Bar Manager — Lead a Creative Drinks Team

Wotton House; Westcott; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted hotel stays

Birthday day off

Free meals on duty

RBH 30% discount on food & beverage

Wagestream

Enhanced parental leave

Course sponsorship

Refer a Friend £250

Employee assistance programme

Life insurance

Wellbeing events

Flexible working

Job summary

Wotton House is seeking a passionate Bar Manager to lead the Bar team, craft memorable drinks experiences and drive revenue in a busy hospitality setting.

You will develop your team, oversee daily bar operations, and create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the property's character. The role requires leadership, creativity in drinks, and a hands-on approach to service, balancing guest satisfaction with cost control.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Bar Manager or similar supervisory/management role within hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of wines, spirits, cocktails and beverage service.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing a team.
• Good commercial awareness, including stock management, cost control and driving revenue.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Confidence managing busy services while maintaining high standards.
• A creative mindset with the confidence to introduce new ideas and improvements.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required.
• Previous hotel or high-volume hospitality experience would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Leading, motivating and developing the Bar team to deliver consistently excellent service.
• Overseeing the day-to-day running of the bar, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
• Creating a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere where guests feel genuinely looked after.
• Driving bar sales, identifying opportunities to increase revenue and encouraging creative upselling.
• Managing stock levels, ordering, stocktakes and wastage to maintain effective cost control.
• Working closely with the wider Food & Beverage team to deliver seamless guest experiences.
• Developing drinks menus, seasonal specials and new ideas that reflect the personality of Wotton House.
• Managing rotas, staffing levels and labour costs in line with business requirements.
• Ensuring high standards of cleanliness, presentation, licensing compliance and health & safety.
• Handling guest feedback and resolving any concerns professionally and confidently.
• Coaching and supporting your team, recognising achievements and creating opportunities for development.
• Leading by example and getting stuck in when things get busy!

Skills

Bar management

Team leadership

Wine & spirits knowledge

Hospitality excellence

Cost control

Communication

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Flexible schedule

Job description

Wotton House is seeking a passionate Bar Manager to lead the Bar team, craft memorable drinks experiences and drive revenue in a busy hospitality setting.

You will develop your team, oversee daily bar operations, and create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the property's character. The role requires leadership, creativity in drinks, and a hands-on approach to service, balancing guest satisfaction with cost control.