Bar Manager

At The Pulpo Group, we believe a great bar is about far more than great cocktails. It's about creating memorable experiences, building meaningful relationships with guests, and developing hospitality professionals who take pride in their craft.

We're looking for a passionate, hospitality-driven Bar Manager to lead one of our beverage programs. This is an opportunity for an experienced beverage professional to shape cocktail menus, mentor talented bartenders, manage an award-worthy beverage program, and play a key role in one of Ann Arbor's most respected restaurant groups.

If you're energized by great hospitality, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy balancing creativity with operational excellence, we'd love to meet you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Lead an Exceptional Beverage Program

• Oversee all aspects of the cocktail, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverage program.
• Develop seasonal cocktails and maintain thoughtful beverage offerings.
• Ensure every drink meets company standards for quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Stay current on industry trends while bringing fresh ideas to the team.

Develop and Inspire Great People

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop an exceptional bar team.
• Foster a culture of hospitality, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Lead beverage education through tastings, pre-shift meetings, and hands-on coaching.
• Partner with restaurant leadership on hiring, scheduling, and performance development.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Lead by example during service while supporting both the bar and dining room.
• Maintain organized, efficient, and clean bar operations.
• Ensure opening, closing, sanitation, and operational standards are consistently executed.
• Support private events, special programming, and unique guest experiences.

Manage the Business

• Oversee inventory, ordering, receiving, and beverage cost controls.
• Build strong vendor relationships and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Analyze beverage sales, product mix, labor, and financial performance.
• Help drive profitability while maintaining exceptional quality and hospitality.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 3+ years of bar leadership experience in an upscale restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, spirits, beer, and beverage operations.
• Experience leading and developing hospitality teams.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
• Ability to balance creativity with strong operational discipline.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

WHY JOIN THE PULPO GROUP?

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Dining discounts across The Pulpo Group
• Ongoing professional development
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing restaurant group
• A collaborative leadership team that values creativity, hospitality, and continuous improvement

• 3+ years of progressive bar leadership experience in an upscale or hospitality-driven restaurant.
• Strong knowledge of spirits, wine, beer, cocktails, and beverage operations.
• Demonstrated success leading, developing, and coaching hospitality teams.
• Experience managing beverage inventory, purchasing, and cost controls.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable analyzing financial reports and using data to improve operational performance.
• Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 40 pounds, including cases of beer, wine, liquor, and bar supplies.
• Frequently bend, reach, stoop, twist, and move throughout the restaurant.
• Ability to safely operate in a fast-paced environment with moderate noise levels.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs frequently.