The Mercantile Social is looking for an experienced Bar Manager to join our team. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about hospitality, comfortable leading a busy service, and takes pride in creating an exceptional guest experience. This is a hands-on management position for someone who enjoys working alongside their team and taking ownership of the day-to-day operation and continued development of our bar program.

The ideal candidate is organized, personable, and calm under pressure, with strong beverage knowledge and the ability to balance excellent service with the operational and administrative responsibilities of managing a bar program and team. You’ll play an active role across the restaurant, from leading the bar team and supporting FOH service to managing inventory, working with vendors, and helping shape our beverage program.

More than anything, we’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about their team, their guests, and the overall success of the bar and restaurant.

Key Responsibilities:

Bar & FOH Operations

- Oversee the day-to-day operation of the bar while supporting the broader Front of House team and acting as Manager on Duty as required.
- Lead by example during service, maintaining high standards of hospitality, service, cleanliness, organization, and overall guest experience.
- Lead and support the bar team through coaching, feedback, and ongoing development while helping maintain consistent service standards and product knowledge across the FOH team.
- Support the team in handling guest requests and concerns, with the ability to assess situations and respond appropriately when challenges arise.
- Ensure smooth opening, closing, payment, and cash-flow procedures.
- Communicate operational, staffing, inventory, and financial matters effectively with the management team.
- Ensure bar and FOH operations comply with Nova Scotia liquor laws,



responsible alcohol service requirements, food safety standards, and workplace health and safety procedures.

Beverage Program & Sales

- Oversee and contribute to the continued development of The Mercantile Social’s cocktail, spirits, beer, and wine programs, including cocktail and wine list development.
- Maintain strong beverage knowledge and ensure the team is confident making thoughtful recommendations to guests.
- Monitor beverage sales and costs and work with the management team to support pricing, promotions, profitability, and the overall beverage strategy.

Inventory & Purchasing

- Manage bar inventory, including ordering, receiving, storage, stock rotation, and regular inventory counts.
- Monitor usage, waste, and costs to maintain appropriate inventory levels and support profitability.
- Maintain accurate inventory and purchasing records and build positive relationships with beverage and supply vendors.

Requirements:

- Previous bartending experience in a restaurant or bar, with supervisory or management experience preferred.
- Knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and beverage service, with solid mixology skills and an interest in developing creative new offerings.
- Knowledge of beverage costing and inventory processes
- A strong understanding of Nova Scotia liquor laws, responsible alcohol service, and food safety practices.
- A current Nova Scotia Responsible Service certification is required.
- Knowledge of Nova Scotia wines is considered an asset.
- Comfortable being on your feet and active throughout service and lifting/carrying cases of beverage inventory and supplies.

This is a management position with a combination of floor leadership, bar operations, and administrative responsibilities. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability will be required. We look forward to hearing from you!

Advantages

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Bar Manager (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 The Mercantile Social
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality