Assistant Bar Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Bar Manager  

Department: Bars, Food & Beverage  

Inspired and supported by: Head of Bars 

About the American Bar  

The American Bar is the longest surviving cocktail bar in London and one of the most renowned in the world. Serving classics with a twist, new and vintage creations – the American Bar is an icon in cocktail history and has played host to legendary bartenders such as Harry Craddock, author of The Savoy Cocktail Book, and Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman. First opened in 1893, it has welcomed countless legendary figures, from Winston Churchill to Ernest Hemingway. The American Bar remains at the forefront of the industry today, winning World’s Best Bar at Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2018 and World’s 50 Best Bars 2017. 

About the Beaufort Bar  

With its dramatic jet-black and gold décor, the Beaufort Bar provides the perfect setting for glamour and luxury. A hidden gem within the hotel, with a discreet entrance and a cool late-night vibe, it opens Thursday to Saturday nights, with a DJ after dark. Guests can enjoy creative cocktails, prestige spirits, rare vintages, and a luxurious bar dining menu. The menu journey celebrates centuries of flavours, focusing on the finest wines and Champagnes, evoking the distinctive bouquet of the Champagne region. 

Both bars are led by Head of Bars Markus Basset. 

Your purpose will be: 

As Assistant Bar Manager, you will play a crucial role in the operations of these two prestigious venues. You will collaborate closely with the Head of Bars to enhance performance, elevate service standards, and uphold The Savoy’s distinguished reputation. You will also take true ownership in shaping memorable guest experiences while inspiring and developing your team. 

You will be accountable for: 

Leadership and Team Management 

• Always being present on the floor during service and getting hands-on to assist when needed. 

• Lead, motivate, and inspire the bar team and support staff, fostering a positive work environment. 

• Set performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations. 

• Develop and implement training programmes to enhance the team’s knowledge and skills. 

• Schedule staff efficiently to meet business needs while maintaining labour cost controls. 

• Promote teamwork, collaboration, and excellent communication across the team. 

• Assist with recruitment within the bar department. 

F&B Programme Management 

• Stay updated with the latest F&B trends. 

• Collaborate with the team to create unique guest experiences, including personalised recommendations and themed events. 

• Manage inventory and stock levels, ensuring consistent availability of premium products. 

• Oversee maintenance and cleanliness of the bar and equipment, adhering to health and safety standards. 

Guest Service and Experience 

• Deliver an exceptional level of service, anticipating and exceeding guest expectations. 

• Foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects The Savoy’s legacy. 

• Engage with guests, build relationships, and ensure their satisfaction. 

• Address inquiries, complaints, and feedback promptly and professionally. 

Financial Management 

• Achieve revenue and profitability targets in line with guidance from the Head of Bars. 

• Monitor and analyse weekly performance reports, sharing insights and recommendations. 

• Manage labour and inventory costs to achieve financial objectives. 

Compliance and Standards 

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including health and safety, liquor licensing, and food hygiene. 

• Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and organisation. 

• Champion impeccable adherence to Forbes and LQA standards, curating an unparalleled five-star experience that reflects the sophistication and legacy of true luxury hospitality. 

• Uphold The Savoy’s brand reputation by delivering consistently exceptional service 

Qualifications

What will you need to do in this role? 

• 1–2 years’ experience in a Supervisory or Assistant Manager role within a luxury environment. 

• A passion for and deep understanding of 5-star hospitality. 

• Strong communication skills with the confidence and gravitas to take ownership when required. 

• Quick-thinking, resourceful, and solutions-focused under pressure. 

• Proven ability to design and deliver training programmes for bar colleagues. 

• A collaborative approach with the ability to work cohesively as part of a team. 

• Strong understanding of reservation platforms such as OpenTable (or similar). 

• Solid proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for operational and administrative efficiency. 

• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budgeting and forecasting to drive strategic decision-making and sustainable growth. 

Please note that we believe in flexibility and multi-skilling, and you may be asked to do different tasks from time to time to enable us to meet the needs of our guests and colleagues.