Lead Bartender

Join the Team at M Social Sunnyvale Hotel Name: M Social Sunnyvale Location: Onsite - Sunnyvale, CA Salary Range: $26.00 Hourly About M Social Sunnyvale 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. Millennium 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 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 elevate 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr