Bar Manager, Top of the Mark - InterContinental Mark Hopkins

At IHG we're interested in YOU. We employ people who apply the same amount of care and passion to their jobs as they do their hobbies - people who put our guests at the heart of everything they do. And we're looking for more people like this to join our friendly and professional team.

As the world’s largest family of luxury hotels, we all take great pride in being genuine ambassadors of the InterContinental® brand. Shaped by decades of international know-how and local insights, our passion for luxury travel spans cultures and customs. Inspiring us to create warm and sophisticated experiences for those seeking a richer perspective on the world.

Each of our hotels cultivates a distinctive style and ambience where we embrace every opportunity to give our guests a personal and enriching experience. If you’d like to embrace a wider world of experiences and opportunities, we’d like to welcome you to the world’s most international luxury hotel brand.

As splendid now as when it opened to great fanfare in 1926, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is one of the city’s finest hotels. Situated at the crest of illustrious Nob Hill, and at the crossing of three cable car lines, this venerable landmark is minutes from Union Square, Chinatown, and the Financial and Theater Districts. Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge are just short drives away.

This iconic hotel offers 383 classically elegant rooms including 33 suites; two beautiful ballrooms and 17 meeting rooms comprise over 19,000 square feet of versatile function space; the unique Nob Hill Club Restaurant; and the legendary Top of the Mark sky-lounge, famed for its panoramic city views and cocktails.

About the Role 

The Top of the Mark Lounge Bar Manager leads daily bar operations, creating an exceptional beverage experience through personalized service, thoughtful programming, and consistent execution. This position oversees the bar team, beverage quality, financial performance, inventory, and service standards.

Combining a passion for hospitality with strong operational leadership, Bar Manager develops colleagues, builds guest relationships, and ensures the bar reflects the quality, atmosphere, and attention to detail expected in a luxury hotel.

A Little about your day to day 

Guest Experience and Service Excellence

Lead a welcoming, polished bar experience that reflects the hotel’s service standards and concept.
Maintain an active presence during service, engaging guests and supporting colleagues.
Anticipate guest preferences, recognize returning guests, and coordinate personalized experiences.
Address guest concerns promptly and professionally, following through to ensure resolution.
Oversee beverage presentation, service timing, cleanliness, lighting, music, and overall ambiance.
Coordinate with restaurant, culinary, and other hotel teams to deliver seamless service.

Operational Leadership

Oversee opening, service, and closing procedures to ensure consistent operational readiness.
Assign duties and conduct pre-shift briefings covering reservations, special events, menu updates, service priorities, and guest preferences.
Prepare schedules aligned with business demand, staffing needs, and established labor budgets.
Maintain appropriate staffing and adjust assignments during changing business conditions.
Ensure bar equipment, furnishings, glassware, and service tools are clean, maintained, and ready for use.
Coordinate repairs and communicate operational concerns to the appropriate departments.
Maintain accurate shift records and communicate outstanding matters during leadership handovers.

Beverage Program and Product Quality

Collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership and the bar team to develop cocktail menus, seasonal offerings, and beverage promotions.
Maintain strong knowledge of spirits, wines, beers, cocktail preparation, and food pairings.
Establish and reinforce standard recipes, portion controls, garnishes, and presentation requirements.
Conduct tastings and training to strengthen product knowledge and recommendation skills.
Monitor product quality, freshness, storage, and consistency.
Provide clear processes for communicating ingredient and allergen information to guests.

Financial Performance and Inventory

Monitor beverage revenue, cost of sales, labor expenses, and other operating costs against established goals.
Oversee ordering, receiving, storage, stock rotation, and inventory controls.
Establish appropriate stock levels and investigate inventory discrepancies.
Track waste, breakage, transfers, voids, and complimentary items to identify opportunities for improvement.
Ensure accurate pricing, point-of-sale entries, cash handling, and payment processing.
Review sales trends and guest feedback to recommend menu and operational improvements.
Partner with Purchasing and Finance on supplier coordination and inventory reconciliation.

Team Leadership and Development

Recruit, onboard, train, and coach bartenders, barbacks, servers, and other assigned colleagues.
Set clear expectations for service, teamwork, attendance, appearance, and performance.
Provide timely feedback, recognize achievements, and address performance concerns in partnership with Human Resources.
Foster a respectful, inclusive work environment that encourages communication and accountability.
Support colleague development through cross-training, product education, and ongoing service coaching.
Ensure accurate timekeeping and support required meal and rest breaks.
Follow applicable collective bargaining agreements where relevant.

Responsible Service and Safety

Ensure the team follows applicable alcohol service requirements, age-verification procedures, and hotel policies.
Train and support colleagues in recognizing signs of intoxication, declining service appropriately, and escalating concerns.
Maintain required certifications and ensure assigned colleagues complete required training.
Enforce food safety, sanitation, chemical handling, and workplace safety procedures.
Protect alcoholic beverage inventory, cash, guest information, and hotel assets.
Document and report incidents, injuries, hazards, and security concerns promptly.

What we need from you 

Previous bar leadership or supervisory experience required; luxury hotel or upscale restaurant experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of beverage operations, mixology, spirits, wine, beer, and responsible alcohol service.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and deliver consistent guest service.
Working knowledge of inventory management, beverage costing, purchasing, and labor planning.
Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and guest recovery skills.
Ability to remain composed and make sound decisions during high-volume service.
Proficiency with point-of-sale systems, inventory tools, and standard computer applications.
Required alcohol service and food safety certifications, or ability to obtain them within the required timeframe.
Hospitality education or related professional training preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and movement throughout bar, dining, storage, and service areas.
Regular handling of bottles, glassware, beverage supplies, and bar equipment.
Ability to safely move supplies using appropriate equipment and team assistance.
Exposure to noise, crowded service areas, wet surfaces, cleaning products, and varying temperatures.

Schedule Requirements

Must be available to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.

Service Expectations

Lead by example through warm hospitality, thoughtful beverage recommendations, and consistent attention to detail. Build a team that takes pride in its craft and creates memorable experiences for every guest.