Bars Manager in London

Extrovert by nature and unafraid to be different.
Does this sound like you?
Then you're just who we're looking for.
Hotel Amano Covent Garden is the first international hotel from Berlin-based hotelier, AMANO Group. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Hotel AMANO in London stands for high-quality design, a feel-good atmosphere, and distinctive F&B concepts.
We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Bars Manager to lead our bar operation, develop a high-performing team and deliver an exceptional guest experience in line with AMANO's standards.
The Role
The Bar Manager will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the bars, with a strong focus on team leadership, employee development, guest experience and consistent operational standards.
We are looking for a proactive and people-focused manager who understands that successful bar management goes beyond overseeing daily service. The successful candidate must be confident in leading a team, managing performance, addressing conduct and service issues, delivering training and building a positive, accountable working environment.
This role is primarily operational and people-focused, requiring a manager who leads from the front, maintains a visible presence during service and takes ownership of the overall performance of the team.

Future structure of the bar team will be a collaborative decision between the Bars Manager and Operations Manager.
Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Development Lead, motivate and develop the bar team, establishing clear expectations for performance, behaviour and service. Manage employee performance, attendance, punctuality and conduct, addressing concerns promptly and professionally. Conduct regular team briefings, one-to-one meetings, coaching and performance reviews. Identify training needs and ensure employees receive appropriate guidance and development. Build a cohesive team culture based on accountability, respect, teamwork and professionalism. Support the development of team members and identify potential future supervisors and managers.
• Bar Operations and Service Standards Oversee the daily running of the bars, ensuring all areas are properly prepared, organised and ready for service. Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, cocktail preparation, product knowledge and guest engagement. Ensure service procedures are consistently followed across all bars and the rooftop terrace. Monitor service personally, particularly during busy periods, and intervene when standards fall below expectations. Manage opening and closing procedures, shift handovers, staffing deployment and operational checklists. Ensure the team delivers attentive, professional service, including effective upselling and confident product recommendations. Handle guest complaints and use feedback to improve service delivery.
• Training and Quality Control Ensure all team members understand the drinks menu, cocktail specifications, ingredients and preparation methods. Organise and deliver ongoing training in service standards, cocktail knowledge, guest interaction and responsible alcohol service. Monitor consistency in drink quality, presentation and preparation. Ensure new starters are properly inducted and supported. Review team performance regularly and implement practical improvements where necessary.
• Stock and General Management Oversee stock ordering, stocktaking, storage and rotation to ensure products are available and properly managed. Monitor wastage, breakages and stock discrepancies, following established company procedures. Manage rotas and staffing levels in line with operational requirements. Ensure attendance, overtime and payroll information are recorded and submitted accurately. Maintain operational records and ensure company procedures, licensing requirements, food safety and health and safety standards are followed. Work closely with the Operations Manager and other department heads to coordinate events, promotions and operational priorities. Candidate Requirements Previous experience as a Bar Manager is a must. Experience within a quality hotel, restaurant, cocktail bar or lifestyle hospitality venue. Proven people-management skills, including coaching, performance management and handling difficult conversations. Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wines and professional bar service. A hands-on leadership style with a strong presence on the floor. Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills. The ability to establish clear expectations and ensure consistent adherence to standards. A proactive approach to training, team development and continuous improvement. Good organisational skills in relation to rotas, stock control and general administration. Right to work The Ideal Candidate The ideal Bar Manager is a confident, outgoing, approachable and structured people manager who enjoys developing teams and creating a strong service culture. They should be comfortable taking ownership of daily operations, setting standards, addressing underperformance and ensuring the team consistently delivers an excellent guest experience. We are particularly interested in managers who can demonstrate real life examples of improving team performance, developing employees, raising service standards and creating a positive working environment. This is primarily an operational leadership role rather than a finance-focused management position. Basic commercial awareness and responsible stock management are expected, but the main priority is the ability to lead people, maintain standards and run an effective bar operation. Our priority is to recruit a strong people manager who can lead independently, develop the team and consistently deliver the level of service expected at AMANO.

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