Working Life
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.
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Understand the industry, its product offerings and operating practices
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Communicate effectively with many audiences such as customers, employees, suppliers, regulatory bodies and members of the public
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Display general business skills in finance, marketing and people management
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Plan effectively and put a roster in place for staff
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Detail the importance of hitting targets and developing standard operating procedures to ensure standards are maintained.
Qualities -
If you want to be a bar manager you'll need to be an all-round organiser, worker, business manager and sociable person. You'll need leadership skills to motivate staff and excellent interpersonal skills for handling customers. Some customers like a friendly ear to talk to, so you should be able to get on easily with people. You also need to be able to spot trouble before it happens and calm the situation.
As well as sound business sense and an imaginative outlook, you'll need lots of energy - the hours are long and the work is physically demanding. You could be supervising a delivery of beer before breakfast and updating the pub's computerised accounting system at midnight. A bar manager requires a lot of stamina as bars and pubs are very busy and noisy and you are on your feet for most of the time and will often have to change heavy beer and larger barrels.
Financial and numeracy skills are vital for handling cash and book-keeping. Tact and diplomacy may be required when dealing with demanding customers.
Interests - Bar Manager
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.
Entry / Progression - Bar Manager
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include:
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include:
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Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples:
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Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include:
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Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include:
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Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
