Drift - Bar Manager

Drift Restaurant; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Extended health & dental benefits

Growth opportunities

Gym access

Transit pass reimbursement (50%)

RRSP contributions

Uniform and dining allowance

Employee assistance program

Referral bonus program

Job summary

Drift Salon & Bar is seeking a Bar Manager to oversee day-to-day bar operations, staffing, training, and active floor management during service. You will lead shifts, shape the beverage program, and collaborate with leadership to uphold Five-Star service standards.

The ideal candidate brings experience in upscale hospitality, event management, and exceptional guest relations, with a passion for memorable dining experiences at Drift.

Qualifications

• Post-Secondary Diploma/Degree in Business or Hospitality is considered an asset.
• Experience in a high volume, fast paced hospitality environment.
• Previous experience managing events is considered a strong asset.
• WSET Intermediate Wine Certificate or comparable is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with premium beverage offerings to complement the dining experience.
• Strong Five-Star service standards and consistency expectations.
• Ability to anticipate and fulfill guests' needs for a flawless dining experience.
• Proven track record managing upscale or fine dining to meet high guest expectations.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization and teamwork in a fast-paced setting.
• Ability to address guest concerns with tact and resolve them positively.

Responsibilities

• Participate in opening/closing procedures for consistency and readiness.
• Perform managerial floor shifts and provide leadership during service.
• Develop and refine the beverage program aligned with the Drift concept.
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure quality and innovation across beverages.
• Report to the Director of Fine Dining with regular updates on operations.

Skills

Leadership

Staff training

Event management

Guest service

Communication

Organization

Guest relations

VIP service

Education

Hospitality or Business degree (asset)

Job description

Bar Manager at Drift Salon & Bar with Freehand Hospitality

About Freehand Hospitality

Rooted in chef-led creativity, our team is passionate about bringing people together with bold flavours, thoughtful ingredients, and warm, welcoming service. We celebrate diverse culinary styles—from upscale Maritime dining to classic French fare—paired with genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish tells a story, and every experience celebrates connection, community, and a true sense of place in Halifax.

About Drift Salon & Bar

Owning a strong connection to time and place, Drift, located in Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, pays homage to this region’s land, people and history. Celebrating our natural abundance, Drift’s culinary vision is to showcase the East Coast’s most beloved ingredients stemming from a vibrant community of artisans, producers, farmers and fishers. Chef Anthony Walsh has crafted menus featuring eclectic interpretations of familiar Maritime fare. Whether you’re sampling an incredible variety of raw bar delicacies or tucking into a piping hot Seafood Hodge Podge, Drift’s dishes aim to deliver equal parts comfort and surprise.

Job Description

Under the direction of the General Manager, we are looking for an Bar Manager at Drift Salon & Bar who will be accountable for the day-to-day operations of the bar including staffing, training, administration and active floor management during service.

What you will be doing as a Bar Manager

• Participate in the server gratuity pool in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations;
• Oversee and support bar opening and closing procedures to ensure consistency, cleanliness, and operational readiness;
• Perform managerial floor shifts as needed, providing leadership, guidance, and support to the team during service;
• Represent the organization at events and travel opportunities as required, with participation aligned to the Drift brand;
• Develop and refine the beverage program, including cocktails and non-alcoholic offerings, in alignment with the Mystic concept and guest experience goals;
• Collaborate with leadership and team members to maintain quality, innovation, and consistency across all beverage offerings;
• Report directly to the Director of Fine Dining and provide regular updates on bar operations, performance, and initiatives;
• Fulfill additional responsibilities consistent with similar roles within Freehand, as required to support overall business operations and team success;
• Such other related duties and responsibilities as may be required from time to time.

The person we are looking for has

• A Post-Secondary Diploma/Degree in Business or Hospitality is considered an asset;
• Experience in a high volume, fast paced hospitality environment;
• Previous experience managing events is considered a strong asset;
• WSET Intermediate Wine Certificate or comparable is considered an asset;
• Familiarity with premium beverage offerings, including fine wines, cocktails, and specialty coffees, to complement the dining experience;
• A strong understanding of Five-Star service standards and ensuring these are consistently met or exceeded;
• The ability to anticipate and fulfill guests' needs before they even ask, ensuring a flawless dining experience;
• A proven track record of managing upscale or fine dining restaurants to understand the complexity of serving guests with high expectations;
• Superior verbal and written communication skills;
• The ability to demonstrate extreme organization in a fast-paced environment while acting as a team player;
• Skills in addressing and resolving guest complaints or concerns with tact, ensuring a positive outcome without compromising the guest experience;
• The ability and a passion to create memorable guest experiences through personalized service, remembering preferences of frequent diners, and making guests feel like a VIP.

Why join us and what's in it for you

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive extended Health & Dental benefits
• Integrated learning environment with room to grow
• Access to our gym and fitness facility

• 50% reimbursement of monthly transit pass

• Company RRSP contributions
• Uniform and dining allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Eligible for company referral bonus program

• Working along side a collaborative team of likeminded individuals

A member of The Armour Group Ltd, Freehand Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value our employees and their well-being. If you would like to join an organization with which you can have a work-life balance, career growth, long term job stability, and an opportunity to positively contribute to the community, this position may be for you!