Bar Manager

Bar Manager

Ombra Sydney NSW $90,000 – $100,000 per year full-time, onsite

Ombra is a wine-focused, intimate bar featuring live music, sophisticated small plates, and operates until 2 am. Formerly known as The Swinging Cat, this basement establishment is situated in the heart of King Street, between York and Clarence Streets. With a history rooted in music, having previously housed Fish Records, sound is an integral part of its identity.

The venue is set to open in August and is seeking an experienced, personable, and well-presented Bar Manager to lead and evolve the bar program and team. The upcoming fit-out is straightforward, involving aesthetic enhancements and workflow improvements within the existing bar, kitchen, and bathroom footprint, with no structural changes or complex applications required.

This position is ideal for a start in July, supporting the General Manager in pre-opening activities, developing a cocktail program, and engaging with brand initiatives, partnerships, and recruitment. The bar team will consist of a bar supervisor and three casual staff members, in addition to the Bar Manager. The operation runs six days a week, Monday to Saturday, opening at 4 pm daily, with plans for a daytime economy to develop over time.

The successful candidate will be passionate, experienced, confident, and well-presented, comfortable working both autonomously and as part of a team.

About You

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Bar Manager in a small to medium-sized venue of a similar nature.
• Availability to work nights and weekends.
• Ability to maintain compliance, licensing, and safety standards.
• Possession of a NSW RSA. NSW approved manager or licensee training is preferred but not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrated experience in managing wage controls, COGs, recruitment, training, development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Serve as the second-in-command to the General Manager.
• Proven experience in designing, training, and executing elevated cocktail and bar programs.
• WSET 2 or above qualification is preferred but not essential.
• Intermediate to advanced wine experience is preferred but not essential.
• Proficiency with platforms including Google Suite, Lightspeed, SevenRooms, Deputy, and Restoke.
• Cultivate a positive, professional, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Possess strong soft skills.
• Deliver impeccable service, uphold the highest product standards, and focus on genuine guest experiences.
• Employ a hands-on management approach.
• A background in managing polished cocktail bars, restaurants, or wine bars is best suited for this role.

If you meet the above criteria and are ready for your next career opportunity, we encourage you to apply. Working holiday visa applicants are welcome.