Location: Den 1880, 14 Erb St. West, Uptown Waterloo, ON
Reports To: Director of Hospitality
Position Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Evenings, Wednesday-Sunday, with some flexibility required for events as required
About Den 1880
At Den 1880, we've reimagined what a workspace can be. Located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, we're a premium coworking and event venue where people come to work, connect, and celebrate. From weekday coworking and networking events to weddings, private celebrations, and corporate functions, no two days are ever the same.
As we continue to grow our events business and expand our hospitality offerings, we're looking for someone who wants to help shape the future of Den 1880's café and bar program and overall hospitality experience.
Position Overview
The Bar & Hospitality Program Manager plays a key role in bringing Den 1880's hospitality experience to life. This position combines event leadership, bar operations, staff development, and program development, with the opportunity to build and continuously improve the systems that support an exceptional guest experience.
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a growing hospitality program and help shape how Den 1880's events and evening experiences continue to evolve.
You'll lead the execution of our events, coach and support the event team, oversee our bar program, and help develop Den 1880's food and beverage offerings, from an evening menu of shareable bites to our tuck shop and daily pastry selection.
This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys both the fast-paced energy of event nights and the creativity of building something that continues to evolve.
Key Responsibilities
Event Leadership & Hospitality
- Lead the hospitality and bar operations during events, ensuring everything runs smoothly from setup through teardown.
- Coordinate event staff by leading pre-event meetings, assigning responsibilities, providing coaching throughout events, and supporting the team wherever needed.
- Serve as an onsite contact for hospitality-related questions from guests, vendors, and event staff, resolving issues professionally and confidently.
- Execute events according to floor plans, timelines, and Den 1880's hospitality standards.
- Support the Director of Hospitality by taking ownership of hospitality operations during event execution.
Bar & Hospitality Program
- Develop and maintain Den 1880's bar menu, ensuring it reflects the needs of corporate events, private functions, and evening programming.
- Create and continuously improve service standards, training materials, and operating procedures that help deliver a consistent guest experience.
- Train, mentor,
and support event staff while fostering a positive, team-oriented culture.
- Look for opportunities to improve workflows, service, and the overall guest experience.
Menu Development & Hospitality Retail
- Develop and maintain Den 1880's food and beverage menus, including evening bites, charcuterie boards, seasonal features, and other hospitality offerings.
- Oversee Den 1880's hospitality retail offerings, including the tuck shop, pastries, grab-and-go items, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Manage sourcing, pricing, inventory, merchandising, and presentation to ensure offerings remain well stocked, profitable, and aligned with the Den 1880 brand.
- Continuously evaluate and refine menu and retail offerings based on sales, member feedback, event needs, and seasonal opportunities.
Evening Programming & Member Experience
- Help bring evening programming to life, including networking events, sporting events, live music, social gatherings, and member experiences.
- Support event setup, guest experience, and hospitality throughout these programs while working closely with the Director of Hospitality and leadership team.
- Share ideas and feedback that help shape future programming and continue building a vibrant evening community.
Client & Member Support
- Answer general questions from prospective event clients regarding venue setup, event logistics, and hospitality services.
- Provide venue tours when the Director of Hospitality is unavailable.
- Gather information from inquiries and ensure qualified leads are passed along for follow-up.
- Welcome members and guests during evening hours, answering phones, responding to questions, assisting with meeting room inquiries, and providing a knowledgeable, welcoming point of contact throughout the building.
Inventory, Compliance & Administration
- Maintain inventory of alcohol, beverages, glassware, hospitality retail products, and event supplies, coordinating ordering and pickups as needed.
- Manage cash floats, point-of-sale accuracy, and end-of-event reconciliation.
- Ensure compliance with AGCO regulations, Smart Serve requirements, and Den 1880 policies while maintaining responsible alcohol service at all times.
- Complete post-event reporting, inventory counts, and venue resets to prepare for upcoming events.
Qualifications
- Valid Smart Serve Certification (required).
- Minimum 3 years of experience in hospitality, bartending, food and beverage, or event management.
- Leadership or supervisory experience is considered an asset.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to confidently lead a team and create exceptional guest experiences.
- Excellent organizational skills with experience managing multiple priorities.
- Experience with POS systems, cash handling, inventory management, merchandising, or ordering is considered an asset.
- Ability to lift and move event equipment, furniture, and beverage inventory.
- Reliable transportation to and from work and run errands.
Character
- Honest and trustworthy
- Sharp / quick learner
- Hardworking and dependable
- Warm and welcoming with guests
- Reliable — shows up and follows through
- Strong problem-solver
- Confident enough to speak up and stand your ground
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys creating memorable experiences and wants to play a meaningful role in shaping Den 1880's hospitality program.
You're someone who notices opportunities for improvement, takes initiative without being asked, and enjoys leading by example. You thrive in quick-paced environments, stay calm under pressure, and take pride in delivering exceptional service while helping others do the same.
Most importantly, you're excited by the opportunity to build something, not simply maintain what's already there. Whether it's refining a cocktail menu, curating retail offerings, mentoring staff, or helping create new member experiences, you're motivated by seeing your ideas come to life.
Why Join Den 1880?
- Complimentary coworking and gym membership.
- The opportunity to build and shape Den 1880's bar and hospitality program from the ground up.
- Creative ownership over our evolving menus and hospitality retail offerings.
- Professional growth as our events, hospitality, and membership experiences continue to expand.
- Work in one of Waterloo Region's most unique hospitality and event venues alongside a collaborative, supportive team.
- A dynamic environment where no two days, or evenings, are ever the same.
If you're someone who loves hospitality, enjoys leading a team, and wants the opportunity to help build something meaningful, we'd love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to
[email protected]. Please include "Bar & Hospitality Program Manager" in the subject line.
Pay: $45,000.00-$55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
📌 Bar & Hospitality Program Manager (Canada)
🏢 Den 1880
📍 Canada