OUR STORY AND YOUR ROLE:
Kindred is Melbourne’s one-of-a-kind creative hubs, a place where art, music, work, and community come together under one roof. Located in the heart of Yarraville, our purpose-built space is home to musicians, artists, performers, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals of all kinds.
Within our walls, you’ll find band rehearsal rooms, co-working spaces, private studios, a recording studio, film and photography facilities, dance and yoga spaces, plus our Bandroom, café, bar, and function spaces. Every corner hums with creativity, collaboration, and energy and that’s the vibe we want our Bar Manager to champion.
We’re looking for a Bar Manager who can be both the backbone and the spark of our social spaces. You’ll create memorable experiences for guests, oversee smooth bar operations, and shape the Kindred bar into a must-visit destination in Footscray/Yarraville. You’ll know what the local crowd loves to drink, understand the neighbourhood vibe, and bring your flair to menus, events, and cocktails.
This is a hands-on leadership role, you’ll manage a large bar team, oversee events, functions, and live gigs, and keep the drinks flowing while ensuring every guest feels welcome and inspired. You’ll also help support our band rehearsal spaces, understanding the needs of working musicians and helping maintain rehearsal rooms and backline so artists can focus on creating.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
Bar and Beverage Magic:
You’ll be the heartbeat of our social spaces, creating memorable drink experiences and leading the bar team:
- Designing cocktail menus and curating drinks that reflect the local Footscray/Yarraville vibe.
- Managing POS systems, TABs, cash, and EFT reconciliations with accuracy.
- Stocktaking, inventory management, and ordering supplies.
- Supervising, rostering, and training bar staff to deliver exceptional service.
- Ensuring OH&S, RSA, and licensing compliance.
- Strong relationships with alcohol representatives, pricing negotiations
- Craft beer, wine, spirit knowledge
- Manage Pop Up Bars
Functions, Events & Live Music
You’ll be a key part of making every event unforgettable:
- Coordinating bar service for functions, gigs, and special events, including setup, pack-down, and pop-up bars.
- Collaborating with the Venue manager team, general manager, and other departments to deliver seamless events.
- Assisting with artist bump-in and supporting live music requirements where needed.
- Contribute ideas for events concepts, pop up activations and themed nights that bring people together
Rehearsal Rooms & Music Support
- Supporting the day-to-day operation of Kindred’s band rehearsal rooms.
- Ensuring rehearsal spaces are well maintained, organised, and ready for use.
- Basic understanding of band backline and equipment (amps, drum kits, PA basics) to support musicians where needed.
- Working alongside the venue team to ensure rehearsal rooms integrate smoothly with gigs, events, and the wider Kindred community.
Venue Support & Community Connection
- Maintaining bar and function records, safety checks, and compliance documentation
- Helping foster a welcoming, professional, and creative front-of-house environment.
- Supporting Kindred’s broader events and community activations by connecting with guests and artists.
Core Objectives of the Role
- Deliver exceptional customer service across all channels: in-person, phone, and email.
- POS and booking system management.
- Function and event bar coordination.
- Stocktake, ordering, and inventory oversight.
- Staff training, rostering, and supervision.
- Compliance with OH&S, RSA, and licensing requirements.
- Contributing to the vibe, culture, and experience of Kindred.
This list is not exhaustive and may evolve as Kindred grows.
Who You Are
You thrive in a dynamic, creative environment. You’re a multitasker, organiser, and people-person who loves creating memorable experiences and building community.
You bring:
- A strong commitment to respectful communication, inclusivity across diverse audiences, adherence to safe work practices, and a focus on ensuring patron safety.
- Proven experience in bar management, hospitality, or live events.
- Strong cocktail bartending and customer service skills.
- Leadership experience: supervising, rostering, and training large teams
- Knowledge of POS systems (Square preferred) and booking platforms (Checkfront advantageous).
- Excellent communication, organisation, and time management skills.
- Current RSA (or ability to obtain at commencement).
- Availability to work evenings and weekends is essential.
- Strong hospitality industry relationships
Bonus points if you:
- Have experience in live music venues, function spaces, or creative hubs.
- Understand local Footscray/Yarraville trends and drinks culture.
- Experience working with band rehearsal spaces or live music backline equipment.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Lead the bar at Melbourne’s most creative, vibey venue.
- Be part of a small, passionate team during an exciting growth phase.
- Shape the drinks, events, and overall experience of Kindred.
- Work at the centre of a thriving creative hub with music, art, and community all around.
- Enjoy a workplace where creativity, community, and good times go hand-in-hand.
