News

Job Opening: Bar Manager

Position  Bar Manager
Organization  SAW

Employment type
Permanent, full-time

Salary
$20–$22 per hour, plus tips and benefits, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Language requirement
Fluency in both French and English is essential

Working hours
An average of approximately 35 hours per week, including approximately 12 hours of administrative work and 23 hours of bartending. Bartending hours vary according to the events calendar (primarily evenings and weekends), and additional hours may be available during busier periods.

Closing date for applications
Friday, July 24, 2026

Start date
Mid-August 2026

About SAW

Founded in Ottawa in 1973, SAW is a non-profit artist-run centre dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art. Today, with its strong focus on outreach and community development, SAW boasts an annual audience of over 30,000 people. The centre’s risk-taking exhibition program presents the work of many artists who are not often considered by other Canadian art institutions. An evolving space comprised of its exhibition galleries, the Nordic Lab, Club SAW, the SAW outdoor courtyard and the Rochon Residence, the centre is an ideal venue for the presentation of performance, media art and new artistic practices. Located in Canada’s National Capital region, SAW actively participates in political discourse around cultural diversity, the rights of artists and freedom of expression. SAW acknowledges and upholds the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Every year, over 1,000 artists and musicians perform at Club SAW at key moments of their careers. A flexible space accommodating an audience of 285, Club SAW is a defining feature of SAW and contributes significantly to the character of the centre as a whole. Equipped with a bar and a state-of-the-art sound system, it is used for screenings, concerts, artist talks, festival hubs, panel discussions, conferences, book launches, theatre plays, receptions and workshops. Renovated in 2019, Club SAW doubled in size and now features a bar with a focus on local products, a deployable pop-up gallery, a green room for performers, an accessible stage, all-gender washrooms and an outdoor courtyard completely renovated for the presentation of summer festivals and events.

Job profile

Reporting to the Director, the Bar Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Club SAW's bar and serves as head bartender during events. They oversee resources, resolve issues as they arise, and foster a welcoming environment for audiences, renters and artists. The Bar Manager works closely with the Events Coordinator, Technical Director and Operations Manager to ensure the smooth planning and delivery of events.

Key responsibilities

Operations and service

  • Oversee day-to-day bar operations;
  • Serve as the head bartender during events;
  • Ensure a consistently high level of customer service by providing attentive, courteous and efficient service;
  • Collect cash and card payments, operate cash registers and ensure compliance with established cash-handling procedures;
  • Ensure that bar and audience areas are maintained in a clean, safe and welcoming condition throughout events, including the timely clearing of drinkware;
  • Oversee the proper use, care and maintenance of bar equipment to ensure it remains clean, safe and in good working order.

Financial management

  • Oversee cash handling, prepare accurate floats and ensure precise cash-out procedures at the end of each shift;
  • Perform bank deposits and manage cash floats;
  • Provide the Bookkeeper with accurate bar-related information to support bookkeeping and payroll;
  • Conduct menu costing;
  • Prepare bar financial reports in collaboration with the Operations Manager.

Inventory and suppliers

  • Maintain and control inventory of liquor and supplies;
  • Manage supplier relations, and place and receive orders for liquor and supplies;
  • Pick up liquor and supplies as needed;
  • Manage the point-of-sale system.

Staff and team

  • Train, supervise and schedule bartending and coat-check staff to ensure consistent service, adherence to policies and a strong sense of teamwork;
  • Manage staff scheduling systems and maintain accurate staff schedules;
  • Maintain regular communication with management and the Club SAW team to monitor situations that may impact service, communicating updates promptly and clearly;
  • Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

Community relations

  •  Demonstrate professionalism, tact and a positive attitude in interactions with renters, partners and the public;
  • Represent SAW as an ambassador and main point of contact during rentals and events, and assist patrons by providing information on SAW’s programs and activities as required;
  • Liaise with Arts Court management and facilities staff to coordinate bar-related requirements.

Planning and compliance

  • Develop and update the bar menu in collaboration with management and the Club SAW team, and coordinate beverage requests for events as needed;
  • Develop and implement strategies to strengthen and grow Club SAW’s bar in collaboration with management and the Club SAW team;
  • Ensure all events comply with the centre’s guidelines, City of Ottawa health, safety and fire regulations, and AGCO policies;
  • Maintain Club SAW’s policies and procedures manuals;
  • Provide weekly reports to the Director.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of two years of bar management or equivalent supervisory experience;
  • Fluency in French and English is mandatory; this public-facing role requires ease of communication in both languages; 
  • Smart Serve certification;
  • Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills;
  • Solid accounting and mathematical skills to support cash and tip management, menu costing, inventory management and budget reporting;
  • Proficiency with point-of-sale and staff scheduling systems, as well as standard office software applications, including spreadsheets;
  • Knowledge of legislation governing the service of liquor and the ability to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations;
  • Proven supervisory and organizational skills;
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills;
  • A consistently positive, professional and collaborative approach;
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment;
  • Capacity to remain calm, professional and solution-oriented under pressure;
  • Ability to delegate tasks effectively, motivate staff and foster a collaborative team environment;
  • Ability to build positive working relationships and work collaboratively with management and staff in support of Club SAW's day-to-day operations and events;
  • Demonstrated enthusiasm for engaging with the public and fostering a welcoming environment;
  • Demonstrated initiative and strong problem-solving skills;
  • Ability to work in a standing position for long periods;
  • Ability to lift and carry large quantities of product;
  • Availability to work evenings and weekend shifts;
  • Flexibility to work within an irregular schedule;
  • Solid knowledge of spirits, wine, beer and mixed cocktails is an asset;
  • A strong interest in contemporary art and an understanding of artist-run centres;
  • Demonstrated reliability and dependability, including a record of satisfactory attendance and punctuality.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter and a copy of your résumé to info@saw-centre.com by Friday, July 24, 2026, with “Bar Manager” in the subject line.

SAW is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from equity-seeking communities, including Indigenous peoples, Black people, people of colour, persons with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQ2S+.

All applicants will receive a confirmation e-mail indicating receipt of the application.