What does a bar manager do?

A bar manager oversees day-to-day bar operations, ensuring staff are supported and the smooth running of the venue. They supervise the bar team, set work rotas and ensure stock levels are well maintained. Bar Managers also monitor sales performance, ensure compliance with licensing and safety regulations and work closely with front-of-house and kitchen teams to create a smooth, well-organised service environment.

Bar manager skills and qualifications

Bar managers typically need strong leadership qualities, bartending skills and the ability to stay organised during busy service periods. Strong candidates often demonstrate organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, which may be important for success in this role. Time management and adaptability are also valuable competencies that distinguish top candidates. 

Key skills and qualifications to consider for a job description include:

• Leadership and team management to supervise staff, delegate tasks and support team members during busy shifts
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to act on customer feedback
• Practical bar skills, including confidence in preparing drinks, operating bar equipment, changing barrels and maintaining drink quality
• Stock control, ordering and management of supplier relationships
• Business and financial acumen
• Knowledge of licensing laws, age-verification procedures and bar safety requirements
• Organisational skills, rota management and staff coordination
• Communication skills to work closely with the bar team, kitchen staff and management to ensure smooth service

Bar manager experience requirements

Bar managers usually progress from roles such as bar staff, bartender or supervisor. Employers generally look for experience working in a busy bar environment, handling customer service, cash operations and stock control. Leadership experience such as overseeing shifts, training new starters or coordinating service is highly valued. Experience with ordering stock, managing suppliers or meeting sales targets can also be a strong advantage. 

In some smaller venues, an experienced bartender with strong organisational skills and leadership potential may be considered for a bar manager role.

Bar manager education and training requirements

Most bar managers develop their skills through hands-on experience rather than formal training. Many start as bartenders or supervisors and progress by learning on the job, gaining experience in customer service, leading shifts and managing stock. Employers often provide in-house training to help team members progress into management roles.

While formal qualifications aren’t essential, some candidates choose to complete hospitality vocational college courses to strengthen their knowledge. Useful options include Level 2 Certificate in General Food and Beverage Service, Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership and Mixology or cocktail-making courses for venues with more specialist drink menus.

Most bar managers require a personal licence, which allows them to authorise alcohol sales and ensures they understand licensing laws. To obtain one, candidates must complete the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) and apply through their local licensing authority.

Bar manager salary expectations

Compensation for bar managers varies based on experience, company size, location and industry. Find current salary data for bar manager roles on Indeed Salaries to help benchmark competitive pay. Bar managers in busy city-centre venues or premium hospitality settings may have higher earning potential. 

Working hours can be varied and generally include working evenings, weekends and peak seasonal periods, which can also influence overall earnings.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a bar manager job description isn’t quite what you’re looking for, here are a few similar roles to consider:

• • Bartender
  • Restaurant manager
  • Bar staff