Role description

A whisky Bar Manager keeps the customers happy so they keep buying whiskies. Making sure the bar runs without a hitch, he’ll also be responsible for managing stock levels and figuring out staff rotas so he’ll always have the right amount of staff behind the bar at the right time.

What would you be doing?

When you’re not busy with stock and staff, your other duties include:

• Recruiting, motivating and training staff on whisky products, tasting notes, hygiene matters
• Keeping up to date with licensing legislation and taking legal responsibility for the premises
• Ensuring whiskies are kept in good condition
• Enforcing health and safety rules
• Managing kitchen staff and hygiene
• Dealing with difficult customers and be aware of whisky being a spirit with high alcohol content that cannot be consumed in the same way as beer or wine.

What is expected from you?

This is a job for a people person and a whisky connoisseur as you’ll be interacting with folk from all walks of life, that will come to drink something special. You’ll also need to be energetic and have a good head for business to stay in business. Being in touch with bar culture and trends will also greatly help you understand what your customers want.

What about the pay?

Salaries vary depending on the size of bar and the location, but the average is around £26k to £30k.

What qualifications do I need?

Experience counts for a lot in this business; if you’ve worked in a bar and served customers, you’re already a great candidate. On top of this, the best Bar Managers are outgoing, positive and, most importantly, hands on – you could be sorting out a blocked toilet one minute and negotiating with suppliers the next. You’ll need to prove knowledge of health and safety regulations but, aside from this, the only formal qualification you’ll need is:

• The National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders from the British Institute of Innkeepers

What about further training?

If you’d prefer a little more structure to your career progression, large chains invest in management training programmes, so you can ask to be enrolled.

Anything else I need to know?

The long and unsociable hours are the worst part of the job. Sore feet and back ache from being on your feet all the time also comes with the territory. But on the other hand, you keep fit with all the running around and you get to try new whiskies first, which, if you’re passionate about is a great personal learning.