Department
Food & Beverage
Location
The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa, Monaghan
Reporting To
Food & Beverage Manager / Hotel Management
Areas of Responsibility
Bar and Function/Event Bars
Role Purpose
The Assistant Bar Manager will support the effective day-to-day operation of Bar and the hotel’s function and event bars, ensuring consistently high standards of guest service, team performance, operational efficiency and compliance.
Working closely with the Food & Beverage Manager and wider management team, the Assistant Bar Manager will take an active, hands-on role in service and will assist in leading the bar team across daily operations, weddings, conferences, functions and special events.
Bar Operations & Guest Experience
- Support the day-to-day operation of Bar and all function/event bar areas.
- Ensure consistently high standards of service, presentation and guest care.
- Lead by example during busy service periods and maintain a visible presence on the floor.
- Ensure bars are correctly set up, stocked and prepared ahead of service and functions.
- Respond professionally and promptly to guest queries, requests and complaints.
- Support the delivery of weddings, conferences, private functions and other hotel events.
- Liaise with the Meetings & Events team and other departments to ensure event requirements are delivered correctly.
- Ensure effective opening and closing procedures are followed.
Team Leadership
- Supervise and support bartenders, bar assistants and other Food & Beverage colleagues during shifts.
- Assist with daily team briefings and communicate relevant function, service and operational information.
- Allocate duties and sections to ensure appropriate coverage and efficient service.
- Support the induction and training of new colleagues.
- Coach team members on service standards, product knowledge, upselling and responsible alcohol service.
- Monitor performance, attendance, timekeeping, presentation and conduct, escalating concerns to management where appropriate.
- Promote a positive, professional and respectful working environment.
Functions & Events
- Review function sheets and event requirements in advance to ensure appropriate preparation.
- Coordinate bar set-up, staffing, stock and equipment requirements for weddings, conferences and functions.
- Work closely with the Meetings & Events team to ensure agreed timings and service standards are achieved.
- Oversee function bar service and ensure bars are efficiently closed and reconciled following events.
- Support the management of high-volume events and multiple bar operations where required.
Stock & Financial Controls
- Assist with stock management, ordering, rotation and storage.
- Monitor stock levels and minimise waste, breakages and unnecessary losses.
- Participate in stocktakes as required.
- Ensure appropriate controls are followed in relation to complimentary drinks, wastage and transfers.
- Ensure all transactions are correctly processed through the hotel POS system.
- Support cash handling, till reconciliation and end-of-shift procedures.
- Promote appropriate upselling and commercial awareness within the team.
Standards, Health & Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all bar areas are maintained to high standards of cleanliness, presentation and organisation.
- Ensure compliance with hotel policies and procedures, licensing requirements and responsible service of alcohol.
- Follow all food safety, HACCP, allergen, fire safety and health & safety procedures relevant to the role.
- Ensure equipment is used safely and defects or maintenance issues are reported promptly.
- Assist management in maintaining appropriate training and compliance standards within the department.
Key Working Relationships
The Assistant Bar Manager will work closely with:
- Food & Beverage Management
- Hotel Management
- Meetings & Events Team
- Kitchen Team
- Weddings Team
- Front Office
- Maintenance
- People & Culture
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate should have:
- Previous experience in a busy hotel, bar, restaurant or hospitality environment.
- Previous supervisory or team leadership experience, ideally within a bar operation.
- Experience working with functions, weddings or events is highly desirable.
- Strong guest service and communication skills.
- Good knowledge of bar operations, beverages and service standards.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise during busy periods.
- Confidence in supervising and motivating a team.
- Good attention to detail and commercial awareness.
- A flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays in line with business requirements.
Key Competencies
- Guest Focus
- Leadership & Teamwork
- Communication
- Organisation & Planning
- Attention to Detail
- Commercial Awareness
- Problem Solving
- Accountability
- Flexibility
- Maintaining Standards Under Pressure
Benefits
- Meals on duty
- Complimentary gym membership
- Uniform provided
- Company pension
- Life assurance
- Health insurance contribution
- Employee hotel discounts across The iNUA Hotel Collection
- Training and development opportunities
- Career progression within the Collection
- Employee recognition and wellbeing initiatives
Our Expectations
The Assistant Bar Manager is expected to demonstrate the standards and values of The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa and The iNUA Hotel Collection at all times, contributing positively to the guest experience, colleague experience and overall success of the hotel.