Cocktail Bar Operations Manager

Nothing Really Matters is a cocktail bar and private event space in Midtown Manhattan. The vibe is high energy and unpretentious, the cocktail program is genuinely excellent, and the private events are the kind people talk about afterward. We take what we do seriously without taking ourselves too seriously, and that balance is baked into everything, from how we build drinks to how we treat the people who walk through the door.

We're looking for a Cocktail Bar Operations Manager to take real ownership of how this bar runs. This person will have a hand in pretty much everything except the actual cocktail program (we'll leave that to the bartenders), from the systems and schedules that keep us organized behind the scenes to the energy and standard of every shift on the floor. It's a wide-ranging role that rewards someone who genuinely loves both sides of the job, and the right person will feel at home moving between a vendor call in the afternoon and a packed house at night.

Operations and Administration:

• Own the day-to-day operational rhythms of the bar, including vendor relationships, supply ordering, and opening and closing procedures
• Manage staff scheduling, labor tracking, and timekeeping with an eye toward efficiency and team morale
• Support inventory management, cost tracking, and waste reduction
• Coordinate maintenance, cleaning schedules, and facility upkeep so the space consistently reflects the quality of the experience we deliver
• Lead onboarding and training for new team members
• Keep ownership informed and looped in on operational updates, staffing needs, and service observations
• Collaborate with ownership on building and maintaining SOPs for service, daily workflows, and opening and closing procedures

Service and Floor Leadership:

• Be the primary point of leadership on the floor during service, keeping staff performance, pacing, and guest experience at the level our guests expect
• Welcome guests, manage the room, and make sure every visit feels intentional and taken care of
• Build and maintain a culture of accountability and warmth within the team
• Handle reservations, walk-ins, and large-format bookings with ease and good judgment
• Be the person who resolves guest concerns gracefully and in the moment
• Run pre-shift meetings and set the tone for every shift before the doors open

What we're looking for:

• Experience as a Service Manager, Operations Director, AGM, or in a comparable hospitality leadership role
• Someone with the range to own this role fully, big-picture thinker who can also execute on the details
• Experienced enough to get up to speed quickly and start making an impact early on
• Highly organized and self-directed, with strong instincts for both people management and operational problem-solving
• A calm, clear communicator who keeps things moving whether they're in a staff meeting or in the weeds on a Friday night
• Working knowledge of Square and Resy, scheduling tools, and basic inventory management
• A genuine appreciation for cocktail culture, good hospitality, and the craft of running a great bar
• NYC Food Protection Certificate required (or willingness to obtain promptly)
• TIPS Certification or equivalent alcohol service training required
• Nightlife or bar experience required

Compensation and details:

• $75,000–$85,000/year based on experience
• 5 days per week, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Located in Midtown Manhattan

To apply, please submit a resume, no less than 2 professional references, and a brief note on your hospitality philosophy. 

SUBMISSIONS WITH NO REFERENCES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED