Lead Bartender

Lead Bartender

Location: Hotel Nell - Union Market
Department: Food & Beverage
Salary Range: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour +tips

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s vibrant Union Market neighborhood, Hotel Nell – Union Market is part of a destination rooted in the city’s rich culinary and cultural history. Originally established in 1931 as Union Terminal Market, the area quickly became a community gathering place, bringing together local farmers, retailers, and wholesalers to serve a growing Washington, D.C. The neighborhood’s legacy of connection, discovery, and hospitality continues today, with Hotel Nell offering guests an inviting and contemporary experience in one of the city’s most dynamic destinations. We are proud to be part of this evolving community and look forward to welcoming guests who come to experience all that Union Market and Washington, D.C. have to offer.

Position Summary

The Lead Bartender oversees daily bar operations while delivering knowledgeable, attentive, and efficient service. This role leads the bar team during service, maintains beverage quality and consistency, supports inventory and cost controls, and creates a welcoming experience for every guest.

The ideal candidate is an experienced bartender with strong leadership skills, excellent beverage knowledge, and the ability to remain organized and composed in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead bar operations during assigned shifts, including opening, service, and closing procedures.
• Prepare and serve beverages accurately and efficiently, in accordance with established recipes and presentation standards.
• Provide leadership and direction to bartenders, barbacks, and other team members during service.
• Train and coach staff on drink preparation, product knowledge, responsible alcohol service, sanitation, and guest engagement.
• Deliver exceptional hospitality by anticipating guest needs, resolving concerns professionally, and creating a friendly bar atmosphere.
• Maintain quality and consistency across cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, garnishes, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Monitor inventory levels, complete stock counts, rotate products, and communicate ordering needs to management.
• Help control beverage costs by monitoring portions, waste, breakage, spills, and complimentary items.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked bar in compliance with health, safety, and sanitation requirements.
• Process payments accurately and follow all cash-handling and point-of-sale procedures.
• Enforce responsible alcohol-service practices, including verifying identification and recognizing signs of intoxication.
• Collaborate with management and kitchen staff to support menu development, promotions, special events, and smooth service.
• Address operational issues promptly and escalate significant guest, staffing, or safety concerns when appropriate.

Qualifications

• At least 2-3 years of bartending experience, preferably in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, nightclub, or craft cocktail environment.
• Previous lead, supervisory, or training experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of spirits, classic and contemporary cocktails, beer, wine, and beverage-service techniques.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and guest service skills.
• Experience with point-of-sale systems and basic inventory procedures.
• Current responsible alcohol-service certification as required by applicable law.
• Food-handler or food-safety certification may be required.
• Must meet the legal age requirements for serving alcohol.

Physical and Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 40-50 pounds.
• Ability to reach, bend, twist, and perform repetitive motions safely.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as business needs require.

Performance Expectations

• Consistent beverage quality and presentation.
• Efficient, organized bar service.
• Positive guest feedback and effective complaint resolution.
• Staff readiness, teamwork, and adherence to service standards.
• Accurate inventory, cash handling, and waste control.
• Compliance with alcohol-service, sanitation, and workplace-safety requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• The hotel operates 24/7, requiring department schedules to adapt to varying business demands. Employees may need to work shifts outside their preferred or usual hours.
• Employees must comply with all hotel-established work rules, procedures, and policies, including those outlined in the employee handbook.

Benefits and Perks

Donohoe Hospitality Services is pleased to offer employees a comprehensive Benefits Package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, leaves of absence, retirement plans, paid time off, and hotel room discounts, and MORE! Through this selection of benefits and perks, we strive to provide employees with options that will enhance their quality of life in and out of work. * Minimum 32 hours/week to qualify

We also offer daily pay access, where you can receive your earnings on the same day you work, empowering you to manage your finances easily and confidently.