Lead Bartender

Department: BarThe Mission

To lead the bar operation with consistency, hospitality, organization, and urgency while maintaining beverage quality and strong team performance in a high-volume environment.

Reports To: General Manager and designated Operations Management

The Lead Bartender is responsible for working and leading the bar team during service and coordinating bar execution within established company standards and direction.

The Lead Bartender may direct bartenders during service and is responsible for communicating operational issues and needs to management.

• Bar Leadership: Lead the bartending team and maintain standards for service, execution, and teamwork.
• Beverage Execution: Prepare cocktails, beer, wine, and other beverages according to established standards.
• Service Management: Monitor bar flow, ticket times, guest needs, and communication with FOH.
• Team Coaching: Train, support, and provide feedback to bartenders and bar backs.
• Bar Organization: Keep the bar clean, stocked, organized, and service-ready.
• Prep & Prep Management: Maintain and communicate the bar prep schedule and ensure prep is completed properly and on time. Lead the bar team by setting the standard through your prep work.
• Inventory: Monitor product levels and communicate shortages or product concerns.
• Back Store: Maintain an organized and functional beverage storage area.
• Cash & POS: Ensure accurate order entry, payments, cash handling, voids, and comps.
• Guest Experience: Resolve guest concerns professionally and maintain a hospitality-first approach.
• Communication: Maintain clear communication with FOH, BOH, and management.
• Opening & Closing: Complete and oversee assigned bar setup, cleaning, stocking, and closing procedures.
• Compliance: Follow alcohol-service, food-safety, sanitation, and company standards.

• Previous bartending experience in a high-volume restaurant or bar
• Strong beverage and responsible-service knowledge
• Leadership or mentoring experience
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to remain composed under pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Hospitality-focused approach
• Willingness to take ownership of the bar operation

• Previous high-volume bartending experience
• Valid NYC alcohol-service certification as required
• Knowledge of cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and responsible alcohol service
• Ability to lead and coach a bar team
• Ability to operate POS and restaurant systems
• Ability to meet all food safety and alcohol-service requirements

• Reliable and consistent availability based on business needs
• Availability for weekday, weekend, opening, and closing shifts
• Flexibility during high-volume periods, events, and staffing needs

A successful Lead Bartender keeps the bar organized and prepared, leads the team effectively, maintains beverage standards, and ensures consistent service throughout the shift.