including late nights, weekends and public holidays. You are likely to be working more than 40 hours per week on your feet.

• Main Responsibilities

  SSo, what will your main responsibilities be as a Bar Manager?
  
  Duties typically include:

  • Controlling stock
  • Hiring, supervising, training and disciplining staff
  • Dealing with any problems or complaints
  • Keeping up to date with licensing legislation
  • Helping to serve drinks, cleaning and collecting glasses
  • Organising and advertising entertainment on the premises
  • Enforcing health and safety policies
  • Managing budgets

Key Bar Manager qualifications

Do you have the qualifications to get the job?

A degree is not vital, but it would be beneficial to have any of the following qualifications in business management, hospitality management or catering:

• HNC (higher national certificate)
• HND (higher national diploma)
• Undergraduate degree

How to become a Bar Manager

ow that you know what a Bar Manager does, how do you become one?

Once you have your qualifications you can start your career by working your way up the ladder. Unfortunately you won’t be able to step straight into a management position. You will have to gain experience first and prove you are able to handle the responsibilities that come with the job title. You could begin as a supervisor or an assistant manager, before working your way up.

Another option if you have a degree is to take part in a graduate scheme. Many companies will provide a management-training program, which will enable you to fast track to a management position at the end of your training.

How to develop your Bar Manager career

If you want a bit more independence in your job, why not look into becoming a pub tenant. You will be responsible for the entire running of the pub. You will already have experience of managing in a similar environment, however now you will have the freedom to make all of the decisions yourself.

Other ways in which you can develop your career is by becoming a hotel manager, an area manager or a regional manager. This will give you even more responsibilities than you have as a bar manager. Are you up for the challenge?

Career Opportunities

• You can find some of the best Bar Manager roles with brands such as Dirty Martini, Park Holidays, Beds and Bars and many more.

Other Definitive Guides by Leisurejobs

The Definitive Guide: How To Become A Hospitality Manager
The Definitive Guide: How To Become A Restaurant Manager
The Definitive Guide: How To Become A Hotel Manager
The Definitive Guide: How To Become A Supervisor
The Definitive Guide: How To Become An Assistant Manager
The Definitive Guide: How To Become A General Manager
The Definitive Guide: How To Become A Sommelier
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