Bar Manager Relais & Châteaux

Park Hotel Kenmare is one of Ireland's most distinguished and exciting luxury destinations. Nestled along the shores of Kenmare Bay, Park Hotel Kenmare offers timeless luxury, warm Irish hospitality, and exceptional personalised service. As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux and holder of two Michelin Keys, the hotel is internationally recognised for its refined elegance, culinary excellence, and commitment to creating unforgettable guest experiences. With a proud heritage dating back to 1897, the hotel blends historic charm with contemporary comfort, welcoming discerning guests from around the world seeking tranquillity, authenticity, and understated luxury.

Role Purpose

The Bar Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of our bar service, ensuring an exceptional guest experience that reflects the standards of Park Hotel Kenmare. This role combines operational leadership, luxury hospitality, team development, and a deep passion for premium beverages, cocktails, wine, spirits, and Irish hospitality.

Working within an ultra-luxury, highly distinctive environment, the Bar Manager will create a warm, polished, and memorable atmosphere for residents and visitors alike, while maintaining the highest standards of service and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience and Service Excellence

• Deliver a sophisticated, intuitive, and consistently warm beverage service in line with five-star luxury standards.
• Ensure every guest interaction is personal, professional, and aligned with the style and character of Park Hotel Kenmare.
• Create an inviting bar atmosphere that encourages repeat business, resident satisfaction, and strong local reputation.
• Handle guest feedback promptly and professionally, resolving issues with discretion and care.
• Support the wider hotel in delivering seamless service across private events, dining areas, and special occasions where bar service is required.

Bar Operations

• Oversee the daily operation of the bar, including opening, closing, stock control, cash handling, service setup, and service standards.
• Maintain impeccable cleanliness, organisation, and presentation across all bar areas, equipment, and back-of-house storage.
• Ensure all beverage menus, wine lists, cocktail lists, and bar offerings are presented accurately and kept up to date.
• Manage bar service flow during busy periods, balancing efficiency with elegance and attention to detail.
• Work closely with senior management to deliver a beverage operation that supports the broader objectives of the hotel.
• Support the restaurant management team in the daily lunch and evening food service operation within the Garden Rooms.
• Work closely with the kitchen team and senior management to ensure smooth communication between food preparation and front-of-house service.
• Maintain excellent knowledge of the menu, ingredients, cooking methods, allergens, and beverage recommendations to confidently guide guests.
• Lead whiskey tastings and special guest experiences where required.

Beverage Strategy and Product Knowledge

• Curate and maintain a beverage menu that reflects the hotel's luxury positioning and local identity.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits (particularly whiskey), wine, champagne, beer, aperitifs, digestifs, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Work with suppliers to source quality products, seasonal additions, and premium local options where appropriate.
• Create and innovate signature cocktails, seasonal beverages, and enhanced guest experiences.
• Maintain a strong understanding of margins, pricing, wastage, and product performance.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, motivate, train, and coach the bar team to deliver consistently high standards.
• Set clear expectations for grooming, professionalism, service etiquette, product knowledge, and teamwork.
• Conduct inductions, on-the-job training, and ongoing coaching to build confidence and capability within the team.
• Support rostering, staffing plans, and performance management in collaboration with management.
• Promote a culture of accountability, pride, and genuine hospitality.

Stock, Ordering, and Cost Control

• Monitor stock levels, order requirements, and usage trends to ensure efficient operations and minimal waste.
• Carry out monthly stock takes and reconcile inventory accurately.
• Manage breakages, spillage, and wastage effectively, with attention to cost control and reporting.
• Review beverage sales performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and guest appeal.
• Work with finance to maintain sound purchasing and stock management practices.

Compliance and Standards

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant licensing, food safety, health and safety, allergen, and hygiene requirements.
• Uphold responsible service of alcohol at all times.
• Maintain bar procedures, documentation, and records to the required standard.
• Support audits, inspections, and internal reviews as required.
• Lead by example in ensuring a safe, secure, and well-managed working environment.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Proven experience in a bar leadership or assistant management role within a luxury hotel, fine dining, or premium hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
• Excellent product knowledge across cocktails, wines, spirits, and premium beverage service.
• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Commercially minded with an understanding of stock control, profitability, and revenue generation.
• Calm, polished, and professional under pressure.
• Genuine passion for hospitality, presentation, and guest care.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Experience and Qualifications

• Previous experience in a supervisory or management role within a bar, hotel, or restaurant environment.
• Experience in a luxury or five-star setting is highly desirable.
• A recognised hospitality qualification is an advantage, though not essential.
• Strong working knowledge of licensing legislation and responsible alcohol service.
• Competence in POS systems, stock systems, and MS Office or equivalent tools desirable.

Some Of Our Benefits:

• Competitive & generous rate of pay.
• Discounted rates on rooms at Park Hotel Kenmare and other Relais & Chateaux properties.
• 50% off Food and Beverages/ 30% off spa treatments & 20% off spa products.
• Free use of spa/ gym facilities.
• Excellent Training and Personal development.
• Complimentary healthy meals whilst on duty.
• Complimentary on-site parking.

« Rejoindre Relais & Châteaux, c'est profiter d'une opportunité unique d'élargir vos horizons tout en nourrissant votre talent.
Que vous souhaitiez construire une véritable carrière à nos côtés ou recherchiez un poste saisonnier, vous découvrirez des maisons de caractère, toutes unies par la défense de nos valeurs d'hospitalité, d'ancrage local et de partage.
Partez à la rencontre de nos équipes passionnées par le beau et le bon, qui font vibrer le cœur de chaque Relais & Châteaux. Embarquez à nos côtés pour un délicieux voyage et devenez vous aussi, acteur d'un monde plus humain ! . »

Philippe Gombert
Président, Relais & Châteaux