Lead Bartender

About Us Join a Team That’s Anything But Ordinary At High Spirits Hospitality, we don’t just host events—we create unforgettable experiences. What began in a garage as a small bartending business has evolved into a powerhouse of hospitality brands, including Liquid Catering, Events at Judson Mill, The 405, Bravo1 Protection, and High Spirits Events. With 40 full-time and over 100 part‑time team members, we produce more than 1,000 events a year—and we’re just getting started. We believe in delivering exceptional customer service and building a team culture that’s nothing short of REMARKABLE. Our Values: R adically Inclusive E mbracing Individuality M aking Life Fun A ctive Learners R esponsible Citizens K eepin' It Real A head of the Curve B old L eading with Heart E xceeding Expectations Everyday Lead Bartender Responsibilities Our Lead Bartenders help turn a carefully planned event into a smooth, polished, unforgettable experience. Your primary duty is to provide leadership on events for Liquid Catering, our mobile bartending division. This role is ideal for someone who can take charge on event days, lead with confidence, solve problems quickly, and create a calm, welcoming environment for clients, guests, and teammates. What You’ll Own Own off‑site event leadership for assigned Liquid Catering shifts, including bar readiness, service flow, staff direction, and client experience. Own the guest and client experience in the room by leading with professionalism, urgency, and hospitality. Own staff direction on shift, including delegation, follow‑through, coaching, and holding standards. Own guest safety, responsible alcohol service, and compliance with operational standards across venue spaces, bars, and event support areas. Key Responsibilities Lead assigned off‑site event shifts from setup through breakdown, serving as the event captain and helping ensure the bar, staff, timeline, and guest experience stay on track. Serve as the primary on‑site point of contact for clients, guests, vendors, and venue representatives during assigned shifts, responding calmly and professionally to changing needs, operational issues, and event concerns. Supervise bartenders and support staff on shift by giving direction, maintaining standards, and helping keep bar flow efficient, safe, and guest‑focused. Ensure bar inventory, tools, ice, mixers, and supplies are loaded and event‑ready before departure and accounted for after the event. Drive company vehicles to and from events as assigned, helping ensure bar equipment, supplies, and event materials arrive safely and on time. Pour beer, wine, cocktails, and non‑alcoholic beverages with speed, style, and accuracy, and prepare mixed cocktails according to company recipes and service standards. Monitor guests for safe alcohol consumption, ID guests as needed, and tactfully handle intoxicated or inappropriate behavior in accordance with company policy and applicable law. Restock bar equipment, products, mixers, and glassware before, during, and after shifts, and maintain clean, organized, event‑ready bar areas throughout service. Complete all setup, breakdown, cleaning, loading, unloading, and side work tasks as assigned, including bar packing, furniture movement, trash removal, dishwashing, and venue resets. Follow venue‑specific rules and coordinate professionally with venue teams and event partners to keep service compliant and organized. Work some shifts in banquet or event support roles, including cocktail service, bar backing, bussing, greeting guests, and other hospitality support duties as needed. Balance cash and credit card transactions accurately, complete required digital recaps or records, and maintain a strong working knowledge of our full event offerings so you can support smooth execution and answer client questions with confidence. Professional Standards & Company Expectations Take ownership of assigned work, follow through on commitments, and communicate proactively when support or clarification is needed. Represent High Spirits Hospitality with professionalism and reflect our brand values in your work, communication, decision‑making, and service to others. Communicate quickly and professionally with clients, guests, teammates, vendors, and partners. Handle client, vendor, and employee concerns with professionalism, sound judgment, and timely escalation when needed. Support a positive, inclusive, and accountable work environment that aligns with our company culture and standards. Be dependable, solutions‑focused, and adaptable as business needs, priorities, and event conditions change. Use company technology, communication platforms, and digital systems consistently, accurately, and responsibly to complete your work and stay informed. Submit digital documents, reports, checklists, receipts, and other required records accurately and on time. Attend required company meetings, trainings, and check‑ins as scheduled, and come prepared to actively participate. Stay well‑versed in company offerings, policies, safety standards, and service expectations, and follow updates as they are communicated. Handle company, client, and employee information with professionalism, discretion, and appropriate confidentiality. Follow all applicable laws, licensing requirements, and company procedures related to your work, including safety, sanitation, alcohol service, and workplace conduct standards. Use company property, equipment, and workspaces responsibly and help maintain them in clean, organized, working condition. Maintain a professional appearance and present yourself in a way that reflects our hospitality standards and brand. Perform other duties and support additional shifts or assignments as needed based on business needs. Success in This Role Looks Like Events are executed correctly with strong attention to detail. Clients and guests feel supported, welcomed, and cared for throughout the event. Staff receive clear direction and the event team stays focused, productive, and professional. Issues are addressed quickly, calmly, and in alignment with company standards. Recaps, inventory notes, and cash handling responsibilities are completed accurately and on time when assigned. Typical Schedule This is an event-based role with both part‑time and full‑time opportunities. Part‑time team members are typically expected to work 4–8 evening or weekend shifts per month. Full‑time team members usually work 8–15 event shifts per month in addition to 2–3 weekday shifts supporting non‑event duties. Because event schedules vary from week to week, flexibility is essential. There is some seasonality to the position, with our high season being March‑May and September‑December. Compensation & Benefits This is a non‑exempt position that pays $17‑$22 an hour depending on the shift and assignment. Eligible to receive tips for certain shifts or assignments. Eligible to participate in our Employee Referral Bonus programs. Weekly pay. We’re looking for someone with the experience, drive, and heart to thrive in a fast‑paced, people‑centered role. To be successful, you should: Have 2+ years of bartending experience. Must be comfortable making basic cocktails. Be comfortable supporting a variety of event duties, including setup, food service, dishwashing, cleanup, and guest entry or access‑support tasks when assigned. Be willing to complete alcohol‑related support duties in accordance with company policy and applicable law. Lead with respect and inclusivity—we proudly serve clients of all backgrounds, identities, beliefs, and relationships, and team members must be able to support all clients with professionalism and care. Be dependable, hardworking, and comfortable in a fast‑paced, physically active work environment. Be comfortable using smartphones or digital tools for schedules, communication, checklists, and documentation. Be able to communicate clearly and professionally in English to perform the essential functions of the role. Have the flexibility to work frequent evenings, weekends, and some holidays based on event needs. Be at least 21 years old due to alcohol service. Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Must have reliable transportation, not dependent on public bus systems. Have a cell phone with voice, text, and data capabilities available for work use. Be able to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including standing and walking for extended periods, working in hot weather, and frequently lifting, moving, or carrying up to 50 lbs. Be able to successfully pass a background check consistent with applicable law and the requirements of the role. Be able to successfully pass a drug screening consistent with applicable law and company policy. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Must maintain a SC Alcohol Server Certificate. #J-18808-Ljbffr