Venue Manager

Sydney CBD | Full-Time | $90,000–$100,000 + Super

Hidden in the heart of Sydney's Circular Quay, Bar 1880 is a unique cocktail bar bringing together exceptional drinks, warm hospitality and timeless charm.

We're looking for an experienced, passionate and commercially minded Venue Manager to lead our team and take ownership of the venue's day-to-day operations and ongoing success.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who loves hospitality, thrives on the floor and understands what it takes to run a successful business.

You'll be responsible for the overall performance of Bar 1880, leading service, developing the team, managing operations and driving the continued growth of the venue.

We're looking for someone who brings confidence, initiative and a genuine sense of ownership. Someone who can make decisions, identify opportunities, solve problems and take responsibility for delivering results.

• Take ownership of the venue's day-to-day operations, performance and ongoing success, demonstrating confidence, initiative and accountability.

• Lead from the floor, setting exceptional standards of service, hospitality and guest experience.

• Recruit, train, develop and lead a high-performing team, fostering a positive and accountable workplace culture.

• Manage financial performance, including revenue, budgets, labour costs, stock control and profitability.

• Lead the operational planning, coordination and successful delivery of private functions and events.

• Work collaboratively with our Brand & Growth Manager to drive sales, customer engagement and business growth.

• Maintain high standards across venue presentation, beverage quality, compliance and operational systems.

• Proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability and the overall guest experience.

• Provide regular performance reporting and maintain clear communication with the Director.

We're looking for a confident, proactive hospitality leader who takes genuine ownership of their venue. Someone who leads by example, makes decisions, identifies opportunities and has the initiative to drive results without constant direction.

You'll bring:

• A minimum of 3 years' experience in a Venue Manager, Bar Manager or comparable hospitality management position.

• Experience in premium bars, cocktail venues or quality hospitality establishments.

• Extensive knowledge of cocktails, spirits and professional bartending techniques, with a passion for beverage quality, creativity and innovation.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and hold a team accountable.

• Sound commercial understanding of hospitality financials, labour management and cost control.

• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.

• The ability to remain calm, organised and decisive under pressure while leading a team in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

• A hands-on approach and genuine passion for delivering outstanding hospitality.

• The confidence and initiative to take ownership, make decisions and drive results.

• Current NSW RSA certification.

Experience with private events, functions and business development will be highly regarded.

• Competitive salary of $90,000–$100,000 + super, commensurate with experience.

• The opportunity to take ownership of an established and distinctive Sydney cocktail venue.

• A hands-on leadership position with genuine autonomy and responsibility.

• Direct access to ownership and the opportunity to influence the direction and growth of the business.

• A passionate team and an environment that values creativity, hospitality and continuous improvement.

If you're an experienced hospitality leader who takes pride in exceptional service, enjoys developing people and has the commercial mindset to run a successful venue, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please send your CV and a brief introduction outlining your experience and why you'd be a great fit for Bar 1880 to admin@bar1880.com.