Bar Manager - Premium Dining

About Momofuku Abu DhabiMomofuku Abu Dhabi is part of the Momofuku group founded by chef and restaurateur David Chang, bringing its distinctive approach to food, beverage, hospitality, and guest experience to Abu Dhabi.As part of Chinese Palace Group (CPG), Momofuku Abu Dhabi represents an exciting new addition to CPG's growing portfolio of premium and internationally recognized F&B concepts.We are looking for a passionate and experienced Bar Manager to join the opening team and play a key role in establishing and operating the bar to a high international standard.Role PurposeThe Bar Manager will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the bar operation, ensuring an exceptional beverage program, outstanding guest experience, operational excellence, and strong commercial performance.This role will play an important part in the pre-opening and launch of Momofuku Abu Dhabi, working closely with the management team to establish bar standards, develop the beverage program, build the team, and ensure the operation is ready to deliver a world-class guest experience from day one.Key ResponsibilitiesPre-Opening & Bar SetupSupport the pre-opening planning and setup of the bar operation.Establish bar operating procedures, service standards, recipes, preparation methods, and opening checklists.Assist with bar equipment, glassware, smallwares, storage, and operational requirements.Support the development and implementation of bar systems and workflows.Participate in mock services, training sessions, tastings, and soft-opening activities.Ensure the bar is fully prepared to operate efficiently prior to official opening.Beverage ProgramSupport the development and execution of Momofuku Abu Dhabi's beverage program in line with the brand identity and overall restaurant concept.Develop and maintain cocktails, mocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and other beverage offerings.Create and maintain standardized recipes, specifications, costing, and presentation standards.Research emerging beverage trends and introduce innovative offerings where appropriate.Ensure consistency in beverage quality, preparation, presentation, and service.Work closely with the culinary and management teams to create beverage pairings and enhance the overall dining experience.Bar Operations & Guest ExperienceLead the daily bar operation and ensure smooth, efficient, and professional service.Maintain exceptional standards of beverage quality, presentation, cleanliness, and guest service.Be visible and engaged with guests, creating a welcoming and memorable bar experience.Monitor guest feedback and take appropriate action to resolve concerns.Ensure the bar experience reflects the personality, energy, and standards of the Momofuku concept.Team Leadership & DevelopmentRecruit, train, coach, and develop the bar team.Establish a strong service culture focused on hospitality, product knowledge, and attention to detail.Conduct regular briefings, training sessions, tastings, and team development activities.Prepare staff schedules and manage manpower effectively.Monitor individual and team performance and provide regular feedback.Build a knowledgeable, motivated, and professional bar team capable of delivering consistent international standards.Inventory & Cost ControlManage beverage inventory, purchasing, receiving, storage, and stock control.Conduct regular stock counts and monitor consumption and variances.Maintain appropriate par levels and minimize wastage and product loss.Monitor beverage costs and ensure effective portion and yield control.Work closely with Purchasing and Finance to ensure cost-effective procurement.Maintain accurate records of stock movement, wastage, and inventory discrepancies.Sales & Commercial PerformanceDrive beverage sales and profitability through product knowledge, upselling, menu engineering, and exceptional service.Monitor bar sales and identify opportunities to increase revenue and average guest spend.Develop initiatives and promotions that support the restaurant's commercial objectives.Work with the Marketing team on beverage-related activations, events, collaborations, and launches.Analyze beverage performance and recommend improvements where required.Compliance & StandardsEnsure compliance with UAE regulations, company policies, food safety requirements, and applicable beverage licensing requirements.Maintain high standards of hygiene, sanitation, health, and safety throughout the bar.Ensure responsible service practices are consistently followed.Maintain all required operational and compliance documentation.CollaborationWork closely with the General Manager, Restaurant Manager, Chef team, and other department heads to ensure seamless restaurant operations.Collaborate with Marketing on campaigns, activations, events, and beverage-related content.Work closely with Purchasing and Finance on procurement, costing, and inventory.Support special events, private functions, brand activations, and other business initiatives.Contribute ideas that strengthen the overall guest experience and Momofuku Abu Dhabi's market positioning.QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTSEducationDiploma or Bachelor's degree in F&B Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.ExperienceMinimum 5 years of bar/beverage operations experience, with at least 2–3 years in a Bar Manager or equivalent leadership position.Experience in premium, upscale, luxury, or high-end dining environments is strongly preferred.Previous pre-opening experience is highly desirable.Experience managing and developing a beverage program is preferred.UAE or GCC experience is an advantage.International restaurant or recognized premium F&B experience is highly desirable.Skills & CompetenciesStrong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and modern beverage trends.Strong understanding of beverage costing, inventory, purchasing, and stock control.Excellent leadership and people-development skills.Strong understanding of premium service standards and guest experience.Creative and commercially minded approach to beverage development.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.High attention to detail and commitment to quality.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-profile restaurant environment.Strong English communication skills.Proficiency in POS, inventory systems, and MS Office.