How to Be Bar Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 4, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When people go out for drinks, it is important to have a bar supervisor to manage the bar and ensure that staff are providing good customer service. A bar supervisor is responsible for supervising all bartenders, cocktail servers, and other staff members working in the bar area. Without a bar supervisor, customers may not get the best service and could be exposed to safety risks such as over-serving.

an unsupervised bar can lead to the mismanagement of alcohol inventory and the inappropriate serving of drinks, resulting in loss of revenue and potential legal issues. Having a bar supervisor ensures that the bar is running smoothly, efficiently and safely.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require a high school diploma or GED for bar supervisor positions.
Take Hospitality or Business Courses. Bar supervisors must have a good understanding of the hospitality industry and basic business principles. Taking courses in hospitality or business can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful bar supervisor.
Get Experience in Bartending or Customer Service. Experience in bartending or working in customer service can help you better understand the dynamics of the bar industry, as well as develop the customer service skills needed to be a successful bar supervisor.
Get Certified. Becoming a certified bar supervisor can help you stand out from other applicants and make you a more competitive candidate for bar supervisor positions. There are several certifying organizations that offer certification programs for bar supervisors.
Shadow an Experienced Bar Supervisor. Before applying for a bar supervisor position, it is a good idea to observe an experienced bar supervisor in action. This will help you gain an understanding of the day-to-day duties of a bar supervisor and prepare you for the job.
Apply for Bar Supervisor Positions. Once you have obtained your education, experience and certification, you can begin to apply for bar supervisor positions. Make sure your resume reflects your experience and certifications, and prepare to answer questions related to the duties of a bar supervisor at job interviews.

The success of a bar supervisor often depends on their ability to possess certain skill sets and qualifications. Having the proper training and experience is essential in order to effectively manage a bar, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle the daily operations. For instance, the bar supervisor must have an understanding of liquor laws, be able to correctly measure and mix cocktails, know how to stock and maintain the bar, and be able to effectively motivate and manage employees.

having a knowledge of different types of alcoholic beverages and food service techniques is also necessary. With these skills and qualifications, a bar supervisor can help create a positive atmosphere, increase customer loyalty, and increase profitability.

You may want to check Beverage Director, Craft Beer Specialist, and Cocktail Waitress for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers, take orders, and serve drinks.
Monitor customer behavior, making sure that guests are following all house rules.
Train and manage servers and other employees in the bar.
Maintain inventory and order supplies as needed.
Ensure bartenders are aware of the latest drink recipes and mixology trends.
Ensure that all areas of the bar are clean and presentable at all times.
Manage cash flow, credit card payments, and other financial transactions for the bar.
Track sales metrics and provide reports to management on a regular basis.
Develop and implement promotions to increase sales and customer engagement.
Develop innovative drink menus and promote them to customers.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Familiarity with local, state, and federal liquor laws
Ability to be organized and prioritize tasks
Excellent customer service skills
Ability to maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to handle cash, credit cards, and other forms of payment
Knowledge of POS systems and bar inventory management
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Effective communication is the most important skill for a Bar Supervisor to have. This includes the ability to give clear instructions and directions, as well as to listen and respond to customer needs and inquiries. Being able to handle difficult conversations in a professional manner is essential for maintaining good relationships with both customers and staff.

having an understanding of alcohol laws and regulations is important in order to ensure compliance and safety at the bar. A Bar Supervisor must also possess strong organizational skills in order to efficiently manage the bar's inventory and staff, as well as be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Finally, having basic accounting knowledge is beneficial so that they can accurately manage the bar's finances.

All these skills are key for a Bar Supervisor to be successful, and without them their ability to effectively lead and manage their bar will be diminished.

Alcohol Mixologist, Bar Tender Trainer, and Bartender/Cashier are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in bar supervision?
How do you ensure that the bar staff is meeting the standards of the establishment?
How do you handle customer complaints or concerns?
What strategies do you use to motivate the bar staff?
What steps do you take to ensure that the bar has a safe and clean environment?
How do you manage customer expectations in a busy bar?
What initiatives do you take to ensure excellent customer service?
Describe a situation where you had to take disciplinary action with a bar staff member.
How do you stay up to date with new trends in the bar industry?
What systems do you have in place to ensure that all drinks are served responsibly?

Common Tools in Industry

POS System. A point of sale system used to facilitate transactions and record sales data. (eg: Square POS)
Inventory Management System. Software used to track and manage product inventory. (eg: Fishbowl Inventory)
Scheduling Software. Software that is used to schedule shifts and manage employee availability. (eg: When I Work)
Barcode Scanner. A device used to scan barcodes and input data into a computer system. (eg: Honeywell Voyager)
Stock Control System. Software used to track the stock levels of products in a bar or restaurant. (eg: Stock2Shop)
Cash Register. A device used to record sales transactions and keep track of money received. (eg: NCR Silver)
Drink Mixing Software. Software that helps bartenders create and manage drink recipes. (eg: Bar Cop)
Table Reservation Software. Software used to manage table reservations in a restaurant or bar. (eg: OpenTable)
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. Software used to manage customer relationships. (eg: Salesforce)
Beverage Management System. Software that helps track and manage beverage inventory and sales. (eg: eBevex)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA)
United States Bartenders Guild
United States Bartenders Association
National Association of Professional Bartenders
International Sommelier Guild
International Food and Beverage Management Association
American Culinary Federation
National Bar Managers Association
National Association of Bar Executives

We also have Beverage Manager, Event Bartender, and Bartender Hostess jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Barback. A barback is a person who assists the bartender by stocking, cleaning and running food and drinks.
Mixologist. A mixologist is a professional who specializes in creating and mixing drinks.
POS System. A POS (Point of Sale) System is a computerized system used to process sales transactions and manage inventory.
Inventory. Inventory is the collection of items that a business keeps on hand to fulfill customer orders.
Cash Handling. Cash handling is the process of accepting and distributing money in a bar or restaurant.
Customer Service. Customer service is the assistance and support provided to customers before, during and after a purchase.
Scheduling. Scheduling is the process of organizing and coordinating staff work hours and shifts.
Sanitation. Sanitation is the practice of keeping a bar or restaurant clean and free from bacteria and other contaminants.
Food Safety. Food safety is the practice of preventing food-borne illness by following proper food handling, preparation, storage and serving procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary duties of a Bar Supervisor?

The primary duties of a Bar Supervisor include overseeing the operations of a bar, ensuring excellent customer service, monitoring the staff, ordering supplies, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the bar, and handling any customer complaints.

What qualifications are required to be a Bar Supervisor?

To be a Bar Supervisor, candidates should have at least 2-3 years of experience in the bar or hospitality industry. In addition, they should demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be familiar with legal requirements related to alcohol service.

What is the average salary for a Bar Supervisor?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Bar Supervisor is $37,788 per year.

What type of environment does a Bar Supervisor work in?

Bar Supervisors typically work in bar settings such as pubs, bars, cocktail lounges, restaurants, and nightclubs. The environment can be noisy and busy, with long hours and weekend shifts.

Are there any additional responsibilities of a Bar Supervisor?

Yes, Bar Supervisors may also be responsible for scheduling shifts, developing strategies to increase sales and profits, training staff, and handling payroll and other administrative tasks.