BAR MANAGER

The Gopher is Manly's newest live music, Irish-themed basement bar and restaurant, an immersive venue inspired by the infamous Gopher Gang, an early 1900s Irish street gang from New York.

Designed to transport guests to another era, the venue combines live music, exceptional hospitality, and a curated Irish-inspired food and beverage program. With a strong focus on premium spirits, cocktails, and whisky, The Gopher delivers a unique, high-end experience unlike anything else in Manly.

About the Role ~

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and guest-focused Bar Manager to lead our bar team and drive an exceptional beverage experience.

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity with an immediate start at one of Sydney's most exciting new hospitality venues.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will oversee all bar operations, lead and develop a high-performing team, manage stock and financial performance, and champion service excellence. A strong understanding of whisky, premium spirits, cocktails, and beverage trends is essential.

Key Responsibilities ~

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, train, mentor, and inspire a team of bartenders and floor staff

• Foster a positive, professional, and high-performance team culture

• Recruit, onboard, and develop team members to maintain exceptional service standards

• Lead by example during service and support the team in high-volume periods

Beverage Program & Whisky Expertise

• Maintain and continually develop The Gopher's whisky offering, with a strong focus on Irish whisky alongside Scotch, Australian, and world whiskies

• Educate staff on whisky production, flavour profiles, regions, and premium spirit offerings

• Coordinate regular product training and tasting sessions

• Assist with cocktail development, seasonal beverage menus, and premium spirit promotions

• Deliver engaging guest experiences through product knowledge and recommendations

Operations & Financial Performance

• Oversee day-to-day bar operations and service standards

• Manage ordering, inventory control, stocktakes, and supplier relationships

• Monitor beverage cost of sales, wastage, and stock variances

• Develop and manage rosters in line with wage budgets and business requirements

• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve efficiencies, and enhance guest satisfaction

• Ensure accurate cash handling, cash-ups, and POS procedures

Compliance & Venue Standards

• Ensure compliance with RSA, licensing, and all regulatory requirements

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and workplace safety

• Implement and uphold SOPs, checklists, and operational procedures

• Report incidents, risks, and compliance matters to senior management

• Ensure responsible service of alcohol practices are consistently followed

Skills & Experience ~

Essential

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a Bar Manager or senior bar leadership role

• Strong knowledge of whisky, premium spirits, cocktails, and beverage operations

• Proven ability to lead and develop hospitality teams

• Experience managing stock control, ordering, and beverage cost management

• Strong understanding of labour management and wage control

• Current RSA certification

• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills

• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Highly Regarded

• Experience working in premium cocktail bars, whisky bars, live music venues, or high-volume restaurants

• Formal spirits, whisky, or beverage qualifications (WSET, Whisky Ambassador, BarSmarts, etc.)

• Established supplier and industry relationships

• Experience creating cocktail menus and beverage programs

Benefits & Perks ~

• Competitive salary package based on experience

• Opportunity to shape and lead a premium whisky and beverage program

• Work within a dynamic live music and entertainment venue

• Be part of an exciting new hospitality concept in Manly

• Career growth opportunities as the business expands

• Access to ongoing product education and whisky training

The Person ~

You are a passionate hospitality professional who thrives on delivering exceptional guest experiences through outstanding service and beverage knowledge.

You have a genuine enthusiasm for whisky, premium spirits, cocktails, and hospitality culture. You take pride in creating memorable experiences, developing high-performing teams, and maintaining operational excellence.

Most importantly, you are a natural leader who can balance hands-on service with strong commercial awareness, ensuring both guests and team members have an exceptional experience every time they visit The Gopher.