Bar and Service Manager

Wagamama is a dynamic and renowned Pan-Asian restaurant chain known for blending tradition with modern flavors to provide exceptional dining experiences. The company is built on a philosophy that emphasizes continuous improvement and growth, both in terms of the food served and the working environment for its employees. At Wagamama, every dish is crafted with care and passion, reflecting a commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction. The brand stands out for its distinctive approach to hospitality, innovation, and community, fostering an inclusive and engaging workplace where each team member is valued and encouraged to grow professionally and personally.

This dedication to improvement is captured in Wagamama's embrace of the Kaizen principle—an ongoing effort to improve all aspects of the business every day. Employees at Wagamama are not just clocking in shifts; they are investing in skills development, building confidence, and cultivating meaningful careers connected to a support network of like-minded professionals. The company supports bold ideas and continuous learning to create a culture where effort is recognized, and contribution genuinely matters.

The Bar + Service Manager role at Wagamama plays a critical part in delivering the brand promise by overseeing guest-facing operations in a high-volume, vibrant restaurant setting. This role is pivotal in managing the bar program and ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless, memorable experience that aligns with Wagamama's standards. The manager collaborates closely with the front-of-house team and kitchen staff, acting as the connection point to guarantee smooth service flow, strong hospitality, and consistent beverage execution. Beyond guest interactions, this role also involves strategic leadership, team development, operational coordination, and financial oversight.

Managing a bustling service environment, the Bar + Service Manager monitors service flow and guest feedback, ensuring that each dining occasion exceeds expectations. They lead the bar team by upholding cleanliness, organization, and operational excellence while emphasizing responsible alcohol service and fostering a knowledge-rich environment around cocktails, beer, wine, sake, and juice selections. The role also demands leveraging expertise in beverage pairings to support upselling opportunities and maximize revenue.

In addition to front-line service responsibilities, the Bar + Service Manager is accountable for recruiting, training, and coaching front-of-house staff to build a cohesive, motivated, and skilled team. They establish performance goals, conduct pre-shift meetings for alignment, and promote a culture that values teamwork, accountability, and guest-first service. Operational duties include managing seating flow and reservations, coordinating staffing, mitigating service bottlenecks in partnership with kitchen leadership, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol regulations.

Financial stewardship is an essential part of the role. The manager controls labor budgets, monitors costs related to beverages, and tracks discounts and waste to maintain profitability. Administrative functions such as scheduling, payroll assistance, performance reporting, and inventory management also fall within their scope.

This position requires a proactive leader with strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to fostering a positive guest experience while driving team and financial performance. The Bar + Service Manager role represents an exciting opportunity to develop a meaningful career at Wagamama, where your efforts contribute not just to a job well done but to a rewarding and evolving journey from bowl to soul.