Role Purpose
The Bar Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of our bar service, ensuring an exceptional guest experience that reflects the standards of Park Hotel Kenmare. This role combines operational leadership, luxury hospitality, team development, and a deep passion for premium beverages, cocktails, wine, spirits, and Irish hospitality.
Working within an ultra-luxury, highly distinctive environment, the Bar Manager will create a warm, polished, and memorable atmosphere for residents and visitors alike, while maintaining the highest standards of service and presentation.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience and Service Excellence
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Deliver a sophisticated, intuitive, and consistently warm beverage service in line with five-star luxury standards.
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Ensure every guest interaction is personal, professional, and aligned with the style and character of Park Hotel Kenmare.
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Create an inviting bar atmosphere that encourages repeat business, resident satisfaction, and strong local reputation.
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Handle guest feedback promptly and professionally, resolving issues with discretion and care.
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Support the wider hotel in delivering seamless service across private events, dining areas, and special occasions where bar service is required.
Bar Operations
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Oversee the daily operation of the bar, including opening, closing, stock control, cash handling, service setup, and service standards.
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Maintain impeccable cleanliness, organisation, and presentation across all bar areas, equipment, and back-of-house storage.
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Ensure all beverage menus, wine lists, cocktail lists, and bar offerings are presented accurately and kept up to date.
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Manage bar service flow during busy periods, balancing efficiency with elegance and attention to detail.
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Work closely with senior management to deliver a beverage operation that supports the broader objectives of the hotel.
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Support the restaurant management team in the daily lunch and evening food service operation within the Garden Rooms.
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Work closely with the kitchen team and senior management to ensure smooth communication between food preparation and front-of-house service.
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Maintain excellent knowledge of the menu, ingredients, cooking methods, allergens, and beverage recommendations to confidently guide guests.
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Lead whiskey tastings and special guest experiences where required.
Beverage Strategy and Product Knowledge
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Curate and maintain a beverage menu that reflects the hotel’s luxury positioning and local identity.
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Demonstrate strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits (particularly whiskey), wine, champagne, beer, aperitifs, digestifs, and non-alcoholic beverages.
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Work with suppliers to source quality products, seasonal additions, and premium local options where appropriate.
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Create and innovate signature cocktails, seasonal beverages, and enhanced guest experiences.
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Maintain a strong understanding of margins, pricing, wastage, and product performance.
Team Leadership and Development
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Lead, motivate, train, and coach the bar team to deliver consistently high standards.
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Set clear expectations for grooming, professionalism, service etiquette, product knowledge, and teamwork.
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Conduct inductions, on-the-job training, and ongoing coaching to build confidence and capability within the team.
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Support rostering, staffing plans, and performance management in collaboration with management.
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Promote a culture of accountability, pride, and genuine hospitality.
Stock, Ordering, and Cost Control
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Monitor stock levels, order requirements, and usage trends to ensure efficient operations and minimal waste.
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Carry out monthly stock takes and reconcile inventory accurately.
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Manage breakages, spillage, and wastage effectively, with attention to cost control and reporting.
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Review beverage sales performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and guest appeal.
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Work with finance to maintain sound purchasing and stock management practices.
Compliance and Standards
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Ensure full compliance with all relevant licensing, food safety, health and safety, allergen, and hygiene requirements.
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Uphold responsible service of alcohol at all times.
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Maintain bar procedures, documentation, and records to the required standard.
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Support audits, inspections, and internal reviews as required.
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Lead by example in ensuring a safe, secure, and well-managed working environment.
