Bar Manager

Pony Dining; The Rocks; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Pony Dining is seeking an experienced Bar Manager to lead our cocktail programme and bar team at The Rocks, NSW. You will partner with group leadership to shape guest experiences, build a premium beverage program and ensure consistent quality across all service moments.

You will own daily bar operations, cost menus, train staff, and drive standards for presentation, hospitality and responsible service of alcohol.

Qualifications

• Proven Bar Manager or senior bartending experience in premium venues.
• Strong cocktail creation skills with a commercial approach to menus.
• Organised and composed leadership during high-volume service.
• Guest-first hospitality mindset and memorable guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead bar organisation, equipment requirements and stock systems.
• Develop and cost cocktail and beverage menus.
• Identify practical improvements to workflow, service and presentation.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of the bar team.
• Maintain recipes and preparation standards for consistent delivery.
• Monitor beverage costs and maintain bar hygiene and safety.

Skills

Bar management

Cocktail creation

Team leadership

Beverage costing

Stock management

Guest engagement

Education

NSW RSA certification

Tools

Lightspeed POS

Job description

The Opportunity

Bar Manager | Pony Dining

Working closely with the Group General Manager and Venue Manager, the Bar Manager leads the cocktail programme, develops the bar team and sets the standard for guest experience at the bar and tableside.

You bring creativity to drink development, composure to busy services and a genuine passion for hospitality. You take ownership of bar operations while supporting beverage quality and consistency across Pony Dining.

Bar Operations & Development

• Lead bar organisation, equipment requirements and stock systems.


• Develop and cost cocktail and beverage menus.


• Identify practical improvements to workflow, service and presentation.


• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of the bar team.

Cocktail Programme & Creation

• Design and evolve a cocktail programme that reflects Pony’s fire-driven identity.


• Source premium spirits, seasonal produce and quality ingredients.


• Trial, refine and cost new cocktails and seasonal menu changes.


• Maintain clear recipes and preparation standards for consistent delivery.

Service & Guest Engagement

• Lead bar service with confidence, energy and guest-first hospitality.


• Build genuine rapport with guests through thoughtful recommendations and engaging service.


• Remain organised and composed during high-volume periods.


• Maintain quality, pace and attention to detail throughout every service.

Team Leadership

• Coach and mentor bartenders and bar support staff.


• Set clear standards for technique, presentation and product knowledge.


• Lead briefings and ongoing skills development.


• Build a team culture centred on accountability, collaboration and pride in service.

Financial, Systems & Compliance

• Manage stock control, ordering, stocktakes and wastage.


• Monitor beverage costs and margins, and support rostering and labour control.


• Ensure accurate use of Lightspeed and adherence to responsible service of alcohol requirements.


• Maintain bar hygiene, safe working practices and beverage standards across Pony Dining.

We Are Looking For

• Proven Bar Manager or senior bartending experience in premium or hatted venues.


• Strong cocktail creation skills and a commercially sound approach to menu development.


• Organised, composed leadership during high-volume service.


• A guest-first mindset and a natural ability to create memorable experiences.


• Experience in stock management, beverage costing and team development.


• A current NSW RSA certification.

What Success Looks Like

• The bar delivers consistent drinks and confident hospitality every shift.


• Cocktails reflect Pony’s identity and give guests a reason to return.


• The team is skilled, motivated and proud of its work.


• Stock, wastage and beverage costs are well controlled.


• Beverage standards remain consistent across Pony Dining.

Why Join Pony Dining

This is an opportunity to shape Pony Dining’s cocktail programme and make a meaningful contribution to the guest experience. You’ll work alongside experienced leaders, develop your team and bring fresh ideas to a premium restaurant brand, with opportunities to grow within the group.