Bar Manager Freehand Chicago

We need an exceptional and passionate leader to join our F&B team. If you are an inspiring leader and communicator, a people person through and through and have a genuine desire to be part of something big then your journey should start here. Help us to create an unforgettable experience.

Who Are We

Freehand is on a journey. Appropriate, given that we're a shared accommodation brand. Freehand swung through the US coolest cities on its way to dominating the world. It burst onto the scene in the Americas with the launch of our properties in the country’s biggest markets (NYC, LA, Miami and Chicago) with the acquisition of Freehand Hotels. Created for a new generation of urban travelers, Freehand combines the social culture of a hotel with innovative design by Roman and Williams, comfort and quality food and beverage at an affordable price.

No biggie. Fast Company named us one of the top 50 most innovative global companies. We, of course, agree. And now this top 50 most innovative global company (did we mention that?) wants a pretty awesome Bar Manager.

Our spaces are safe and seriously social, in the proudest part of the beating heart of the cities we love. Cultural action, creative pulse and an outstanding way to waste some of the finite time the universe has given you - that's what Freehand offers. Holds true for staff and visitors equally, and while chic design is always the backdrop, every Freehand in every destination reflects the unique beat of that city's heart.

About Freehand Chicago

Welcome to Freehand’s second outpost! Designed by Manhattan-based Roman and Williams, the building celebrates the city’s Midwestern heritage with a string of evocative communal spaces and rooms located in the restored 1927 Art Deco building, set among the high-rises of the downtown River North neighbourhood – home to some of the city’s best art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Featuring 217 rooms and amazing public spaces like Café Integral coffee and breakfast bar and the cozy Broken Shaker Bar, it’s a buzzing, busy space that represents the best of Freehand. Between the busy social calendar and the ever-changing makeup of guests and locals coming to play, it’s a particularly fun and fulfilling space for everyone in the Freehand Chicago team to work in.

Nuts And Bolts Of The Job

Responsible for the overall running of the Beverage areas ensuring an efficient and effective operation
To ensure that adequate stock and equipment is available before and during service
Strive at all times for 100% customer satisfaction & resolve any service issues satisfactorily
Provide the best service by understanding all aspects of product knowledge for the creation and dispense of drinks and table maintenance
Builds an efficient team to ensure continued employee motivation is maintained through consultation, target setting and regular reviews
Develop and train all employees within your charge in order that they perform to the required standard
Train staff on upselling techniques to maximise daily revenues
Communicate effectively so that the team understands its goals and is motivated to achieve them
To uphold company policies regarding Drugs and Alcohol at work, staff drinks and wastage
To be fully aware of the company and personal responsibilities with regards to licensing legislation
Know all statutory legislation and ensure H&S, Fire Safety and Food Hygiene compliance

Naturally this is not intended as an exhaustive list of duties. Other duties as may be reasonably required will form part of this job description.

What’s In Your Dna

To be able to lead and inspire people to be their best
Be an excellent communicator
Be organised, hardworking and have an excellent appearance with a strong focus on guest requirements
Always keep cool under pressure
Show commerciality with a strong passion for driving revenue
Understand stock-control and keep costs to a minimum
Like getting your hands dirty, wherever, whenever, because you will
Available to work when needed

Your Rock Star Experience

A passion for trending local Food and Drink concepts
Proven experience in a similar role
Strong people management skills and experience with managing a team
Excellent cocktail and spirit knowledge

Our Employee Benefits

Birthday holiday in addition to your yearly holiday allocation
Fertility Treatment Support Leave - up to three days' paid leave in any one year for an employee to undergo fertility treatment
Employee Bounty Program providing opportunities to earn a compensation for new hire referrals with no cap on number of referrals made
Company contribution towards gym membership fees for all eligible employees – look good, feel good, work good
Ideas Award - Quarterly award to double gross basic salary for 1 month to employee with most valuable suggestion/feedback
2 free nights’ accommodation across any of our Generator x Freehand properties globally
Reduced room rates for staff as well as friends and family members (we operate in several locations across Europe & US so your next holiday is sorted)
International career opportunities so you can travel the world while working with us (win-win!)
Social events, celebrations calendar & various employee recognition schemes – we never ever need an excuse to let our hair down!
Online learning tools to help you develop, learn and grow

Local Employee Benefits

9 holidays
Paid vacations (80 hours per calendar year)
Paid sick leave (40 hours per calendar year)
Medical + Dental + Vision (subsidised contributions)
Life & Disability (employer paid)
Commuter benefits
Voluntary products: Voluntary Life, Legal Shield/ID Shield, Pet Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, critical illness, Accident Insurance and FSA

So You Think This Might Be You?

That's cool. Send us your application in English. If you’ve got questions, get in touch!

Also, check out https://freehandhotels.com/ or our social media pages. Here you may well find the answers to life, the universe and everything, including why there are no penguins at the North Pole. We look forward to hearing from you.

Employment will be based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Join Us and help us achieve our Vision!

Freehand Chicago

Welcome to Freehand’s second outpost! Designed by Manhattan-based Roman and Williams, the building celebrates the city’s Midwestern heritage with a string of evocative communal spaces and rooms located in the restored 1927 Art Deco building, set among the high-rises of the downtown River North neighbourhood – home to some of the city’s best art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Featuring 217 rooms and amazing public spaces like Café Integral coffee and breakfast bar and the cozy Broken Shaker Bar, it’s a buzzing, busy space that represents the best of Freehand. Between the busy social calendar and the ever-changing makeup of guests and locals coming to play, it’s a particularly fun and fulfilling space for everyone in the Freehand Chicago team to work in.