Bar Director

Title: Bar Director — New Hospitality Project (Start as Bartender + Leadership Track) Location: Washington, DC (exact location shared during interview process) Compensation: Hourly to start; transition to salaried leadership role upon project launch

About the Opportunity A new, design‑driven hospitality project—featuring a modern cocktail club & garden attached to a luxury boutique lodging concept—is seeking a Bar Director to help shape and ultimately lead its beverage program. The project is currently in development and scheduled to open in 6–8 months.

The selected candidate will begin as an hourly bartender within one of our existing properties to learn our culture, standards, and systems while gradually assuming operational responsibilities. As we assess leadership readiness, this role will transition into a full‑time, salaried Bar Director position overseeing the new venue.

What We’re Looking For A hospitality professional with a strong bartending foundation, a passion for beverage programming, and the operational discipline to run a high‑volume, high‑touch bar environment. This role is ideal for a Lead Bartender or Bar Manager ready to step into full program ownership.

• Provide a warm, polished, and memorable guest experience behind the bar.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary bar environment at all times.

• Execute cocktails with precision, consistency, and attention to presentation.

• Prepare juices, syrups, garnishes, and other ingredients according to recipes.

• Follow all alcohol handling, sanitation, and safety procedures; maintain proper labeling, dating, and rotation.

• Complete daily and weekly cleaning tasks, including dishwashing as needed.

• Listen to guest feedback and resolve concerns with professionalism and care.

• Assist with hiring, recruiting, and training bartenders and bar support staff.

• Instruct team members on new equipment, recipes, and cleaning methods.

• Help onboard new employees and support a positive, productive team culture.

• Ensure smooth bar operations in the absence of senior leadership.

• Contribute to and eventually lead beverage menu development, including seasonal, holiday, and themed offerings.

• Manage daily inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, and receiving.

• Oversee cost controls, waste management, and financial performance of the bar program.

• Program and maintain POS systems (Toast), including menu updates and workflow optimization.

• Build and manage staff schedules for the bar team.

• Participate in cross‑departmental planning for events, activations, and service improvements.

• Support the creation of systems, SOPs, and training materials for the new venue.

• Play a key role in opening operations for the upcoming cocktail club & garden.

• 3+ years of bartending experience in high‑volume or high‑touch environments.

• Prior leadership experience (Lead Bartender, Bar Supervisor, Bar Manager) strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of classic and modern cocktails, spirits, and beverage trends.

• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and vendor communication.

• Familiarity with Toast or similar POS systems.

• Ability to train, motivate, and lead a team with clarity and consistency.

• Organized, detail‑oriented, and comfortable balancing creative and operational responsibilities.

• Excited by the opportunity to help open and shape a new hospitality concept.

Please submit your résumé and a brief note about your interest. Additional details about the project, compensation structure, and timeline will be shared during the interview process.