Madeleine Bar Manager in Birmingham

Birmingham’s Grand Hotel on Colmore Row is housed in one of the city’s most iconic buildings; a landmark Grade II* listed property combining beautifully restored original Victorian features with modern service and style that compliments a vibrant and diverse Birmingham in the 21st century. The Grand Hotel Birmingham features 185 bedrooms and extraordinary suites, a glamorous cocktail lounge bar, a British brasserie serving cuisine with a touch of French flair, and eight magnificent meeting and event rooms - as well as our spectacular Louis XIV-style Grand Ballroom. We warmly welcome everyone and foster a sense of belonging, where each person is valued and appreciated. Join our team and become part of a passionate group of individuals who genuinely care about the experiences we create for our guests and colleagues.

Ready to lead one of Birmingham’s most stylish hotel bars? Madeleine is a slice of Parisian chic in Birmingham - an award-winning hotel bar, proudly recognised as Best Hotel Bar in Birmingham 2024/2025. A destination defined by elegance, flair and unforgettable guest experiences. We are now looking for a Bar Manager to take ownership of this vibrant operation, bringing personality, leadership and creativity to every shift. You’ll set the tone for service, inspire your team, and ensure every guest enjoys an exceptional experience from start to finish. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you’ll combine operational excellence with a genuine passion for hospitality. 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends in line with business needs.

What you will be doing:

• Take full responsibility for the day‑to‑day running of the bar, ensuring consistently high standards across service, product and presentation.
• Lead from the front, inspiring and motivating your team with energy, confidence and a positive attitude.
• Deliver an outstanding guest experience, ensuring every interaction reflects the style and quality of Madeleine.
• Support target setting and work closely with senior management to drive performance and results.
• Play a key role in menu development, ensuring the offer remains innovative, consistent and commercially strong.
• Monitor guest feedback and take proactive steps to maintain and improve service standards.
• Handle guest complaints with professionalism, ensuring swift and effective resolution.
• Oversee stock management, ordering and supplier relationships to ensure quality and efficiency.
• Work closely with other hotel departments to deliver a seamless guest journey, including VIPs and special requests.
• Recruit, train and develop a high‑performing, engaged and well‑presented team.
• Contribute to wider business strategy discussions and support commercial success.
• Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, licensing and food safety standards.
• Remain flexible and hands‑on, supporting the team wherever needed across the operation.
• Take full accountability for departmental performance, including cost control, revenue, payroll, compliance and guest satisfaction.

What you will bring:

• Proven leadership experience within a high‑quality bar or hospitality environment.
• Strong cocktail knowledge and a genuine passion for drinks and service excellence.
• A warm, approachable and confident personality with the ability to naturally connect with guests and teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to deliver clear, professional and engaging service.
• A proactive, hands‑on leadership style with a drive to achieve results and exceed expectations.
• A strong customer focus with a commitment to creating memorable guest experiences.
• Flexibility to work a varied shift pattern including evenings and weekends.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an award‑winning, design‑led bar where creativity, leadership and exceptional service come together. At the Grand Hotel Birmingham make every effort to reward and recognise the loyalty and hard work you provide by offering the following:

• £40,000 per annum – plus gratuities and service charge to help your earning potential.
• Stay at the Grand Hotel or other De Vere properties for as little as £50, with special rates for friends and family.
• Get 50% off food and drinks when you dine in Isaacs or Madeleine – or at any De Vere location.
• Explore our Exclusively Yours Benefits portal, unlocking hundreds of discounts on retail, travel, and leisure activities.
• Earn extra cash through our employee referral scheme.
• Free, freshly cooked meals from our chefs, available twice a day across service periods.
• Take advantage of our Employee Assistance Programme, Hospitality Action, providing 24/7 health and wellbeing support, including free counselling.
• As a token of our gratitude for your loyalty, we'll treat you to an annual complimentary stay at The Grand Hotel or any De Vere property of your choice, plus additional monetary rewards for reaching long service milestones – which increase year on year!
• We believe in celebrating your special moments too, which is why we offer an extra paid day off for your birthday, along with a £20 love to shop voucher.
• Inclusive multifaith prayer room accessible any time for all team members.
• Experience the flexibility and convenience of Wagestream, our financial wellbeing platform, granting you instant access to your pay when you need it.
• Take advantage of career development opportunities and apprenticeship programmes.
• Regular team appreciation events and monthly recognition programmes.
• Career development opportunities – including access to nationally recognised, funded apprenticeship programmes.
• 31 days holiday each year (increasing annually up to 33 days).
• Gain peace of mind with our Company Life Assurance scheme, ensuring financial security for your loved ones.
• Venue closure over the Christmas period allowing you time off to enjoy the festive season.