Lead Bartender

Lead BartenderServe guests in hospitable manner to ensure positive guest experience. Develop and implement a unique, creative beverage program while planning and promoting the outlets at The Houston Grand Hotel-River Oaks as appropriate in order to achieve customer satisfaction, quality of service and increase beverage sales.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Lead the bar team and develop, refine, and grow the beverage programImplement the bar training program for new menu rollouts and new staff hiresMaintain integrity of beverage menu through constant quality controlStay active and knowledgeable about industry/beverage trends and seasonal ingredientsSupport and motivate the bar team to learn more and refine skillsSupport leadership with inventory management of liquor, beer, wine, produce and bar groceryCreate and maintain PARS for beer, liquor and wine while remaining under budgetCreate and execute prep schedules for syrups and juicesSupport management in achieving COGS & Labor goals by waste mitigation and creating efficiency (e.g. batching cocktails)Properly cost out beer, spirits, and cocktailsPerform all responsibilities while working in conjunction with the HEI Corporate F&B teamKindly greeting guests in a friendly and courteous manner and explaining all food & beverage items on the menuPreparing drinks to precise craft bartending and brand standardsHaving a thorough understanding of service and timing standards and serve guests accordinglyBuilding relationships with guests to develop regular clienteleMaintaining a knowledge of food pairings and recommended wines or beverages to pair with appetizers, entrees and dessertsMaintaining a knowledge of food and drink menu items, promotions, ingredients and prep timePerform responsible alcohol serviceWorking in a team environment, including assisting Team Members as neededEntering all orders into the POSWashing and sterilizing glasswarePreparing garnishes for drinksEnsuring guest needs are met during a full-service dining experience, including providing additional condiments, utensils and/or food items, and checking back with guests during their mealPresenting accurate check in a timely mannerCollecting payment and providing change in a timely mannerBalancing end-of-day paperwork, including cash, credit card and money owed with minimal errors, overages, or shortagesCompleting opening and closing side workAdhering to sanitation and safety standardsSupporting other areas of the restaurant as necessaryAssisting as needed with training of new employeesContinuously participating in all training and/or activities to further knowledge, understanding and mastery of products and servicesMaintaining knowledge and awareness of neighboring businesses and eventsReporting incidents of any nature to management (safety & security hazards, accidents, operational inconsistencies, etc.)Understanding and adhering to company policy with regards to brand standards as well as Federal, State & Local lawsFlexible schedule. Mornings, nights, weekends and holidays all requiredPerform any other job-related duties as assigned.The ideal Lead Bartender candidate will have at least three (3) years of bartending experience in a similar venue, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for creating memorable hospitality experiences. The minimum qualifications for this position are:Minimum of 21 years of age to serve alcoholic beverages(3) years of experience in high volume craft bars/restaurants strongly preferredKeen understanding and passion for craft cocktails & spiritsKnowledge and passion for wine & beerCicerone Beer Server, WSET 1 and/or Sommelier certification preferredAbility to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracyPossess knowledge of food preparation techniques, service standards, guest relations and etiquetteBasic mathematical skills necessary to operate a cash register, make change, total guest checks, count total bank, prepare cash drops, total all other charges, and understand portion sizes.Ability to remember, recite and promote the variety of menu items with or without reasonable accommodation.Must be willing and able to work a varied schedule including evenings, nights, and weekends and holidays.Ability to lift up to 30 poundsAbility to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, public etc.Must have a valid alcohol awareness certification or be capable of obtaining certificationMust have a valid Certified Food Handlers Card or be capable of obtaining oneSufficient manual dexterity in hands in order to use a knife to make garnish, pick up glassware and bottles, scoop ice, mix drinks, and reach overhead to retrieve stock with or without reasonable accommodation.Ability to operate a keyboard and point of sale procedures to pre-check an order and close out a check with or without reasonable accommodation.Ability to stand and work in confined spaces for long periods of time with or without reasonable accommodation.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, customers, and patrons.Benefits:HEI Hotels and Resorts is committed to providing a comprehensive benefit program that offers you choices for your physical, mental and financial wellness, creating value in your most important investment - you! For your physical and mental wellness we offer competitive Medical and Dental programs through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as well as Vision insurance programs through EyeMed. Our Vacation, Sick and Holiday programs are available for you to rejuvenate with time off. HEI also provides pet insurance through the ASPCA. For your financial wellness, HEI provides a wide array of coverage, including Supplemental, Spousal and Child Life insurance as well as Short and Long-Term Disability plans. Our 401(k) Savings Plan with matching funds, and discounts through our 'YouDecide' and Hotel Room Discount programs provide additional incentives for choosing HEI as the employer of your future. Specific details and eligibility of these programs vary by location and employment status.HEI Hotels and Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.