Lead Bartender

Job Description

Job Description

Hotel Name: M Social Sunnyvale
Location: Onsite – Sunnyvale, CA
Salary Range: $26.00 Hourly

At M Social Sunnyvale , we don’t just welcome guests—we create moments, spark connections, and bring energy to every interaction. Designed for the young at heart , M Social delivers a bold and vibrant hospitality experience.

As the first ground-up M Social in the U.S., this innovative property features 263 rooms, a dynamic courtyard, and the signature Beast & Butterflies social hub. Located in Silicon Valley, the hotel blends technology, design, and social connectivity to create a unique guest experience.

As part of Millennium Hotels & Resorts, a global hospitality leader with over 145 hotels across key destinations worldwide, our hotel is backed by a legacy of quality, consistency, and service excellence—driven by a passion for hospitality, an entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and a progressive, solutions-oriented approach."

At Millennium, we are guided by our core values:

• Passion for Hospitality – Delivering meaningful and memorable guest experiences
• Entrepreneurial – Taking ownership and acting with agility
• Innovation & Progressive – Continuously improving how we operate and serve
• Solutions & Results Oriented – Staying adaptable and focused on results

These values shape how we work, how we lead, and how we create exceptional experiences for our guests and our teams.

About the Role:

As our Lead Bartender , you will help lead the bar experience at Beast & Butterflies, combining expert beverage knowledge with exceptional hospitality and team leadership. You will craft high-quality cocktails, support daily bar operations, and help guide the bartending team in delivering a consistent, energetic, and memorable guest experience.

This role is ideal for an experienced bartender who leads by example, has strong knowledge of cocktails and beverage service, and thrives in a fast-paced, social environment.

Your Impact – Beverage & Guest Experience

You will serve as a key leader within the bar operation, helping ensure quality, consistency, efficiency, and exceptional guest service. Your leadership will help create an engaging atmosphere while supporting the team in meeting M Social's service and operational standards.

What You'll Be Doing

Beverage Service

• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipes and brand standards
• Create handcrafted cocktails while maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits
• Provide knowledgeable recommendations based on guest preferences
• Monitor beverage quality, presentation, and consistency throughout service
• Accurately process guest checks and payments using the POS system
• Practice responsible alcohol service and monitor guest alcohol consumption

Leadership & Team Support

• Lead by example and set the standard for exceptional bar service
• Support, coach, and mentor bartenders and barbacks during daily operations
• Help assign and prioritize tasks to ensure smooth service
• Communicate operational priorities and service expectations to the bar team
• Assist management with training and onboarding of new team members
• Provide feedback and escalate performance or operational concerns to management
• Help maintain a positive, collaborative, and social team environment

Guest Experience

• Welcome and engage guests with a warm, friendly, and confident approach
• Build rapport with guests and create personalized beverage experiences
• Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly to requests
• Handle guest concerns professionally and assist with service recovery when appropriate
• Create an energetic atmosphere that reflects the M Social brand
• Maintain professionalism while creating genuine social connections with guests

Bar Operations

• Oversee bar setup and readiness for service
• Ensure liquor, beer, wine, mixers, garnishes, glassware, ice, and supplies are properly stocked
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar and service areas
• Complete opening, closing, and side-work duties according to established procedures
• Assist with inventory counts, product rotation, and monitoring beverage levels
• Communicate product and supply needs to management
• Help ensure proper storage and handling of alcoholic beverages and supplies

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Food & Beverage, Culinary, Banquet, and Management teams
• Coordinate beverage service during high-volume periods and special events
• Communicate effectively regarding guest requests, menu changes, and operational priorities
• Support restaurant and banquet beverage operations as needed
• Foster a team-first environment where employees support one another

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
• Verify guest identification and comply with California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) requirements
• Handle cash and credit card transactions accurately and securely
• Follow company policies regarding responsible alcohol service
• Maintain a safe and sanitary bar environment
• Report maintenance, safety, or equipment concerns promptly

Requirements

• Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead by example in a fast-paced environment
• Strong multitasking, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Professional appearance and positive attitude
• Ability to coach and support team members
• Strong knowledge of beverage service and bar operations
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts

Technical / Role-Specific Requirements

• Minimum 2–3 years of bartending experience, preferably in a full-service restaurant, hotel, upscale bar, or lifestyle property
• Previous lead bartender or supervisory experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits
• Experience with craft cocktails and premium spirits
• Experience using point-of-sale (POS) systems
• Food Handler Card required or ability to obtain upon hire
• Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification required or ability to obtain as required by California law
• Ability to accurately handle cash and beverage transactions

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous hotel or lifestyle restaurant experience preferred
• Mixology training or cocktail certification is a plus
• Wine knowledge or WSET certification is beneficial
• Experience training and mentoring bartenders
• Experience with cocktail menu development is a plus
• Bilingual abilities are a plus

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift
• Frequently lift and carry up to 35 pounds
• Ability to bend, reach, stock shelves, and move quickly in a busy bar environment
• Ability to safely handle glassware, beverage products, and bar equipment
• Comfortable working in a high-volume, guest-facing environment

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered

Benefits

At Millennium Hotels & Resorts, we support our employees with a competitive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing and long-term success:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match (where applicable)
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Hotel Room Discounts across our global portfolio
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Benefits eligibility and offerings are subject to plan terms and company policy.

Why Join Us

At Millennium Hotels & Resorts, you’re not just taking on a role—you’re joining a global organization committed to people, performance, and growth.

Whether you’re supporting operations behind the scenes or delivering service on the front line, your work contributes to a culture focused on hospitality, collaboration, and results.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow, contribute, and make an impact, we invite you to join our team.