Assistant Bar Manager

Assistant Bar Manager

Full-Time 31500 - 38500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a vibrant bar team and create unforgettable guest experiences.
  • Company: Join Dakota Hotels, a stylish and growing UK lifestyle brand.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts, bonuses, meals on duty, and mental health support.
  • Other info: Award-winning training programmes and a supportive development culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of a positive culture with real opportunities for growth.
  • Qualifications: 3 years in hospitality, cocktail knowledge, and a passion for service.

The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.

We are seeking a hospitality professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for beverage and cocktails to join our team.

PRIMARY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead and inspire the bar team to deliver exceptional guest experiences, maintaining Dakota's luxury hospitality standards while providing coaching, support, and day-to-day operational leadership.
  • Oversee bar operations and service delivery, ensuring seamless, efficient service, adherence to procedures, and outstanding attention to detail throughout every shift.
  • Drive guest satisfaction and revenue growth through expert food and beverage knowledge, personalised service, upselling opportunities, and effective service recovery.
  • Manage stock control and cellar operations, including inventory monitoring, deliveries, stock rotation, wastage management, and maintaining product quality standards.
  • Support team development and people management by delivering training, mentoring colleagues, conducting performance conversations, and contributing to rota and payroll processes.
  • Ensure compliance, safety, and responsible alcohol service by upholding licensing laws, food safety standards, health and safety requirements, and company policies.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

  • At least 3 years’ experience working in a full-service, high-end restaurant and/or bar.
  • At least 1 year’s experience training others in a Bar or Restaurant environment.
  • Experienced in overseeing bar operations, team, and customer service.
  • Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, wines and spirits is essential.
  • An enthusiastic individual who will promote our culture of positivity.
  • Be task oriented with a great pride for the work they do and attention to detail.
  • Flexible with shift patterns and available around the needs of our business.
  • Successful candidates must demonstrate having researched our brand and a genuine desire to be part of our team.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • FINANCIAL: Special discounts on stays and dining at any Dakota, bonuses to recommend a friend to join our team, additional holiday day on the first anniversary of your employment, meals on duty and uniforming.
  • WELLBEING: Access to our Employee Assistance Program which includes free private mental health support and counselling sessions, video GP consultations and private prescription services, as well as access to daily rewards to be cashed out for shopping vouchers. Support from our in-house Mental Health Champions, family-friendly flexible working options, participation in meaningful initiatives such as Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning and the Walk for Wellbeing.
  • CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Accredited, certified compliance training given on employment, access to a suite of external, certified resources via our Learning Management System, supportive continuous professional development culture with an annual appraisal and objectives, or a Personal Development Plan, opportunities to undertake both internal and external training courses, including potential for in-house Apprenticeships.

Full terms on our benefits can be found in our Handbook.

ABOUT DAKOTA HOTELS

Dakota is a growing UK-based lifestyle brand, known for our stylish hotels, bustling brasseries and upscale cocktail bars. Dakota’s story started with two boutique hotels on the outskirts of Edinburgh and Glasgow. We have now expanded into prime city centre locations in Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, and Newcastle.

Dakota is synonymous with delivering attentive and genuine guest service. We attract hard-working individuals who are passionate about working to the highest standards and have been voted within The Caterer’s Top 15 Best Employers in Hospitality for the last six years in a row.

As winners of The Cateys ‘People Team of the Year’, we have award-winning internal training programmes within Dakota Academy fostering continuous development and ongoing training.

As a result, over 75% of our leaders have been promoted internally and, for five consecutive years, a member of our team has won a prestigious Acorn Award awarded by The Caterer to the ‘Top 30 under 30’ in the industry, demonstrating our success in developing talent.

APPLY: Please send us your up to date CV.

Assistant Bar Manager employer: Dakota Edinburgh

Dakota Hotels is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises positivity and professional growth. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, including access to mental health support and flexible working options, Dakota fosters an environment where team members can thrive. The company also provides extensive training opportunities and a clear path for career advancement, making it an ideal place for passionate hospitality professionals to develop their skills and build a rewarding career.

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Contact Details:

Dakota Edinburgh Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Bar Manager

Get a Taste of the Scene

Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!

Network at Food Festivals

Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!

Show Off Your Skills

Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Dakota Edinburgh. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!

Reach Out Directly to Dakota Edinburgh

Don't be shy about reaching out to Dakota Edinburgh directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Bar Manager

Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Communication Skills
Time Management
Organizational Skills
Attention to Detail
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.

Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Dakota Edinburgh and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!

Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!

How to prepare for a job interview at Dakota Edinburgh

Show Your People Skills

In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!

Know Your Menu Inside Out

Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'

Get Ready for a Practical Test

In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!