Bar Manager
Bar Manager
Location: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and energetic Bar Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a busy bar and restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard. This role is ideal for a hospitality professional who understands high-volume seasonal operations, knows how to build and motivate a strong bar team, and is committed to delivering an exceptional guest experience. The Bar Manager will oversee bartenders and bar staff, manage inventory and beverage costs, coordinate ordering, maintain service standards, and ensure the bar operates efficiently, profitably, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage daily bar operations, including opening and closing procedures.
- Lead, train, schedule, and motivate bartenders and bar support staff.
- Maintain exceptional standards for guest service, beverage quality, and presentation.
- Create and maintain efficient bar workflows during high-volume service.
- Manage beverage inventory, ordering, receiving, storage, and product rotation.
- Monitor liquor, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverage costs.
- Conduct regular inventory counts and identify waste, theft, or excessive product usage.
- Work with management to develop beverage menus, pricing, specials, and promotions.
- Build strong relationships with beverage distributors and vendors.
- Monitor sales, labor costs, beverage costs, and overall bar profitability.
- Ensure accurate cash handling, POS procedures, and end-of-shift reconciliation.
- Enforce responsible alcohol service and all applicable health and safety requirements.
- Address guest concerns and resolve service issues professionally.
- Coordinate with the kitchen and restaurant management team to ensure smooth overall operations.
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management of bar employees.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked bar at all times.
- Lead the team through busy summer and peak-season periods while maintaining service quality.
- Support special events, private parties, and high-volume functions as needed.
Qualifications
- 3+ years of bartending or bar management experience, preferably in a high-volume restaurant or hospitality environment.
- Strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, and beverage service.
- Previous supervisory or management experience.
- Experience managing inventory, purchasing, and beverage costs.
- Strong understanding of POS systems and cash-handling procedures.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to recruit, train, and retain a strong seasonal team.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment.
- Professional, personable, and guest-focused approach.
- Knowledge of responsible alcohol service and applicable regulations.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak season.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a hands-on hospitality leader who enjoys working in a high-energy environment and understands what it takes to operate a successful seasonal bar. They should be comfortable balancing guest service with the business side of the operation, including labor management, inventory control, purchasing, and profitability. Experience working in seasonal resort, island, coastal, or high-volume hospitality environments is strongly preferred.
What We Offer
- Competitive seasonal compensation
- Opportunity to work in a premier Martha’s Vineyard hospitality environment
- Potential for seasonal return opportunities
- Fast-paced and team-oriented workplace
- Opportunity to take ownership of bar operations and contribute to menu and service development
- Potential housing assistance for qualified seasonal employees
The successful candidate will play a key role in creating an outstanding guest experience while maintaining a well-run, profitable, and high-performing bar operation.