NOW HIRING: BAR MANAGER

LexLive; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LexLive is seeking an experienced Bar Manager to lead beverage operations in Downtown Lexington, KY. You will manage multiple bars, develop and train staff, and drive profitability through cost controls, inventory management, and creative beverage programs.

The role requires hands-on leadership, a data-driven approach to budgeting, and the ability to coordinate events and promotions for a high-energy guest experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in bar management or beverage operations leadership.
• Experience with beverage purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory controls.
• Strong understanding of beverage cost, labor, budgeting, and profitability.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop a team.
• Experience with POS systems, inventory software, and basic financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of multiple bar locations, ensuring consistency in service, quality, cleanliness, and presentation.
• Monitor beverage sales, costs, labor expenses, and overall profitability.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase beverage revenue and efficiency.
• Establish beverage standards, portion controls, and responsible service practices.
• Lead recruitment, training, coaching, and performance management of bar staff.
• Coordinate events and promotional beverage programs.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and proper cash handling.

Skills

Bar management

Beverage purchasing

Inventory management

Cost controls

Team leadership

POS systems

Budgeting

Vendor relationships

Tools

MarginEdge

Job description

LexLive | Downtown Lexington, Kentucky
Lead the Bar. Build the Team. Create the Experience.

LexLive | Downtown Lexington, Kentucky
Lead the Bar. Build the Team. Create the Experience.Are you an experienced Bar Manager who knows how to run a profitable bar, develop a great team, and create an outstanding guest experience? LexLive wants to meet you!LexLive is Lexington's premier entertainment destination, bringing together luxury movie theatres, bowling, arcade games, full-service dining, multiple bars, and exciting events—all under one roof.We're looking for an experienced, motivated, and hands-on Bar Manager to lead our beverage operations. This position is ideal for a hospitality professional who understands that successful bar management requires more than making great drinks. It takes strong leadership, effective inventory and purchasing controls, financial discipline, creative event planning, and a commitment to developing a winning team.If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive in a high-energy environment, and take pride in running a well-organized and profitable operation, we want you on our team!

What You'll Do

Bar Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee daily operations of multiple bar locations throughout LexLive, ensuring consistency in service, quality, cleanliness, and presentation.
• Monitor beverage sales, product costs, labor expenses, and overall bar profitability.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase beverage revenue, improve operating efficiencies, and control expenses.
• Establish and maintain beverage preparation standards, portion controls, and responsible alcohol service practices.
• Analyze sales reports, product performance, and operational trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure proper cash handling, POS procedures, and financial accountability.

Purchasing, Ordering & Inventory Control

• Manage all aspects of beverage ordering, receiving, storage, and inventory processes.
• Maintain accurate inventory records through established inventory management systems.
• Conduct routine physical inventories, reconcile variances, and investigate discrepancies.
• Monitor beverage cost percentages, product usage, waste, and shrinkage.
• Establish appropriate par levels and purchasing schedules based on sales trends, upcoming events, and seasonal demand.
• Work directly with beverage distributors and vendors to maintain product availability, competitive pricing, and effective purchasing practices.
• Ensure accurate invoice processing, product rotation, and organized storage areas.
• Implement and maintain inventory controls that protect company assets and maximize profitability.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and develop bartenders, barbacks, and other beverage team members.
• Build a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold team members accountable for service standards and operational procedures.
• Conduct regular training on product knowledge, beverage preparation, suggestive selling, and guest engagement.
• Provide ongoing feedback, performance evaluations, recognition, and corrective coaching when necessary.
• Manage staffing levels and labor costs while maintaining exceptional guest service.
• Lead by example through professionalism, communication, teamwork, and a willingness to assist wherever needed.

Events, Promotions & Beverage Program Development

• Collaborate with the Events and Operations teams to plan and execute private parties, corporate gatherings, sporting events, and special promotions.
• Coordinate beverage staffing, inventory, service requirements, and bar setups for scheduled events.
• Develop creative cocktail menus, seasonal beverage offerings, and promotional drink specials.
• Identify opportunities to increase beverage sales through special events, entertainment programming, and strategic promotions.
• Work with management to develop beverage packages for private events and group bookings.
• Ensure seamless beverage service during high-volume events and peak business periods.
• Evaluate promotional results and adjust programs to maximize guest satisfaction and profitability.

Guest Experience, Safety & Compliance

• Deliver exceptional guest service while creating a welcoming, fun, and professional atmosphere.
• Respond promptly and professionally to guest concerns.
• Maintain compliance with applicable alcohol regulations, health codes, and company policies.
• Ensure bars, equipment, storage areas, and service stations are clean, organized, and properly maintained.
• Promote a culture of safety, responsible alcohol service, and operational excellence.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of bar management or comparable beverage operations leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience with beverage purchasing, vendor relationships, inventory management, and cost controls.
• Strong understanding of beverage cost, labor management, budgeting, and profitability.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, train, and develop a team.
• Experience with POS systems, inventory software, and basic financial reporting.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing multiple bars or high-volume beverage operations.
• Experience coordinating private events, large parties, and promotional activities.
• Knowledge of craft cocktails, bourbon, beer, wine, and current beverage trends.
• Experience implementing inventory procedures and reducing beverage costs.
• Familiarity with beverage inventory platforms such as MarginEdge or comparable systems.
• Experience developing beverage menus, promotional programs, and sales-driving initiatives.

What Makes LexLive Different?

At LexLive, no two days are exactly alike. One night you might be overseeing beverage service during a major sporting event, and the next you're coordinating a corporate gathering, introducing a new cocktail special, or coaching your team through a busy weekend.

You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on beverage operations, build a strong team, and contribute to the success of one of Lexington's most unique entertainment destinations.

We're looking for someone who brings leadership, creativity, accountability, and a genuine passion for hospitality to work every day.

LexLive

301 South Broadway

Lexington, KY 40508

www.LexLive.com

LexLive is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive workplace.

Note: All Manager and Assistant Manager candidates must undergo a background check before they are officially eligible for hire.