About the Role
Volstead Trading Company is a craft beer venue with a focus on great beer, good hospitality, and building a loyal local following. We are looking for an energetic and hands-on Bar Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of the venue while helping grow its profile, customer base, and contribution to the wider brewery business.
As a small team, everyone rolls up their sleeves and helps where needed. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable serving customers, leading staff, organising events, managing stock, and contributing ideas that help grow the business. There will be significant autonomy in this role to grow a team, develop best practice and build on the existing foundations.
The role also offers opportunities to become involved in other aspects of the brewery operation.
Key Responsibilities
Venue Operations
Oversee the day-to-day operation of the venue.
Maintain a welcoming and professional customer experience.
Ensure service standards, cleanliness, presentation and atmosphere are consistently maintained.
Manage opening and closing procedures.
Maintain compliance with licensing, host responsibility and health and safety requirements.
Team Leadership
Lead, train and support venue staff.
Prepare and manage staff rosters.
Foster a positive and productive team culture.
Assist with recruitment and onboarding when required.
Stock and Administration
Manage beverage and venue stock levels.
Coordinate ordering and supplier relationships.
Monitor wastage and stock control processes.
Assist with cash reconciliation and basic reporting.
Growth and Community Engagement
Help develop and implement promotions, events and initiatives that increase patronage.
Build relationships with regular customers, local businesses and community groups.
Support social media content and marketing activities.
Identify opportunities to improve revenue, customer experience and operational efficiency.
Brewery Support
Assist with brewery events, festivals and activations.
Support product launches and promotional activities.
Provide occasional assistance across other areas of the business where required.
Contribute ideas and initiatives that strengthen the brewery and venue brand.
About You
You are someone who enjoys hospitality but also understands that running a successful venue requires initiative, commercial awareness and leadership.
You will ideally have:
Previous hospitality management or supervisory experience.
A current Duty Manager Certificate.
Strong people and communication skills.
Excellent organisational abilities.
A hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example.
Commercial awareness and an interest in growing a business.
A genuine enthusiasm for craft beer and hospitality.
What We Offer
A chance to help re-establish and grow a unique Christchurch venue.
Significant autonomy and opportunity to make the role your own.
Exposure to both venue and brewery operations.
A supportive ownership team committed to building something special.
Competitive remuneration based on experience.
Opportunities for performance-based incentives as the business grows.