Assistant Manager

Ashton Cigar Bar – Job Title: Assistant Manager

Reports To: General Manager / Ownership

Position Type: Full-Time (Exempt)

Schedule: High-volume nights, weekends, and holidays required.

Ashton Cigar Bar is Philadelphia’s premier whiskey & cigar bar. Our extensive selection of whiskey, spirits, premium cigars, and craft cocktails is curated for connoisseurs and patrons who expect the ultimate in ambiance and appreciate the unrivaled level of service we provide. We are seeking an Assistant Manager to work alongside our General Manager and guide our seasoned team of service and support staff. If you are an experienced industry professional who loves hospitality, the nightlife, and delivering a superlative customer experience, we would love to talk to you.

Job Summary

The Assistant Manager anchors daily operations, luxury service standards, and team execution. This role requires a sharp, polished hospitality professional who balances high-touch guest relations (including VIP and Bottle Service management) with meticulous back-of-house logistics—such as complex liquor and cigar inventory control, labor optimization, and compliance. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Strong passion for “The Industry”—restaurants, bars, food, wine, cocktails, nightlife, ambiance, and the customer experience
• Genuine enthusiasm for working night hours
• Embraces hard work – 5 days, 50 hours, weekends required
• Works closely with the General Manager to ensure the highest levels of customer service and organization are achieved and exceeded in all facets of operations

• Actively monitor lighting, sound levels, temperature, and overall venue energy to match the peak hours of a luxury nightlife environment
• Oversee the execution of table reservations and high-ticket bottle service packages, ensuring flawless presentation, speed of service, and client satisfaction
• Maintain a high-profile, polished presence on the floor during peak hours, handling guest escalations gracefully and building relationships with regulars and VIPs

• Manages rotating shifts of 1-2 bartenders, 3-4 servers, and 2-4 barbacks, depending on the night of the week, in an environment that accommodates up to 130 patrons

• Builds strong relationships with patrons and staff
• Directs and mentors a diverse team of bartenders, barbacks, VIP hosts, servers, and support staff on high-end service mechanics and upscale mixology standards
• Recruits, hires, trains, and onboards new team members
• Cultivate a culture of accountability regarding dress code, grooming standards, cell phone policies, and professional conduct in a high-energy environment
• Schedules staff to maximize efficiency, productivity, and profitability
• Evaluates staff performance and provides feedback and direction
• Document staff performance for senior management
• Delegates tasks effectively
• Inspires team members to work to their potential and support one another
• Fosters a unified focus on customer service
• Continually monitors the flow of patrons, staff, and inventory
• Proactively identifies, addresses, and remedies deficiencies
• Product procurement and inventory reporting and tracking
• Track variance, control pour costs, minimize waste, and maintain tight security over high-value spirits allocations
• Coordinate with liquor distributors, premium brand ambassadors, and linen/maintenance vendors to ensure seamless stock levels and operational support
• Menu and event ideation
• Creates and implements new revenue-generating initiatives and promotions
• Maximizes sales and opportunities for growth on an ongoing basis
• Ensures compliance with company policies among staff
• Ensures compliance with health, safety, and security protocols
• Maintains an immaculate work environment in both front and back of house

Qualifications:

• Possesses a professional, engaging, and upbeat demeanor with proven leadership abilities
• Extensive background in the restaurant and bar industry—high-end establishments a plus
• Proven track record of delivering impeccable customer service
• Comprehensive knowledge of spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine
• Strong and effective communicator with keen observation skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to new circumstances, and set a positive example as a team leader
• Assertive and organized
• Proven competence in analyzing P&L statements, tracking beverage cost percentages, and managing labor budgets
• Unwavering availability to work late nights, weekends, and major holidays
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel
• Proficient in Aloha or comparable POS software
• Proficient in using a smartphone for email and text communication
• Ability to stand and move in a high-decibel, fast-paced environment for shifts of up to 10–12 hours and lift inventory boxes weighing up to 50 lbs.

Strongly Preferred:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in the restaurant and bar industry
• Minimum 2 years of experience bartending in a fast-paced, upscale environment
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Business Administration, or similar
• Thorough knowledge of premium cigars and interest in cigar culture