Bar Manager / Bar & Beverage Manager
About the role
Treehouse Hotel Adelaide is seeking a Bar Manager to bring its beverage concept to life as the property prepares for opening. This is a leadership position focused on creating a distinctive bar and beverage operation that appeals to hotel guests as well as the local Adelaide community. The successful candidate will combine hospitality leadership, beverage knowledge, commercial awareness and creativity to establish a bar experience with its own personality.
The position involves more than managing day-to-day bar service. The Bar Manager will participate in the development of the beverage philosophy, help establish the physical bar operation, select suppliers, develop menus, establish service standards and build a capable team. The role is particularly suited to someone who has previously opened a bar, restaurant, hotel venue or similar hospitality operation, although strong leadership experience in premium hospitality environments is also relevant.
The successful applicant will work across cocktails, wine, coffee, beer, spirits and locally sourced ingredients. A strong understanding of South Australian producers is important because the beverage program is intended to showcase local wineries, breweries, distilleries and artisan suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
The Bar & Beverage Manager will manage beverage procurement and establish productive relationships with suppliers. This includes sourcing products, negotiating with suppliers and selecting beverages that align with the hotel's concept and commercial requirements.
A major responsibility will be developing cocktail menus and seasonal beverage programs. The manager will be expected to bring creativity to the menu while maintaining consistency, quality and commercial viability. The role also covers development of the coffee program and implementation of appropriate quality standards.
Wine selection will be another important part of the position, with particular emphasis on South Australian wine and regional producers. The manager will also work with local breweries, distilleries and suppliers to incorporate Australian products and native ingredients into the beverage offering.
Commercial management is central to the position. Responsibilities include beverage costing, inventory control, monitoring margins and maintaining appropriate stock levels. The manager will also create standard operating procedures and operational standards covering beverage preparation, service, safety, quality and responsible service requirements.
Because the position is connected with the hotel's pre-opening phase, the successful candidate will contribute to bar equipment specification, installation and commissioning. They will help ensure that the bar is properly equipped and operational before opening.
The manager will recruit, onboard, coach and train the bar team. They will lead from the floor, support team members during service and provide beverage education across the wider Food & Beverage operation. Strong communication, coaching and leadership skills will therefore be important.
The position will also work closely with Marketing to develop events, collaborations and experiences that encourage local visitation. The objective is to establish the hotel's bars as social spaces that attract Adelaide residents as well as hotel guests.
Ideal Candidate and Work Environment
Treehouse is looking for a hospitality professional who combines operational discipline with creativity. The ideal candidate will understand cocktails, wine, coffee and beverage trends and will have experience developing beverage concepts and seasonal menus.
The candidate should be comfortable discussing beverage production, coffee extraction, fermentation, native botanicals, beverage margins and supplier relationships. Knowledge of South Australian wineries, breweries and distilleries will be valuable.
The organisation describes its culture as welcoming, curious, playful and positive. Team members are expected to work collaboratively, support colleagues and bring personality into their work. The hotel also aims to be closely connected with its neighbourhood and Adelaide community.
This is therefore a hands-on management role rather than a purely administrative position. The Bar Manager will be visible during service, coach employees, maintain standards, taste and review products, and help create a positive atmosphere for both guests and staff.
The position is particularly relevant for an experienced bar or hospitality leader who wants to be involved in building a beverage program from the beginning. Pre-opening experience is regarded favourably. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape operating procedures, supplier relationships, menus, team culture and the overall beverage identity of the hotel.
Requirements & Qualifications
The employer is seeking someone with previous leadership experience in premium bars, lifestyle hotels, destination venues or comparable hospitality environments. Experience opening a bar or hospitality venue is highly desirable, particularly for candidates who have been involved in establishing beverage programs and operational standards.
Applicants should have strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, coffee and current beverage trends, together with experience creating beverage concepts and seasonal menus. Knowledge of South Australian wine, local producers, artisan suppliers and Australian ingredients will be advantageous.
Commercial understanding is also required, including beverage costing, inventory control, supplier procurement and supplier negotiations. Candidates should be capable of preparing SOPs and establishing consistent operating standards.
Strong coaching and training ability is essential because the role includes recruiting, onboarding and developing the bar team. The ideal candidate should demonstrate attention to detail, creativity, positive energy and collaborative leadership.
Pre-opening hospitality experience is highly regarded. The role also requires an understanding of licensing, compliance and responsible service standards.