Bar Manager

Role Purpose

The Bar Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of our bar service, ensuring an exceptional guest experience that reflects the standards of Park Hotel Kenmare. This role combines operational leadership, luxury hospitality, team development, and a deep passion for premium beverages, cocktails, wine, spirits, and Irish hospitality.

Working within an ultra-luxury, highly distinctive environment, the Bar Manager will create a warm, polished, and memorable atmosphere for residents and visitors alike, while maintaining the highest standards of service and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience and Service Excellence

• Deliver a sophisticated, intuitive, and consistently warm beverage service in line with five-star luxury standards.
• Ensure every guest interaction is personal, professional, and aligned with the style and character of Park Hotel Kenmare.
• Create an inviting bar atmosphere that encourages repeat business, resident satisfaction, and strong local reputation.
• Handle guest feedback promptly and professionally, resolving issues with discretion and care.
• Support the wider hotel in delivering seamless service across private events, dining areas, and special occasions where bar service is required.

Bar Operations

• Oversee the daily operation of the bar, including opening, closing, stock control, cash handling, service setup, and service standards.
• Maintain impeccable cleanliness, organisation, and presentation across all bar areas, equipment, and back-of-house storage.
• Ensure all beverage menus, wine lists, cocktail lists, and bar offerings are presented accurately and kept up to date.
• Manage bar service flow during busy periods, balancing efficiency with elegance and attention to detail.
• Work closely with senior management to deliver a beverage operation that supports the broader objectives of the hotel.
• Support the restaurant management team in the daily lunch and evening food service operation within the Garden Rooms.
• Work closely with the kitchen team and senior management to ensure smooth communication between food preparation and front-of-house service.
• Maintain excellent knowledge of the menu, ingredients, cooking methods, allergens, and beverage recommendations to confidently guide guests.
• Lead whiskey tastings and special guest experiences where required.

Beverage Strategy and Product Knowledge

• Curate and maintain a beverage menu that reflects the hotel’s luxury positioning and local identity.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits (particularly whiskey), wine, champagne, beer, aperitifs, digestifs, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Work with suppliers to source quality products, seasonal additions, and premium local options where appropriate.
• Create and innovate signature cocktails, seasonal beverages, and enhanced guest experiences.
• Maintain a strong understanding of margins, pricing, wastage, and product performance.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, motivate, train, and coach the bar team to deliver consistently high standards.
• Set clear expectations for grooming, professionalism, service etiquette, product knowledge, and teamwork.
• Conduct inductions, on-the-job training, and ongoing coaching to build confidence and capability within the team.
• Support rostering, staffing plans, and performance management in collaboration with management.
• Promote a culture of accountability, pride, and genuine hospitality.

Stock, Ordering, and Cost Control

• Monitor stock levels, order requirements, and usage trends to ensure efficient operations and minimal waste.
• Carry out monthly stock takes and reconcile inventory accurately.
• Manage breakages, spillage, and wastage effectively, with attention to cost control and reporting.
• Review beverage sales performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and guest appeal.
• Work with finance to maintain sound purchasing and stock management practices.

Compliance and Standards

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant licensing, food safety, health and safety, allergen, and hygiene requirements.
• Uphold responsible service of alcohol at all times.
• Maintain bar procedures, documentation, and records to the required standard.
• Support audits, inspections, and internal reviews as required.
• Lead by example in ensuring a safe, secure, and well-managed working environment.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Proven experience in a bar leadership or assistant management role within a luxury hotel, fine dining, or premium hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
• Excellent product knowledge across cocktails, wines, spirits, and premium beverage service.
• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Commercially minded with an understanding of stock control, profitability, and revenue generation.
• Calm, polished, and professional under pressure.
• Genuine passion for hospitality, presentation, and guest care.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Experience and Qualifications

• Previous experience in a supervisory or management role within a bar, hotel, or restaurant environment.
• Experience in a luxury or five-star setting is highly desirable.
• A recognised hospitality qualification is an advantage, though not essential.
• Strong working knowledge of licensing legislation and responsible alcohol service.
• Competence in POS systems, stock systems, and MS Office or equivalent tools desirable.

Some Of Our Benefits:

• Competitive & generous rate of pay.
• Discounted rates on rooms at Park Hotel Kenmare and other Relais & Chateaux properties.
• 50% off Food and Beverages/ 30% off spa treatments & 20% off spa products.
• Free use of spa/ gym facilities.
• Excellent Training and Personal development.
• Complimentary healthy meals whilst on duty.
• Complimentary on-site parking.