Bar Manager

Permanent

Based in Gower Street, London

We are seeking a dynamic Bar Manager to join us at Waterstones. This is an exciting opportunity as we prepare to open a fantastic new bar in our Gower Street shop. You will join us in setting up the bar and developing the food and drink offer.

The Bar Manager will be key to the new bar’s success, and you will oversee the bar’s daily operations, including opening and closing the bar, stocking supplies, ordering inventory, managing staff, handling customer inquiries and complaints, and enforcing safety and security protocols.

You will also be responsible for developing our live music and entertainment offering to drive business to the bar and developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers. In addition, the Bar Manager will be responsible for creating and enforcing policies and procedures to ensure that the bar runs smoothly and efficiently.

What you will be doing:

• Interview, hire, train, and manage bar staff.
• Ensure staff are fully trained and knowledgeable about all drinks and food items in the bar.
• Plan and present bar menu.
• Implement and enforce alcoholic beverage service policies and procedures.
• Adhere to licensing, health and safety legislation/guidelines.
• Check customers’ identification and confirm it meets legal drinking age.
• Monitor inventory of beverages to ensure adequate stock is maintained.
• Resolve customer complaints promptly.
• Plan and manage the bar’s operations and logistics.
• Plan and develop the entertainment in the bar.
• Work with the Café Support Manager regarding events in central London.

What we need from you:

• Experience in the bar industry, with in depth knowledge of bar trends, and a good understanding of retail environments.
• Strong commercial acumen, a proven track record in business development and creating and executing business plans to drive sales and service excellence.
• Good knowledge of wines, beer, and spirits.
• Proficiency in English.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle money accurately and operate a point-of-sale system.
• Ability to handle difficult customers.
• Ability to manage and lead a team.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

• Must be able to lift and move heavy objects.
• Must be able to stand for long periods.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Person Profile:

• Commercially astute
• Results driven
• Service focused
• Pragmatic & adaptable
• Collaborative and considered
• Approachable and personable
• Resilient and balanced
• Self-motivated
• Problem solver
• Confident and can establish credibility fast

Why work for Waterstones

At Waterstones, everything we do is about our customers, and we work hard to provide them with the best possible shopping experience, one that will make them want to visit time and time again. We strive to consistently deliver fantastic customer service, whether recommending a book or a gift, keeping our shops beautifully stocked, helping out in our lovely Café W’s, or keeping the wheels turning efficiently behind the scenes. Working with us, you will get to use your expertise and enthusiasm to bring to our customers the irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop (including a virtual one).

In return, you will be working in a role that can make a real difference to Waterstones, work in a friendly and dynamic team and get to benefit from our excellent discount in shops and waterstones.com.

If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.