Bar Manager

Blackwood Development Pty Ltd; Torquay; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Coastal lifestyle

Ownership of drinks offer

Superannuation included

Job summary

Blackwood Development Pty Ltd – Surf Hotel in Torquay seeks a hands-on Bar Manager to own the bar, set the drinks offer, run a tight, profitable operation and lead the bar team on the floor. This full-time role reports to the Venue Manager.

You will create and test cocktails, manage stock, set up and close service, manage COGS and margins, train the team, maintain RSA compliance and help shape drinks for events and seasonal menus.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a bar, ideally in a cocktail bar or quality venue.
• Strong cocktail knowledge and technique, and a creative eye for a drinks list.
• Confident with stock control, ordering and costing drinks to a COGS target.
• A current Victorian RSA (or able to get one before starting).

Responsibilities

• Create, test and write up cocktail recipes and specs, and build the cocktail and drinks list with the Venue Manager.
• Work the bar during service: shaking, stirring and serving to a high standard, and setting the pace for the team.
• Set up, prep and close the bar each service, including batching, garnishes, syrups and mise en place.
• Manage beverage inventory: par levels, stock rotation, wastage and monthly stocktakes.
• Place and receive orders with beverage suppliers, checking deliveries and invoices.
• Own beverage COGS: cost every drink, set pricing with management and hit margin targets.
• Lead, train and develop the bar team, help build the bar roster, and keep RSA compliance tight on every shift.
• Help shape drinks for happy hour, events and seasonal menus.

Skills

Bar leadership

Cocktail knowledge

Stock control

COGS/costing

RSA compliance

Team training

Job description

Blackwood Development Pty Ltd - Torquay VIC

Since opening at Easter 2026, the Surf Hotel has become one of the most talked-about new venues on the Surf Coast, and we're looking for a Bar Manager to help write its next chapter.

As seen in Broadsheet: named one of the new Australian stays to check out in 2026, given an exclusive First Look as a refurbed '80s motel redefining seaside chic in Torquay, and called a "destination diner" worth the daytrip.

A kitchen with pedigree: our restaurant and bar is led by acclaimed chef Jo Barrett (ex-hatted restaurant Little Picket, Lorne), known for her zero-waste, produce-first cooking.

A venue built to be enjoyed: a walnut bar, a fireplace lounge and an extended, elevated deck overlooking Torquay's front beach that fills up for post-surf drinks and happy hour.

Design-led: 16 rooms and suites plus a four-bedroom penthouse, reimagined by Forum Studio and Pasquale Cook, with local art and surf culture throughout.

We're part of Blackwood Hotels, alongside The Roy at Rainbow Beach and The Warby in Warburton. Right now we trade Wednesday to Sunday across the restaurant and deck, with lunch, happy hour and dinner sessions plus a growing calendar of ticketed events. This is a rare chance to put your name on the bar offering at one of regional Victoria's most exciting new openings.

About the role

We're looking for a hands-on Bar Manager to own the bar at the Surf Hotel. You'll set the drinks offer, run a tight and profitable bar, and lead the bar team on the floor. This is a full-time role reporting to the Venue Manager.

What you'll do

• Create, test and write up cocktail recipes and specs, and build the cocktail and drinks list with the Venue Manager
• Work the bar during service: shaking, stirring and serving to a high standard, and setting the pace for the team
• Set up, prep and close the bar each service, including batching, garnishes, syrups and mise en place
• Manage beverage inventory: par levels, stock rotation, wastage and monthly stocktakes
• Place and receive orders with our beverage suppliers, checking deliveries and invoices
• Own beverage COGS: cost every drink, set pricing with management and hit margin targets
• Lead, train and develop the bar team, help build the bar roster, and keep RSA compliance tight on every shift
• Help shape drinks for happy hour, events and seasonal menus

About you

• Experience leading a bar, ideally in a cocktail bar or quality venue (senior bartender stepping up is welcome)
• Strong cocktail knowledge and technique, and a creative eye for a drinks list
• Confident with stock control, ordering and costing drinks to a COGS target
• A current Victorian RSA (or able to get one before starting)
• Available for evenings and weekends, which is when we're busiest
• Calm under pressure, organised, and someone the team wants to work with

What's on offer

$70,000 - $85,000 package (including superannuation), depending on experience

• Real ownership of the drinks offer and the numbers behind it
• A coastal lifestyle in Torquay, a short drive from Geelong