How to record a bar manager video job description

Step 1: Describe Your Bar Environment

Start your video by painting a clear picture of your bar's identity and culture. Your bar manager needs to understand the business they're leading and the environment they're working in every day.

This section sets the foundation for everything that follows. When your bar manager understands your bar's concept, values, and way of operating, they can make better decisions and represent your business authentically.

Your goal is to help your bar manager understand:

• Your bar's concept and what makes it unique
• The culture and values that drive how you operate
• The operational environment and what a typical day looks like
• How their role fits into the bigger picture of the business

Use this 3-part approach:

1. Explain Your Bar Concept and Identity

Be specific about what your bar is: "We're a craft cocktail lounge focused on premium beverage experiences / a traditional pub at the heart of our local community / a high-volume sports bar with live entertainment..."

Share the details that bring your bar to life:

• What type of bar are you and what's your focus?
• What do you want to be known for in your area?
• Are you independent or part of a larger group?
• What makes you different from other bars nearby?

2. Share Your Culture and Values

Explain what it's like to work at your bar and the values that guide how you operate:

• "We believe in craft beverage excellence and creating genuine connections with every guest."

• "We focus on efficiency and consistency — our guests know exactly what to expect from us."

• "We encourage our team to take ownership and bring new ideas to the table."

• "We're a tight-knit team where everyone supports each other, especially during busy periods."

Help your bar manager understand the working environment:

• How does your team work together day-to-day?
• What pace do you operate at — relaxed or high-energy?
• What do you value most in how your team delivers service?
• How do you handle challenges or busy periods as a team?

3. Explain Their Place in the Business

Help your bar manager understand where they fit and who they work with:

• "As bar manager, you're the leader of our team of 12 — you set the tone and standards for how we operate."

• "You'll have real ownership over how we run day-to-day, with support from the ownership team on bigger decisions."

• "You're the connection point between our team, our suppliers, and our guests."

• "You'll work closely with our kitchen team and front of house to deliver a seamless experience."

Tips if you're unsure what to say

Ask yourself these questions:

• If someone asked your team what it's like to work here, what would they say?
• What do you want your bar to be famous for?
• How would you describe your management style?
• What makes a great day at your bar?
• What's unique about how you do things compared to other bars?

Things to consider including:

• Your opening hours and busiest periods
• Whether you have food service, events, or other offerings
• How long you've been operating or any recent changes
• Your relationship with the local community
• Any awards, recognition, or things you're proud of

Example 1: Craft Cocktail Lounge

We're an award-winning cocktail lounge in the city centre, known for our creative drinks and sophisticated atmosphere. We've built a reputation over six years for quality cocktails and genuine hospitality. As our bar manager, you're leading a team of 10 passionate bartenders and floor staff. We take pride in our craft — every drink is made with care, and we're always experimenting with new flavours and techniques. We work hard during service, but we support each other and celebrate our wins together. You'll have real ownership over how we operate, and we trust you to uphold the standards that have made us successful.

Example 2: Traditional Pub with Food

We're a community pub that's been at the heart of our village for over 40 years. We serve proper pub food, quality ales, and a warm welcome to everyone who walks through our doors. As bar manager, you're leading a team of 15 across both bar and kitchen. We're the kind of place where regulars know each other by name, and we host everything from quiz nights to christenings. What matters most here is being genuine — our guests can spot someone going through the motions. You'll work closely with the kitchen and the owners to keep our traditions alive while bringing fresh ideas to the table.

Step 2: Outline Your Key Responsibilities

This is the core of your video job description — telling your bar manager exactly what they're responsible for in their role. Be specific about what you expect them to own and deliver.

Avoid vague statements like "manage bar operations." Instead, be clear about the actual tasks and areas they're accountable for. This helps them understand their role and gives them clarity on what success looks like.

Your goal is to clearly communicate: "These are YOUR responsibilities in this role."

Cover 8–12 specific responsibilities, organised into clear areas:

1. Business Leadership

These are the responsibilities that shape how the bar operates and performs:

Think about what your bar manager owns at a business level:

• What decisions do they make about how the bar runs?
• What financial responsibilities do they have?
• What relationships do they manage with suppliers and partners?

Example responsibilities:

• "You're responsible for hitting our revenue and profit targets each month"
• "You manage our supplier relationships and negotiate pricing"
• "You plan and run our promotional activities and events"
• "You ensure we're compliant with licensing, health and safety, and all regulations"
• "You manage our budgets and control costs across the operation"

2. Team and Operations

These are the day-to-day responsibilities that keep the bar running smoothly:

Think about what your bar manager handles operationally:

• How do they lead and develop the team?
• What do they own in terms of daily operations?
• How do they maintain quality and standards?

Example responsibilities:

• "You're responsible for recruiting, training, and developing our team"
• "You create the staff rota and manage day-to-day scheduling"
• "You maintain our stock levels and manage inventory"
• "You ensure our drinks quality and presentation meets our standards"
• "You handle customer feedback and resolve any issues"
• "You oversee opening and closing procedures"

3. Guest Experience

These are the responsibilities focused on your customers:

Think about what your bar manager owns when it comes to guests:

• How do they ensure guests have a great experience?
• What do they do to build loyalty and repeat business?
• How do they handle VIPs or special occasions?

Example responsibilities:

• "You set the standard for how we look after our guests"
• "You build relationships with our regulars and make them feel valued"
• "You handle VIP bookings and special occasions"
• "You respond to reviews and feedback online"
• "You make sure every guest leaves wanting to come back"

Tips if you're unsure what to include

If you're not sure what responsibilities to cover, ask yourself:

• What does your bar manager spend most of their time on?
• What are they accountable for that no one else owns?
• What would fall apart if they weren't there?
• What decisions do they make without needing to ask you?

You can also ask your current bar manager:

• What do you see as your core responsibilities?
• What takes up most of your time each week?
• What do you wish was clearer about your role?

Example 1: Craft Cocktail Lounge

As our bar manager, here's what you're responsible for:

• You own our cocktail programme — developing new drinks, maintaining quality, and keeping our menu fresh
• You lead and develop our team of 10, including hiring, training, and performance
• You manage our relationships with suppliers and source the best ingredients and spirits
• You're responsible for our financial performance — hitting targets, controlling costs, and managing stock
• You ensure every guest gets an exceptional experience that matches our reputation
• You plan and deliver our events, promotions, and social media presence
• You keep us compliant with all licensing and health and safety requirements

Example 2: Traditional Pub with Food

As bar manager, these are your responsibilities:

• You lead our team of 15 across bar and kitchen — setting standards and developing people
• You're the face of the pub for our regulars and community
• You manage our stock, suppliers, and cellar to keep quality high
• You plan and run our events — quiz nights, live music, seasonal celebrations
• You're responsible for our financial performance and keeping costs in check
• You work with the kitchen to coordinate food and drink service
• You handle day-to-day operations and make sure everything runs smoothly
• You ensure we're compliant with all regulations while keeping our traditional character

Step 3: Explain the Skills They Need

This section tells your bar manager what skills are essential for their role — and importantly, how you'll help them develop those skills over time.

The goal isn't to list every possible skill, but to be clear about what matters most for success in your bar. Be honest about what they need now and what they can grow into.

Your goal is to communicate: "These are the skills that will help you succeed, and here's how we'll support your development."

1. Think about what skills matter most

Look at the responsibilities you outlined and ask what skills enable someone to do them well:

• Leading a team → leadership and communication skills
• Managing finances → numeracy and commercial awareness
• Developing drinks menus → creativity and product knowledge
• Building guest relationships → people skills and emotional intelligence
• Handling busy service → organisation and staying calm under pressure

2. Separate core skills from development areas

• Core skills: What they need to have now to do the job
• Development areas: Skills they can build over time with your support

Key skill areas for bar managers:

• Leadership and team management
• Financial and commercial awareness
• Beverage knowledge and quality standards
• Customer service and relationship building
• Organisation and time management
• Communication and problem-solving
• Compliance and attention to detail

Focus on what's genuinely important for your specific bar.

Example 1: Craft Cocktail Lounge

Core skills you need:

• Strong leadership — you'll be guiding a skilled team and setting high standards
• Deep knowledge of spirits, cocktails, and flavour profiles
• Commercial awareness — understanding costs, margins, and what drives profit
• Excellent communication — with your team, guests, and suppliers
• The ability to stay calm and make good decisions during busy service

Skills we'll help you develop:

• Advanced mixology techniques through training and tastings
• Financial management and P&L analysis
• Marketing and social media for hospitality
• Supplier negotiation and relationship building

Example 2: Traditional Pub with Food

Core skills you need:

• People skills — you need to connect with regulars, staff, and the community
• Team leadership — managing a diverse team across bar and kitchen
• Organisation — juggling multiple priorities during busy periods
• Commercial sense — understanding what makes us profitable
• A genuine interest in traditional pub culture and hospitality

Skills we'll help you develop:

• Cellar management and cask ale care
• Event planning and community engagement
• Food and drink pairing knowledge
• Financial reporting and analysis

Step 4: Describe the Personality Fit

Beyond skills and responsibilities, this section helps your bar manager understand the personal characteristics that will help them thrive in your environment.

This isn't about telling them who to be — it's about helping them understand what kind of behaviours and attitudes lead to success at your bar. It's also a chance to show them how you'll support their personal development.

Your goal is to communicate: "These are the personal characteristics that will help you succeed, and here's how we'll help you develop them."

1. Think about what makes people successful here

Consider:

• What do your best team members have in common?
• What kind of attitude thrives in your environment?
• How does your team handle pressure and challenges?
• What communication style works best with your guests and team?

2. Be specific, not generic

Instead of vague phrases like "team player" or "natural leader," describe what these actually look like:

• "You stay calm when we're three deep at the bar and still make every guest feel welcome"
• "You notice when a team member is struggling and step in to help without being asked"
• "You take feedback constructively and actively look for ways to improve"
• "You bring energy to the team even on quiet nights"
• "You're honest about problems rather than hiding them"

3. Consider how personality fits your environment

• In a craft cocktail bar: attention to detail, creativity, and genuine passion for the craft
• In a traditional pub: warmth, authenticity, and a genuine interest in people
• In a high-volume venue: energy, resilience, and the ability to stay organised under pressure

Example 1: Craft Cocktail Lounge

The personality traits that will help you succeed here:

• You're genuinely passionate about cocktails and constantly curious about new techniques and flavours
• You pay attention to the small details — the presentation, the timing, the atmosphere
• You lead by example, showing the team what great looks like rather than just telling them
• You stay composed during busy service and make considered decisions under pressure
• You take pride in developing your team and celebrating their growth
• You're creative but also commercially minded — you understand great drinks need to make money too

We'll support you by giving you space to experiment, sending you to industry events, and providing honest feedback to help you grow.

Example 2: Traditional Pub with Food

The personality traits that will help you succeed here:

• You genuinely enjoy people — our regulars, the team, the community
• You're authentic and down-to-earth, not trying to be something you're not
• You take ownership of problems rather than passing them on
• You're flexible and adaptable — no two days are the same here
• You stay positive when things get challenging and help the team stay motivated
• You respect our traditions while bringing fresh ideas to the table

We'll support your development through honest conversations, mentorship from the owners, and opportunities to shape how we do things.

Step 5: Define What Success Looks Like

This final section is crucial — it helps your bar manager understand how they'll know they're doing a great job. It's not about setting rigid KPIs, but about painting a clear picture of what success looks like in their role.

When people understand what good looks like, they can aim for it. This section gives them clarity on expectations and helps them self-assess their performance.

Your goal is to communicate: "This is how you'll know you're succeeding in this role."

1. Think about what success actually looks like

Consider both the measurable and the less tangible:

• What does a great week look like for your bar manager?
• How do you know when things are going well?
• What feedback would you give them when they're excelling?
• What results matter most to the business?

2. Include a mix of indicators

Some things you can measure:

• Revenue and profit performance
• Customer satisfaction and reviews
• Team retention and development
• Stock control and wastage
• Compliance and safety standards

Some things you observe:

• The team respects and follows their leadership
• Guests ask for them by name or compliment the experience
• Problems get solved before they escalate
• The bar runs smoothly even during busy periods
• They're constantly looking for ways to improve

3. Be honest about what matters most

Every bar is different. Be clear about what you actually care about:

• "For us, the most important thing is that our guests leave wanting to come back"
• "Success here means developing a team that can run great service without constant supervision"
• "What matters most is hitting our financial targets while maintaining our standards"

Example 1: Craft Cocktail Lounge

You'll know you're succeeding when:

• Our guests rave about their experience — in person, in reviews, and by coming back
• The team looks to you for guidance and you're developing them into better bartenders
• Our cocktail programme is evolving and getting noticed in the industry
• We're hitting our revenue and profit targets consistently
• Service runs smoothly even on our busiest nights
• Suppliers and partners enjoy working with us because of the relationship you've built
• You're proud of what we're creating together

Example 2: Traditional Pub with Food

You'll know you're succeeding when:

• Our regulars feel at home and new faces become regulars
• The team enjoys working here and people want to stay
• We're the first choice for local events and celebrations
• Our food and drink quality is consistent and our reviews reflect that
• We're hitting our financial targets without compromising what makes us special
• The pub runs well whether you're behind the bar or not
• The community sees us as their local — and you're a big part of why