Bar Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Bar Lead // Birdseye Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

La Jolla, CA | Rooftop Dining Overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Birdseye is a rooftop restaurant and bar built around one thing: creating memorable experiences. Guests come for the view, stay for our offerings, and return because of how we made them feel.

We are entering an exciting new chapter with the launch of a refined food menu and an elevated cocktail program designed to match the setting. We are intentional, high-quality, and experience-driven. This is a pivotal moment for the restaurant, and we are building a team that can execute at a higher level while maintaining the warmth and approachability that defines us.

The Bar Lead Role

We are looking for a Bar Lead who can operate as both a high-level bartender and a leader behind the bar. This is a hybrid position, you will work bartending shifts while also overseeing bar operations, maintaining beverage standards, supporting menu development, and acting as a key point of communication between the bar team and management.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, takes pride in craftsmanship and hospitality, and is excited to help shape an evolving cocktail and beverage program.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Lead the Bar While in Service (3–4 shifts a week):

• Bartend while maintaining awareness of the full bar and service well.
• Support teammates and maintain smooth service flow during high volume.
• Lead by example in hospitality, urgency, organization, and professionalism.
• Maintain consistency in cocktails, service standards, and guest interaction.

Execute an Elevated Beverage Program:

• Support the rollout and execution of our refined cocktail program.
• Ensure cocktail specs, presentation, and consistency are upheld at all times.
• Develop strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, and food pairings.
• Assist in seasonal cocktail development and beverage program evolution.
• Collaborate with leadership on menu ideas, costing, and execution feasibility.

Manage Bar Operations:

• Place liquor, beer, wine, mixers, and non-alcoholic beverage orders.
• Ensure the bar is properly stocked without over-ordering or under-ordering.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of all bar storage areas.
• Monitor pars, product usage, and potential waste.
• Complete monthly bar inventory counts accurately and on time.

Maintain Standards & Communication:

• Communicate menu changes, 86’d items, and operational updates clearly to staff.
• Ensure consistency in service standards across the bar team.
• Communicate equipment issues, supply needs, and maintenance concerns to management.
• Maintain bar cleanliness, organization, and sanitation standards at all times.
• Support execution of events, large parties, and group dining experiences.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Hold bar staff accountable to operational and hospitality standards.
• Train and onboard new bartenders and bar support staff.
• Provide real-time coaching and feedback during service.
• Help build a strong, positive, and accountable team culture.
• Attend manager meetings and contribute operational feedback and ideas.

What We’re Looking For:

• 4+ years bartending experience in a high-volume or elevated hospitality environment.
• Previous leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, and bar operations.
• Ability to stay calm, organized, and solution-oriented under pressure.
• A natural sense of ownership and accountability.
• Interest in hospitality, menu development, and continuous growth.

What This Role Requires:

This is not a passive leadership role. You are expected to:

• Be present, aware, and engaged throughout your shift.
• Balance bartending responsibilities with leadership and operational oversight.
• Make decisions in real time and stand behind them.
• Support both your team and the business.
• Take ownership of the bar’s cleanliness, organization, execution, and culture.

Why Work With Us?

• Work in one of the most unique dining environments in La Jolla.
• Be part of a team launching a refined menu and elevated cocktail program.
• Opportunity to contribute creatively to a growing beverage program.
• Direct impact on guest experience, team culture, and daily operations.
• Growth opportunity within a developing hospitality concept.