Bar Manager

Wellington ****, New Zealand • NZ$80,000 - NZ$85,000
Full-time Permanent Mid-level Senior
Description
Drifter is built for curious travellers, free spirits, and people who care about great spaces and great experiences.
We run hostels and hybrid stays across Australia and New Zealand, alongside food and beverage venues that bring people together and give our properties their edge.
The kind of places people remember, not just pass through.
We're opening our newest property in Wellington in December ****, and we're building the entire leadership team from the ground up.
We're looking for a Bar Manager to join that team and help bring the property to life.
This is a rare chance to join before opening, shape how the venue comes together, build your own team, and help create the culture, standards and ways of working from day one.
The opportunity
Great venues are about more than what's on the menu.
They're about atmosphere, energy and the people who create it.
You'll lead the food and beverage front-of-house operation, creating a welcoming, well-run venue that guests want to spend time in and locals want to come back to.
From service standards and team culture through to beverage performance and day-to-day operations, you'll play a key role in shaping the experience our guests remember.
You'll also be a key member of the leadership team, working closely with the General Manager and other Heads of Department to make sure the whole operation runs smoothly.
Starting in early November ****, you'll have the opportunity to come in before opening, recruit and develop your team, and help establish the standards, culture and ways of working that will shape the venue from day one.
What it looks like day to day:
Leading, coaching and supporting the food and beverage team
Creating a positive, high-performing team culture
Managing day-to-day bar and food service operations
Maintaining exceptional service standards across the venue
Recruiting, onboarding and training new team members
Building rosters that work for both the business and the team
Managing labour costs, beverage performance and departmental results
Overseeing stock control, ordering and supplier relationships
Working closely with the Head Chef to deliver a seamless food and beverage experience
Managing guest feedback, issues and service recovery when needed
Looking for ways to improve the guest experience and operational performance
Helping establish venue systems, standards and ways of working as part of the pre-opening journey
You'll be a good fit if ...
You're a hospitality leader who loves creating great experiences and bringing people together.
You know how to lead from the floor, create strong teams, and maintain high standards without losing sight of the atmosphere that makes a venue special.
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You'll likely bring:
Experience leading a bar, food and beverage or venue team within hospitality, tourism or an experience-led environment
Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, recruitment and performance management
Experience managing rosters, labour and day-to-day operations
A strong understanding of beverage operations and service delivery
Commercial awareness with experience managing costs, stock and performance
Confidence handling guest issues and making decisions on the spot
A hands-on leadership style and willingness to jump in wherever needed
The ability to build team culture while maintaining high standards and accountability
What you can expect at Drifter
You'll be part of a team that cares about doing good work without overcomplicating things.
We back our people, give you space to lead, and make sure there's support where it counts.
Alongside that, you'll have:
Discounted stays across Drifter properties for you, your family and your travel crew
Discounts on brands you actually use, including JB Hi-Fi, Uber Eats and more
Access to online learning and development opportunities
Paid birthday leave for permanent team members
A paid volunteering day each year to support a cause that matters to you
Enhanced parental leave
Free counselling and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program
Visa support available for exceptional people looking to build a long-term career with Drifter
Opportunities to grow with the business as we continue to expand across Australia and New Zealand
Drifter is collaborative, practical and values-led.
Professional but not stuffy, we're a welcoming and inclusive workplace and proudly welcome team members from all races, places, gender expressions and beliefs.
If the idea of opening a brand new venue, building your own team and helping create a food and beverage experience from day one sounds like your kind of challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
One last thing ...
Any questions?
Email us directly at
******
#J-*****-Ljbffr