Head Bartender

Head Bartender

The Head Bartender is responsible for leading all aspects of bar operations, delivering a bar experience that reflects the quality, hospitality, and standards of a premier members club.

This is a hands-on position for an experienced hospitality professional who combines strong beverage knowledge with excellent operational instincts, genuine warmth, and the ability to lead a high-performing team. The Head Bartenders works closely with management and the culinary team to ensure the cocktail list compliments the food, evolves with the seasons, and contributes meaningfully to the overall guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

Beverage Program

• Lead the day-to-day operation and continued development of the bar program.
• Develop and maintain a thoughtful, seasonally relevant cocktail program aligned with the club’s philosophy.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Collaborate with culinary and management on beverage pairings, seasonal offerings, special events, and menu changes.
• Ensure cocktails and beverages are prepared and presented consistently according to established recipes and standards.
• Stay current on beverage trends, producers, ingredients, and techniques while ensuring the program remains approachable and appropriate for the restaurant.

Operations & Financial Management

• Assist management with beverage purchasing, receiving, inventory, storage, and organization.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while helping to control beverage costs, waste, breakage, and variance.
• Assist with inventory counting.
• Ensure appropriate recipe costing and portion controls are maintained.
• Maintain bar equipment and systems and identify operational needs proactively.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable liquor laws, health regulations, safety standards, and company policies.

Team Leadership & Development

• Train, coach, and develop bartenders and bar support team members.
• Create a culture of hospitality, professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning behind the bar.
• Execute beverage education and tastings for the bar and broader team.
• Establish clear expectations for preparation, service, cleanliness, organization, and guest engagement.
• Provide regular coaching and performance feedback in conjunction with management.
• Partner with management on scheduling and staffing to ensure appropriate coverage while managing labor responsibly.

Guest Experience & Restaurant Leadership

• Maintain a visible, hands-on presence during service and actively engage with members.
• Ensure the bar provides warm, knowledgeable, and attentive hospitality consistent with the restaurant’s overall service standards.
• Build relationships with regular members while creating an equally welcoming experience for first-time members.
• Work collaboratively with the culinary team, dining room leadership, and other managers to ensure seamless communication and execution throughout the F&B spaces.

Qualifications

• 2+ years as a Head Bartender or Bar Manager within an upscale, fine-dining, or chef-driven restaurant environment.
• Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, and beverage service.
• Strong understanding of beverage costs, inventory, purchasing.
• Proven ability to lead, train, motivate, and develop a diverse bar team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Genuine passion for hospitality, food, beverage, and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Knowledge of applicable alcohol service, sanitation, and workplace safety requirements.

Compensation

• $18 - $20 per hour + tips