Assistant Bar Manager in Guildford

Department: The Manor Bar & Lounge

Reports to: Restaurant Manager

Responsible for: Supervisors / F&B Bar Assistants

Role Objective: To support the Restaurant Manager in the day-to-day running of the Manor House Bar, ensuring consistently high standards of service, product quality, and team performance. The role is hands-on and operational. The Assistant Bar Manager is expected to lead from the floor, maintain control during service, and always uphold Foxhills standards. A strong passion for cocktails, excellent product knowledge, and a solid understanding of wine are essential to delivering the Manor House Bar experience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Front of House: Lead bar operations during service, ensuring standards are met consistently across all shifts. Maintain a visible floor presence, controlling pace, quality, and guest engagement. Ensure cocktails and beverages are delivered accurately, consistently, and to specification. Resolve guest issues promptly and professionally, escalating where required. Ensure all team members understand the Manor House Bar offer and deliver it with confidence.
• Cocktail & Beverage Standards: Demonstrate strong cocktail knowledge, including classics, signatures, techniques, and presentation. Uphold Foxhills standards for cocktail quality, balance, garnish, and glassware. Actively coach the team on cocktail execution and bar discipline during service. Maintain strong wine knowledge to confidently advise guests on selections and pairings. Support menu development, seasonal features, and premium upselling where appropriate.
• Team Leadership & People Management: Support recruitment, induction, and ongoing training of bar team members. Deliver clear pre-shift briefings and ensure daily handovers are completed. Monitor performance on shift and address issues in real time. Support a positive, professional team culture aligned to Foxhills values. Take responsibility for the department in the absence of the Restaurant Manager. Promote safe working practices. Ensure all team members attend obligatory training courses, and maintain paperwork to prove this. Work with Health & Safety Manager to uphold Health & Safety guidelines. Volunteer for any additional training courses that will enhance your confidence and competence as a member of the hotel management team.
• Stock, Cellar & Cost Control: Support effective stock control procedures across bar and cellar. Participate in weekly stock takes and investigate variances. Ensure correct storage, rotation, and security of all stock. Assist with PAR level setting and ordering in line with trading levels. Minimise wastage through control, training, and accurate service.
• Financial & Commercial Focus: Drive revenue through confident upselling, premium serves, and product knowledge. Support delivery of sales targets while maintaining service standards. Operate within agreed payroll and cost controls during service. Maintain awareness of daily and weekly performance indicators.
• Standards, Health & Safety: Ensure all health, safety, licensing, and food hygiene standards are always followed. Maintain clean, safe, and organised bar and cellar areas. Ensure all checks, logs, and cleaning schedules are completed and signed off. Uphold Foxhills presentation, grooming, and brand standards consistently.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in a quality bar environment
• Strong cocktail knowledge and genuine passion for mixology
• Good working knowledge of wine, spirits, and premium beverages
• Confident leader during busy service periods
• Strong operational discipline and attention to detail
• Flexible approach to working patterns, including weekends

Desirable: Experience within a hotel, members club, or premium hospitality environment. Cocktail or wine qualifications (WSET or equivalent).

Personal Attributes:

• Standards-driven and operationally focused
• Calm, controlled, and decisive under pressure
• Commercially aware with a guest-first mindset
• Professional, reliable, and accountable
• Committed to continuous improvement

Support colleagues in delivering a high standard of guest service. Maintain a professional standard of dress and appearance, in line with company standards. Maintain a safe, clean and tidy work area. Highlight any shortage of tools and resources to your manager. Assist with administration as requested by the Head of Department. Take full control of, and accept responsibility for all aspects of the department in the absence of your manager, ensuring standards are maintained. Work a rota set by your Head of Department and understand that this will be in accordance with business demands. Develop an ability to provide support during Duty Management shifts. Attend any training sessions as requested and adhere to company policies. Carry out any additional duties as reasonably requested by the management team. Promote the Foxhills Collection in a positive light at every opportunity. This role is integral to delivering the Foxhills Manor House Bar experience. Consistency, professionalism, and leadership on the floor are non-negotiable.