Assistant Bars Manager

Assistant Bars Manager

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
K

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead bar operations and deliver exceptional service in a vibrant, multi-bar environment.
  • Company: Join KOKO, a dynamic venue blending hospitality and entertainment.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, team development, and a fun work atmosphere.
  • Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for growth in a lively setting.
  • Why this job: Be part of an energetic team and create memorable experiences for guests.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in bar management with a passion for service excellence.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Assistant Bars Manager plays a key role in delivering outstanding bar operations across KOKO’s dynamic, multi-bar environment. Working within a fast-paced, high-volume venue with a large and diverse team, this role requires an engaging, service-led leader who thrives in an agile business and leads with both energy and structure.

You will be hands-on, visible and passionate about beverage, hospitality and member experience, with a genuine interest in product quality and service standards. Equally, you will understand the importance of process, compliance and consistency in maintaining a safe, efficient and commercially successful operation.

This role is well suited to someone who enjoys leading teams on the floor, building strong relationships with members and guests, and balancing creativity and personality with operational excellence. You will support the Bars Manager in delivering high-performing teams and members experience beyond expectations, in a venue combining hospitality and entertainment like no other.

Role & Responsibilities:
  • Support the day-to-day management of multiple bars, ensuring smooth, efficient service across all trading periods.
  • Lead by example on the floor, maintaining a strong presence and setting the standard for service, professionalism and guest engagement.
  • Ensure all opening, closing and handover procedures are completed accurately and to standard.
  • Deliver engaging and informative pre-shift briefings, keeping teams aligned on product knowledge, service focus and priorities.
  • Champion product quality, presentation and consistency across all bars.
  • Collaborate with the marketing, membership and events teams to support activations, private dining experiences and exclusive member events.
  • Act as duty management cover when required.
  • Deliver a warm, personalised and engaging experience for members and guests, aligned with KOKO’s membership ethos.
  • Build rapport with regular members and support team understanding of member recognition and preferences.
  • Handle guest feedback and complaints calmly and professionally, resolving issues effectively and escalating where appropriate.
Team Leadership & Engagement:
  • Lead, motivate, and engage a large bar team in a high-energy environment, fostering pride, accountability and teamwork.
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, training and development of team members, helping build confident and capable teams.
  • Provide regular feedback, coaching and performance support, leading by example and encouraging continuous improvement.
  • Encourage strong product knowledge across spirits, cocktails and service, working closely with the wider hospitality teams.
Commercial & Operational Control:
  • Support the Bars Manager in achieving revenue, margin and profitability targets.
  • Maintain strong understanding of stock control, product management, wastage reduction and cost control.
  • Support effective rota planning in line with forecasts, budgets and operational demands.
  • Identify opportunities to improve service flow, efficiency and commercial performance across the bars.
  • Ensure adherence to all company policies, procedures, and licensing, health & safety, and food safety standards.
  • Support consistent presentation, cleanliness and operational standards across all bar areas.
About you:
  • Minimum 2+ years’ experience in a supervisory or management role within a high-volume bar or hospitality environment.
  • Experience working in complex venues with multiple bars and large teams is highly desirable.
  • Service-led mindset with a genuine interest in delivering exceptional member and guest experiences.
  • Strong communicator who can motivate teams and build positive working relationships.
  • Organised and process-driven, with the ability to balance creativity and personality with operational discipline.
  • Solutions-focused, proactive, and commercially aware.
  • Comfortable working late nights, weekends, and peak service times, in line with the operational needs of the business.

Please note we are only able to consider candidates with the right to work in the UK.

Assistant Bars Manager employer: Koko Camden

KOKO is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for those passionate about hospitality and entertainment. With a focus on employee growth, we offer extensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members thrive in their roles while delivering outstanding service to our diverse clientele. Located in a dynamic venue, our team enjoys a fast-paced environment where creativity meets operational excellence, making every day rewarding and engaging.

K

Contact Details:

Koko Camden Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Bars Manager

Tip Number 1

Get to know the venue! Before your interview, pop by KOKO and soak up the atmosphere. Chat with staff and customers to understand the vibe. This will help you connect during your interview and show that you're genuinely interested.

Tip Number 2

Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've motivated a team or handled a tough situation. Be ready to share these stories in your interview to demonstrate how you can lead the bar team effectively.

Tip Number 3

Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of beverages! Brush up on your cocktail recipes and trends in the bar industry. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show your passion for the role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep yourself top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Bars Manager

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Customer Service Excellence
Product Knowledge
Operational Efficiency
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality:When you're writing your application, let your love for the bar and hospitality scene shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for delivering top-notch service and creating memorable guest experiences.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Assistant Bars Manager, so don’t hold back on those relevant details!

Highlight Team Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a large team, be sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and any successful training or development initiatives you've led. We love seeing examples of teamwork in action!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Koko Camden

Know Your Venue

Before the interview, take some time to research KOKO and its unique bar environment. Familiarise yourself with their offerings, atmosphere, and any recent events or promotions. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your answers to align with their values and operations.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As an Assistant Bars Manager, you'll need to lead a diverse team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've motivated teams in high-pressure situations. Share specific examples of how you've fostered teamwork and accountability, as this will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Emphasise Service Excellence

Highlight your commitment to exceptional service by sharing stories where you went above and beyond for guests. Discuss how you handle feedback and complaints, showcasing your ability to maintain professionalism while resolving issues. This will resonate well with their focus on member experience and service standards.

Understand Operational Efficiency

Be ready to talk about your experience with stock control, cost management, and operational processes. Discuss any strategies you've implemented to improve service flow or reduce wastage. This will show that you not only care about the guest experience but also understand the importance of maintaining a commercially successful operation.