The Work

Going to the pub/bar is one of the most traditional leisure activities in the country. It's the job of bar managers to make sure that customers in the pub/bar are happy, while the business makes a good profit.    

There are also different kinds of pubs/bars, including wine bars; inns; cafe bars; theme bars; super-pubs and, of course, traditional pubs. In some, the focus is on creating a family atmosphere. In others there is live entertainment. Many pubs/bars serve food ranging from snacks at lunchtime to high quality, restaurant standard meals. Whatever kind of pub/bar you want to run, there will be common elements to the kind of work you will have to do.    

One of the biggest parts of the bar manager’s job is to manage the staff. There are bar staff and cleaners, and there may be catering staff. Many could be part-time, so the work has to be organised so that there are the right number of people on duty at any one time.    

Bar Managers train, organise and motivate staff. They also do stock control, re-ordering supplies of food and drink before they run out. They supervise beer deliveries, do the pub's banking, and think about (and organise) activities, entertainment and special offers that will bring in more customers. A bar manager is responsible for the health, safety and security of the premises, staff and customers.    

Bar Managers also do the same work as their staff. They serve customers, collect and wash empty glasses, clear ashtrays, take orders for food and wait on tables.  

A very important part of a Bar Manager’s job is enforcing the law regarding the sale of alcohol on the premises. Publicans are required to have an age identification policy and ensure that all staff are fully aware of it.

• Understand the industry, its product offerings and operating practices

• Communicate effectively with many audiences such as customers, employees, suppliers, regulatory bodies and members of the public

• Display general business skills in finance, marketing and people management

• Plan effectively and put a roster in place for staff

• Detail the importance of hitting targets and developing standard operating procedures to ensure standards are maintained.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

There are many pathways to develop your skills, experience, and qualifications for a career in Bar management & Hospitality

Preparation & Development options: 

FET Centre Traineeship Supervisory Management & Leadership for Hospitality, Hospitality Operations NFQ level 5-6 search FET courses 

FET Centre PLC Course  Bar, Resturant, and Business management NFQ level 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship Bar Manager NFQ level 7 Entry requirements: 

Candidates for this programme must meet the following profile:

• Must be employed and sponsored by an employer.

• Must have a minimum of one year full-time or two years part-time work experience in the sector.

• English language entry requirements - CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English language levels below CEF B2+ must first reach this minimum standard before enrolling on the academic programme.

Candidates for this programme must hold at least one of the following academic qualifications:

• Leaving Certificate: 5 subjects at O6/H7 grade, to include English, and a minimum of foundation Mathematics.

• A relevant FET level 5 or 6 major award, with at least 4 distinctions

• Equivalent qualification mapped to the national framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Mature applicants [i.e. over the age of 23] who do not hold the above academic qualifications, but have the required work experience in the sector, are recommended by their employer, and who demonstrate the right attitudes and behaviours, will also be eligible to apply. Candidates are invited to attend a pre-enrolment session to verify that they meet the entry requirements. 

Last Updated: July, 2021

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