Venue Manager

Bar 1880; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Ownership & autonomy

Unique Sydney cocktail venue

Job summary

Bar 1880 in Sydney's CBD is seeking an experienced Venue Manager to lead day-to-day operations and drive the venue’s success.

You will oversee service, develop the team, manage budgets and labour, and deliver exceptional guest experiences while meeting commercial targets in a premium cocktail environment.

You’ll own events, collaborate with ownership, maintain standards in beverage quality and compliance, and report regularly to the Director.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years as Venue Manager, Bar Manager or similar role.
• Experience in premium bars or cocktail venues.
• Knowledge of cocktails, spirits and professional bartending techniques.
• Strong leadership and team development abilities.
• Commercial understanding of hospitality financials and成本 control.
• NSW RSA certification.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on, decisive and able to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the venue's day-to-day operations and performance.
• Lead from the floor, delivering exceptional service and guest experience.
• Recruit, train and develop a high-performing team.
• Manage financials: revenue, budgets, labour, stock, profitability.
• Plan and deliver private functions and events.
• Collaborate with Brand & Growth Manager to drive sales.
• Maintain standards in venue presentation, beverage quality and compliance.
• Provide regular performance reporting and communicate with the Director.

Skills

Venue management

Leadership

Financial management

Guest experience

Communication

Job description

Venue Manager — Bar 1880

Sydney CBD | Full-Time | $90,000–$100,000 + Super

Hidden in the heart of Sydney's Circular Quay, Bar 1880 is a unique cocktail bar bringing together exceptional drinks, warm hospitality and timeless charm.

We're looking for an experienced, passionate and commercially minded Venue Manager to lead our team and take ownership of the venue's day-to-day operations and ongoing success.

The Opportunity

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who loves hospitality, thrives on the floor and understands what it takes to run a successful business.

You’ll be responsible for the overall performance of Bar 1880, leading service, developing the team, managing operations and driving the continued growth of the venue.

We're looking for someone who brings confidence, initiative and a genuine sense of ownership. Someone who can make decisions, identify opportunities, solve problems and take responsibility for delivering results.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the venue's day-to-day operations, performance and ongoing success, demonstrating confidence, initiative and accountability.

• Lead from the floor, setting exceptional standards of service, hospitality and guest experience.

• Recruit, train, develop and lead a high‑performing team, fostering a positive and accountable workplace culture.

• Manage financial performance, including revenue, budgets, labour costs, stock control and profitability.

• Lead the operational planning, coordination and successful delivery of private functions and events.

• Work collaboratively with our Brand & Growth Manager to drive sales, customer engagement and business growth.

• Maintain high standards across venue presentation, beverage quality, compliance and operational systems.

• Proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability and the overall guest experience.

• Provide regular performance reporting and maintain clear communication with the Director.

About You

We're looking for a confident, proactive hospitality leader who takes genuine ownership of their venue. Someone who leads by example, makes decisions, identifies opportunities and has the initiative to drive results without constant direction.

You’ll bring:

• A minimum of 3 years' experience in a Venue Manager, Bar Manager or comparable hospitality management position.

• Experience in premium bars, cocktail venues or quality hospitality establishments.

• Extensive knowledge of cocktails, spirits and professional bartending techniques, with a passion for beverage quality, creativity and innovation.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and hold a team accountable.

• Sound commercial understanding of hospitality financials, labour management and cost control.

• Excellent communication, organisation and problem‑solving skills.

• The ability to remain calm, organised and decisive under pressure while leading a team in a fast‑paced hospitality environment.

• A hands‑on approach and genuine passion for delivering outstanding hospitality.

• The confidence and initiative to take ownership, make decisions and drive results.

• Current NSW RSA certification.

Experience with private events, functions and business development will be highly regarded.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of $90,000–$100,000 + super, commensurate with experience.

• The opportunity to take ownership of an established and distinctive Sydney cocktail venue.

• A hands‑on leadership position with genuine autonomy and responsibility.

• Direct access to ownership and the opportunity to influence the direction and growth of the business.

• A passionate team and an environment that values creativity, hospitality and continuous improvement.