Bar Manager
The Grape Variety is an independent, award-winning neighbourhood wine bar and shop at the heart of Chipstead. We’re known for our carefully curated wine list, lively event nights, cosy atmosphere, and loyal community following. With our current Bar Manager moving on, we’re looking for an ambitious, hands-on leader to help drive the next stage of our growth. This is not a corporate role. It’s an opportunity to take real ownership of a thriving independent venue with creativity, personality and community at its core.
The Role
This is a senior, hands-on leadership position. You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day running of the bar while helping shape the guest experience, event calendar, wine offering and brand presence.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Leadership
- Lead, motivate and develop a small, close-knit team
- Deliver a warm, premium but relaxed guest experience
- Manage rotas, payroll hours and team performance
- Oversee stock control, cellar management and supplier relationships
- Maintain GP targets and manage costs effectively
- Ensure full licensing and health & safety compliance
- Take ownership of daily service standards and cash handling
Wine & Events
- Curate and maintain our fine wine list
- Work closely with suppliers and attend tastings
- Plan and host weekly events (tastings, comedy, themed evenings, collaborations)
- Coordinate private hire bookings from enquiry to delivery
- Identify opportunities to grow revenue through events and experiences
Social Media & Brand Responsibility
- Help plan and execute weekly social media content (Instagram & Facebook primarily)
- Capture in-venue content (photos, short videos, event highlights)
- Promote events, new wines and seasonal offers
- Engage with customers online and respond to messages
- Work with ownership on campaigns and promotions
- Ensure brand tone remains warm, knowledgeable, fun and community-focused
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a Bar Manager or senior hospitality leader
- Strong wine knowledge (WSET desirable but not essential)
- A natural host who enjoys building long-term customer relationships
- Commercially aware with strong stock and cost control skills
- Comfortable running both busy services and intimate events
- Confident using EPOS systems and basic reporting
- Organised, energetic and proactive
- Available to work evenings and weekends
The Package
- £27,500 basic salary
- Average £5.50 per hour additional tronc (currently equating to c. £38–40k OTE)
- Performance-related bonus potential
- Staff discount on wine and retail
- Creative input into wine list and event programme
- Supplier tastings and development opportunities
- A genuinely supportive working environment
- Real influence in a growing independent business
To apply, send your CV and a short cover note to: [email protected]