Bar Manager - Upscale Cocktail Lounge Leader

Luxury Cocktail Lounge; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Luxury Cocktail Lounge in Chicago seeks a Bar Manager to lead the team and elevate service standards. The role oversees operations, beverage programming, and brand events while driving guest satisfaction and financial performance.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years of upscale hospitality management experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for cocktails. This is a hands-on leadership position within a dynamic, hospitality-focused venue.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hospitality management experience, preferably in cocktail bars, lounges, or upscale nightlife concepts.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and retain strong teams.
• Strong financial acumen and operational expertise.
• Passion for hospitality, cocktails, and guest experience.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example to cultivate a positive, inclusive, and service-driven culture.
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop a best-in-class front-of-house team.
• Set clear expectations and hold managers and staff accountable to standards.
• Foster open communication and strong collaboration across all departments.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure seamless service and exceptional guest experiences.
• Maintain and continuously improve service, cocktail, and hospitality standards.
• Actively engage with guests to build relationships and encourage repeat business.
• Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial performance.
• Control labor and operating costs while maintaining quality.
• Oversee cash handling, reporting, and administrative procedures.
• Analyze performance metrics and implement improvements as needed.
• Partner with ownership and bar leadership on menu development and programming.
• Ensure consistency and excellence in cocktail execution and presentation.
• Execute events, activations, and special programming aligned with the brand.
• Represent us within the Chicago hospitality community.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain health, safety, and alcohol service standards.
• Implement and manage systems related to scheduling, payroll, inventory, and POS.

Skills

Hospitality management

Leadership

Financial acumen

Operations

Job description

Luxury Cocktail Lounge in Chicago seeks a Bar Manager to lead the team and elevate service standards. The role oversees operations, beverage programming, and brand events while driving guest satisfaction and financial performance.

Ideal candidates bring 3+ years of upscale hospitality management experience, strong leadership skills, and a passion for cocktails. This is a hands-on leadership position within a dynamic, hospitality-focused venue.