Bar Manager (FT)

At Zach, we believe in the power of light—to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s leading professional producing theater, we create vibrant, intimate theater experiences that engage, inspire, and connect our community. The Bar Manager is responsible for the oversight of the theatre’s bar operations across multiple bars, including financial performance, product production, inventory management, personnel supervision, sales strategy, and bar guest relations. This position works closely with the Senior Manager of Hospitality & Patron Experience to continuously evolve bar operations and cocktail offerings, and partners with Marketing, Development, Education, Rentals, and Patron Services teams to maximize revenue across all areas, while working with Finance to achieve budgetary goals.

This is a full-time, salaried position. We are seeking a creative, experienced leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality, proven bar management experience with a background in high-volume craft cocktail operations and is available for on-shift, nightly team support during events and show runs including some weekends and some holidays. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Oversees daily operations of all bar revenue centers, providing necessary tools for efficient operations, including:

• Developing, creating, and regularly rotating a menu of specialty cocktails and food items that reflect current trends and the theatre’s brand identity
• Curating and maintaining an atmosphere across all lounges that attracts the desired clientele, encourages sales, and generates enthusiasm and stellar customer experiences
• Working collaboratively with the entire theatre staff to provide and track beverage orders for special events, meetings, and productions
• Regularly maintaining and updating the TOAST POS system to ensure accurate product input, pricing, inventory tracking, and availability
• Managing inventory processes, including routine cycle counts, monthly or by show, and year-end tallies, par level maintenance, and detailed reporting, submitting to accounting regularly and accurately
• Providing detailed sales and labor reports to maintain appropriate staffing levels and support informed operational decisions
• Leading and supervising bar staff, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and professional development
• Collaborating with the Senior Manager of Hospitality & Patron Services on concessions sales strategy, staffing budgets, and tracking progress toward revenue goals
• Approving time records and gratuity reports for submission to the payroll department based on the approved payroll schedules
• Communicating health and/or safety concerns or violations immediately to the appropriate channels
• Fostering positive relationships with patrons to ensure repeat business; responding to complaints promptly and taking appropriate action to maintain guest satisfaction
• Providing operational input through recommendations and facilitating execution with bar staff and third-party consultants as needed
• Submitting all financial and payroll reports to appropriate parties on a nightly, weekly, and semi-monthly and monthly basis
• Verifying all deliveries and ensuring order invoices are accurate and complete
• Scheduling bar staffing for shows, rentals, and other events in alignment with approved budgets
• Attending all FOH informational and all-staff meetings
• Managing vendor relationships, negotiating pricing, and identifying opportunities for cost savings without sacrificing quality
• Ensuring full compliance with TABC regulations, food safety standards, and all applicable local and state laws
• Hosting daily bar huddles with staff to align on show schedules, service priorities, product updates, and any operational notes
• Facilitating quarterly bar team meetings to review performance, share feedback, set goals, and foster team culture
• Organizing and leading quarterly deep-clean sessions of all bar areas, equipment, and storage spaces to maintain health, safety, and brand standards
• May occasionally work bar shifts as needed based on demand; however, as a manager in compliance with Section 203(m)(2)(B) of the FLSA, this role is ineligible to receive mandatory tips or tip pool distributions
• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and operations

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Senior Manager of Hospitality & Patron Experience

Supervises (if any): Temporary Part-Time Bar Staff and contract/independent bar employees

Supports: Marketing, Development, Education, Rentals, Patron Services, and Finance

Peer collaboration/communicates with: All Zach Theater departments and staff

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Beginning salary starting at $48,000-56,000 annually commensurate with experience and qualifications. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum and midpoint of the range posted depending upon qualifications, years of experience in a similar role, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the position. This role may occasionally work bar shifts based on business needs. In accordance with Section 203(m)(2)(B) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, this management position is not eligible to receive mandatory tips or participate in tip pool distributions.

All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of background and reference checks.

Some of the great benefits available to Zach Employees:

• Affordable Healthcare Coverage for Full-Time Employees and their Dependents
• Employer Paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Employer Paid Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401K Matching Program
• Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Paid Holidays
• Free Parking
• Tickets to Mainstage and Family Series shows and enrollment in Camps/Classes

Zach Theater is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age. 

We’re excited to review your application. To ensure a smooth and fair hiring process, please apply online only. We’re not able to accommodate phone calls or in-person visits about this position. 

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred, or a combination of education and experience that yields the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in a bar or food & beverage management role
• Demonstrated experience in a high-volume craft cocktail environment
• Experience with TOAST or an equivalent Point of Sale system
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace
• Current TABC Certification required (or ability to obtain prior to start)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of bar and restaurant management, including staff supervision, beverage program development, and events coordination
• Working knowledge of back-office systems and operational reporting
• Proficiency in TABC regulations and food safety standards
• Strong organizational, coordination, and planning skills
• Proven ability to drive profitable growth and manage budgets effectively
• Skilled at building and maintaining relationships with customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders
• Effective at maintaining strong cost controls and quality standards
• Analytical mindset with experience creating and interpreting reports involving percentages, cost controls, and inventory management
• Confident in attracting, hiring, supervising, and developing direct reports
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Ability to handle up to $1 million in sales annually across multiple revenue centers
• Detail-oriented with strong multitasking abilities
• Ability to perform all work with a direct reflection of the vision, mission, and values of Zach Theater

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: This is a campus-based, on-site role. The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities upon discussion with HR.

• Ability to push, pull, or maneuver up to 50 lbs repeatedly, alone or with assistance
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled, and be available on-call for emergencies
• Noise levels in this work environment are typically moderate and may be high during performances and events