What is the difference between front-of-house and back-of-house responsibilities for a Bar Manager?

Date modified: 22nd September 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.

Bar Manager Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

Front-of-house (FOH) responsibilities focus on direct customer interaction and ensuring an exceptional guest experience. This includes managing the service team, engaging with customers, and maintaining service quality. Back-of-house (BOH) responsibilities, however, deal with behind-the-scenes tasks such as inventory management, scheduling, and compliance with safety regulations. Both areas require the Bar Manager to ensure smooth operation and quality service.

Common misunderstanding: A Bar Manager only needs to focus on customer service.

While customer service is crucial, a Bar Manager also needs to handle back-of-house tasks effectively. Overlooking aspects like inventory or staff scheduling can disrupt the bar's operation, affecting the overall customer experience.

Common misunderstanding: Back-of-house tasks are less important than front-of-house duties.

Both areas are equally important for the success of the bar. Neglecting back-of-house responsibilities can lead to operational failures, such as running out of stock or non-compliance with health regulations, which indirectly impacts customer satisfaction.

Which operational tasks should I include in a Bar Manager’s job description?

Include tasks that cover both front-of-house and back-of-house operations. This should encompass managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, handling inventory, overseeing compliance with health and safety standards, and analyzing sales data to optimize operations. Clearly defining these tasks helps candidates understand the scope of the role and the skills required to manage these operations effectively.

Common misunderstanding: Operational tasks are only about managing physical resources.

Operational management also involves strategic tasks such as analyzing sales trends and customer feedback to improve service and offerings. It's not just about physical stock or scheduling but also about making informed decisions that drive business success.

Common misunderstanding: The Bar Manager should personally perform all tasks.

While the Bar Manager oversees these tasks, delegation is key. They should lead the team and ensure that tasks are completed effectively through proper management and training of staff.

How can I outline the managerial responsibilities without overwhelming the candidate?

Break down the responsibilities into clear, manageable categories such as leadership, customer service, and administrative duties. Use bullet points to list specific tasks under each category. This structured approach helps candidates easily understand what is expected without feeling overwhelmed by a block of text.

Common misunderstanding: More responsibilities in the job description will deter candidates.

When responsibilities are clearly and concisely outlined, it helps attract candidates who are confident in handling those tasks. It's about setting clear expectations, not just listing duties.

Common misunderstanding: A detailed job description is unnecessary if the role is commonly understood.

Every bar operates differently, and managerial roles can vary significantly. A detailed job description helps ensure that candidates are aware of the specific expectations and requirements of your venue, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings later on.

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our founder Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

How can I clearly communicate the service style of my bar in a Bar Manager job description?

In the job description for a Bar Manager, it's essential to clearly describe your bar's service style to help potential candidates understand the type of service they will manage.

What is the best way to define the responsibilities in a Bar Manager job description?

To define responsibilities clearly in a Bar Manager job description, categorise the tasks into daily and weekly duties across managing, service, and administrative areas.

How can I explain the reporting and accountability structure in a Bar Manager job description?

When drafting a job description for a Bar Manager, it's vital to clearly outline their reporting relationships and accountability within the bar's structure.

How transparent should I be about pay and benefits for the Bar Manager role?

When hiring a Bar Manager, it is essential to be very clear about the salary and benefits. This transparency is vital to attract the right candidates and set clear expectations.

What desirable or nice-to-have skills should I include in a Bar Manager job description?

When drafting a job description for a Bar Manager, consider including nice-to-have skills such as craft beer or cocktail mixology knowledge, prior event coordination experience, or advanced customer service skills. These skills can help a Bar Manager excel by enhancing the quality of service and customer experience at your bar.

What kind of leadership responsibilities should a Bar Manager have?

Bar Managers are essential for the efficient operation of a bar.

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

To effectively reflect your bar's team culture in a Bar Manager job description, start by describing the overall atmosphere, the team's working style, and what makes your bar unique.

How do I decide what experience level to include in a Bar Manager job description?

When drafting a job description for a Bar Manager, align the required experience level with your venue's demands.

What essential skills should I include in a Bar Manager job description?

When writing a job description for a Bar Manager, consider the skills that directly impact daily operations and management.

How do I include professional growth and training opportunities in a Bar Manager job description?

When crafting a job description for a Bar Manager, it is crucial to clearly detail the training and professional growth opportunities provided.