Bar & Operations Manager

16 on Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance with employer contrib

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short-term disability

Life insurance

401(k) with match

Paid parental leave

Transit and parking program

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Elston Electric seeks a Bar & Operations Manager to oversee all bar operations and embody a balance of fun and focus. You will lead with hospitality, drive revenue growth, and ensure guest satisfaction while upholding brand standards across Chicago’s hospitality group.

You will manage a team, optimize labor and inventory, and partner with kitchen and events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences. Strong leadership and beverage knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a managerial or lead role within bar/restaurant settings.
• Strong passion for delivering warm, memorable guest experiences.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated leadership including mentoring and developing staff.
• High attention to detail, cleanliness, organization, and safety standards.
• Solid knowledge of beverage trends (wines, spirits, beers, cocktails, non-alcoholic options).
• Understanding beverage costing, pricing strategies, and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Organize, plan, and prioritize daily operations to exceed guest expectations for product and service.
• Maintain a consistent on-floor leadership presence to set service tone.
• Oversee MODs and leads, providing coaching and performance management.
• Lead recruitment, training, and development of a hospitality team aligned with company values.
• Ensure adherence to SOPs, quality control, and health and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Beverage knowledge

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Description

About Us:

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.

Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary

As the Bar & Operations Manager at Elston Electric, you are responsible for overseeing all bar operations while embodying the perfect balance of fun and focus. You love a great party as much as a P&L statement and prioritize authentic hospitality above all else. Your leadership creates a culture of growth and respect, enhances our brand identity, drives revenue growth, and exceeds guest expectations. We trust our leaders to lead and provide support through the training, resources, and experience of one of Chicago's leading hospitality groups.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Leadership:

• Organize, plan, and prioritize daily operations to ensure the entire team exceeds guest expectations for both product and service
• Serve as the standard for hospitality, maintaining a consistent presence on the floor during service, interacting with guests, and setting the tone for service excellence
• Oversee all MODs and leads, providing strategic direction, coaching, and performance management to ensure bar operations align with company goals and deliver genuine guest experiences
• Lead the recruitment, hiring, training, and development of a talented and passionate team that builds on our culture of warmth and inclusivity
• Ensure consistency, fairness, and accountability in growth and development opportunities as well as discipline

Financials:

• Maintain a strong understanding of P&L statements and KPIs to ensure budgets are met, making proactive adjustments to adapt to seasonal changes in business
• Continuously manage and adjust schedules to control overtime and maximize labor efficiency
• Develop strategies to optimize profitability across all business functions
• Partner with the private events team to create new revenue opportunities and operational synergy
• Create profitable activations and events that build community and strengthen brand identity

Operational Excellence:

• Ensure timely completion of administrative duties including team scheduling, payroll, inventory, menu and SOP updates, POS programming, ordering, receiving, and opening and closing checklists
• Partner with the kitchen team and external food vendors to maintain strong communication between front and back of house and ensure daily service is executed consistently
• Ensure all bar operations follow established SOPs for quality control, efficiency, and health and safety standards
• Actively participate in service, ensuring guests are well taken care of while building relationships with regulars, industry guests, and the local community
• Implement and oversee effective inventory control systems to minimize waste and ensure product availability

Requirements

About You:

• 3+ years of proven success in a managerial or lead role within the bar or restaurant industry
• Genuine passion for delivering exceptional, warm service and creating memorable experiences for customers and team members alike
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including mentoring team members and fostering a positive workplace culture aligned with company values
• Strong attention to detail and a demand for cleanliness, organization, and health and safety standards
• In-depth knowledge of beverage trends, including wines, spirits, beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options
• Strong understanding of beverage costing, pricing strategies, and inventory management principles
• Ability to remain on your feet for extended periods and move throughout the space during service
• Ability to bend, reach, and lift and carry up to 30 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that may include loud noise, crowds, and varying temperatures
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Position Details & Benefits

• Job Type: Full-time, Exempt
• Compensation: $65-$70k
• Benefits: Health insurance with employer contribution; voluntary dental, vision, short-term disability, accident, and hospital coverage; employer-paid life insurance; voluntary life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company match; paid parental leave after 1 year of service; transit and parking program; unlimited PTO