How do I reflect our bar's team culture in a Bar Manager job description?

Date modified: 1st May 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email. Or book a demo to see how hospitality businesses use Pilla to create and record job descriptions.
Professional hospitality job roles and responsibilities

When writing a job description for a Bar Manager, it's essential to showcase your bar's team culture to attract candidates who will fit in well. Start by describing the atmosphere, the team's working style, and what makes your bar a unique place to work. Mention specific cultural elements like teamwork, creativity, or customer interaction that are valued at your bar.

Common misunderstanding: It’s enough to just list job duties and skills.

While duties and skills are important, including team culture helps potential candidates understand the work environment and assess if they would be a good fit. This can lead to better job satisfaction and retention if the hire aligns well with the team's culture.

Common misunderstanding: Generic phrases like “team player” sufficiently convey culture.

Instead of vague terms, use specific examples or stories that illustrate the culture. For instance, describe how your team collaborates on a busy night or shares success after a special event. This gives a clearer picture of what working at your bar is really like.

Why is personality just as important as experience in this role?

For a Bar Manager, personality can be as crucial as professional experience because it directly affects team dynamics and customer satisfaction. The right personality ensures the manager can gel with the team, handle stress, and maintain a positive atmosphere, which is vital for a service-oriented business like a bar.

Common misunderstanding: Experience trumps personality when hiring.

While experience is important, a person's character will influence how they apply their skills and interact with others. A manager with a matching personality can uplift the team and improve service, whereas a mismatch can lead to conflicts and decreased morale.

Common misunderstanding: Personality traits are hard to assess and therefore should be a secondary criterion.

Personality can often be gauged through structured interviews and interactions. Highlighting desired personality traits in the job description also helps attract candidates who self-identify with those characteristics, making the hiring process more efficient.

What are examples of traits that succeed in high-pressure environments?

In high-pressure environments like a busy bar, certain personality traits can significantly enhance performance. Traits such as resilience, quick decision-making, and calmness under pressure are invaluable. Managers who can stay composed and make swift, informed decisions can better handle the fast pace and high demands of peak service times.

Common misunderstanding: High energy is the only trait needed in high-pressure situations.

While high energy is beneficial, it needs to be coupled with other traits like patience and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. This combination helps in managing both the team and the operational challenges efficiently.

Common misunderstanding: Only senior managers need to handle pressure well.

Pressure handling is crucial at all levels of management, especially in a dynamic environment like a bar. Every manager should be equipped to deal with stress, ensuring smooth operations and consistent customer service regardless of the situation.