Bar Manager

The Talent Shop; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid time off

Bonus potential

Job summary

The Talent Shop is seeking an experienced Bar Manager to lead and elevate the restaurant’s beverage program. You will be an active part of the bar team, crafting creative cocktails and maintaining high standards in presentation and service.

With strong wine knowledge and leadership, you will train staff, manage inventory and costs, and collaborate with the Executive Chef on pairings and events, ensuring an upscale experience aligned with the brand.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of bartending and bar experience with strong mixology skills.
• Strong wine knowledge; able to train staff on wine, pairings, and service.
• Previous beverage management or bar leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee beverage program, including wine, spirits, beer, and cocktails.
• Regularly work scheduled bartending shifts as an active member of the bar team.
• Create and execute a distinctive cocktail program with seasonal, well-balanced drinks that complement the menu and brand.
• Demonstrate strong mixology skills and maintain high standards for cocktail preparation, presentation, consistency, and bar service.
• Maintain knowledge of wine varietals, regions, vintages, producers, food pairings, and proper wine service.
• Maintain the wine list in collaboration with restaurant leadership, ensuring a balanced selection that meets sales and cost goals.
• Conduct ongoing wine and beverage training for front-of-house staff to strengthen product knowledge, service, and sales.
• Manage wine, beer, and liquor ordering, receiving, storage, and organization with proper par levels.
• Complete and manage monthly beverage inventory with accurate counts and reporting.
• Monitor beverage costs, pricing, sales, product mix, waste, and purchasing to support profitability.
• Assist in marketing efforts, including video and audio content participation.
• Build relationships with wine and spirits distributors, suppliers, and beverage vendors.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training bartenders.
• Coach and develop bartenders for consistent execution, product knowledge, responsible service, and hospitality.
• Maintain bar organization, cleanliness, equipment, glassware, and supply levels.
• Stay current on wine, spirits, cocktail, and beverage industry trends through ongoing education.
• Work with Executive Chef on beverage pairings, events, and seasonal menu changes.
• Ensure compliance with Virginia ABC requirements and company policies.
• Build positive relationships with guests and team members and model an upscale guest experience.

Skills

Bartending

Mixology

Wine knowledge

Staff training

Inventory management

Cost controls

Leadership

Communication

Education

Wine/Spirits certification

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Bar Manager with a strong background in bartending, mixology, wine, and beverage operations. This position is responsible for leading the restaurant’s beverage program, developing creative cocktails, managing the wine program, training staff, maintaining inventory and cost controls, and supporting a polished and knowledgeable bar team. The ideal candidate combines strong beverage expertise with a passion for hospitality and an understanding of an upscale, farm-to-table dining environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee beverage program, including wine, spirits, beer, and cocktails.
• Regularly work scheduled bartending shifts as an active member of the bar team.
• Create and execute a distinctive cocktail program with seasonal, well-balanced drinks that complement client's menu and brand.
• Demonstrate strong mixology skills and maintain high standards for cocktail preparation, presentation, consistency, and bar service.
• Maintain strong knowledge of wine, including varietals, regions, vintages, producers, food pairings, and proper wine service.
• Maintain the wine list in collaboration with restaurant leadership, ensuring a balanced selection that complements the menu and meets sales and cost goals.
• Conduct ongoing wine and beverage training for front-of-house staff to strengthen product knowledge, service, and sales.
• Manage wine, beer, and liquor ordering, receiving, storage, and organization while maintaining appropriate par levels.
• Complete and manage monthly beverage inventory, ensuring accurate counts and reporting for wine, beer, spirits, and bar supplies.
• Monitor beverage costs, pricing, sales, product mix, waste, and purchasing to support profitability and cost efficiency.
• Assist in marketing efforts, including participation of video and audio content.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with wine and spirits distributors, suppliers, and other beverage vendors.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training bartenders.
• Coach and develop bartenders to ensure consistent execution, product knowledge, responsible alcohol service, and exceptional hospitality.
• Maintain bar organization, cleanliness, equipment, glassware, and appropriate supply levels.
• Stay current on wine, spirits, cocktail, and beverage industry trends through ongoing education and professional development.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and restaurant leadership on beverage pairings, special dinners, events, promotions, and seasonal menu changes.
• Ensure compliance with Virginia ABC requirements, responsible alcohol service standards, and company policies.
• Build positive relationships with guests and team members and consistently model an exceptional, upscale guest experience.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in an upscale, full-service restaurant; farm-to-table experience a plus.
• 3-5 years of bartending and bar experience, with strong mixology skills including cocktail development and execution.
• Strong wine knowledge and confidence training staff on wine, pairings, and service.
• Previous beverage management, bar management, or comparable leadership experience preferred.
• Experience with beverage purchasing inventory management, pricing, and cost controls.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to train, coach, and develop a team.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Industry-related wine, spirits, or beverage certification/education is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage with bonus potential
• Medical benefits per company plan.
• Paid time off.

Note: This job description outlines essential responsibilities but is not all-encompassing. Additional duties may be required based on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Employment is at-will, and this document does not constitute an employment contract.