Lead Bartender - Katsuya Century City

Job Description

Job Description

sbe conceptualizes and develops innovative concepts that invite you to indulge in the extraordinary. As the global leader in “lifestyle hospitality,” we redefine the hospitality experience through innovation and collaboration. We ELEVATE THE EXTRAORDINARY.

A pioneering icon in lifestyle hospitality, sbe has become an international brand. As a multiplatform hospitality and nightlife company, we create innovative concepts and award-winning experiences. As incubators and operators, we develop globally acclaimed culinary brands, critically acclaimed restaurants, lounges, and nightclubs. What unites them is a continued commitment to innovation, and service, delivering an unparalleled experience that exceeds the highest of expectations and sets new industry standards. sbe conceptualizes and develops innovative concepts that invite you to INDULGE IN THE EXTRAORDINARY

Katsuya is truly a feast for the senses. With specialty cocktails, unique rolls, and spectacular sushi and sashimi platters, Chef Uechi skillfully translates Japanese flavors for the American palate. The superb talent and exacting precision of Katsuya has changed the face of Japanese cuisine. Katsuya analyzed the eating habits of the American public and stepped outside of what is considered traditional Japanese cuisine, mixing it with California-style cuisine. This innovation ignited a new sushi trend that spread like wildfire throughout the industry.

Job Title: Lead Bartender

Job Summary

The Lead Bartender serves as a working leader behind the bar, setting the standard for beverage execution, guest service, professionalism, and operational excellence. In addition to performing all standard bartender responsibilities, the Lead Bartender supports daily operations, coaches team members, and ensures established service and cleanliness standards are consistently maintained.

Working closely with local venue management and the Director of Beverage, the Lead Bartender helps implement new initiatives, prepare for menu launches, and execute changes to the beverage program. This position requires a proactive approach to team accountability, inventory management, training, and maintaining an exceptional guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional beverage service while supporting the overall performance and readiness of the bar. Ensure consistent execution of beverage standards, cleanliness, organization, and operational procedures while assisting management in maintaining an efficient, professional, and guest-focused environment.

• Lead by example, reinforcing company standards for professionalism, service, cleanliness, and beverage execution.
• Support bartenders and barbacks during service, providing direction and constructive feedback as needed.
• Assist with onboarding and training team members on recipes, service standards, preparation procedures, and responsible alcohol service.
• Ensure assigned opening, closing, and side duties are completed accurately and consistently.
• Communicate performance concerns, training needs, and operational issues to management.
• Prepare beverages according to approved recipes, portion standards, and presentation requirements.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the beverage menu, ingredients, glassware, garnishes, and food offerings.
• Monitor consistency and quality across the bar team while delivering engaging, professional guest service.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the guest experience and maximize revenue through appropriate recommendations and upselling.
• Uphold responsible alcohol service standards and applicable laws.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and service-ready bar throughout each shift.
• Monitor inventory, preparation levels, and established par sheets to ensure adequate product and supply levels.
• Reinforce proper portioning, product rotation, labeling, storage, and preparation procedures.
• Support inventory counts, restocking, waste reduction, and beverage cost control.
• Identify equipment issues, supply shortages, and operational deficiencies, communicating them promptly to management.
• Work closely with local venue management and the Director of Beverage to implement new initiatives, operational improvements, and beverage program updates.
• Assist with menu launches, beverage promotions, training programs, and changes to established procedures.
• Help communicate and implement new recipes, specifications, preparation methods, and service standards across the bar team.
• Provide feedback on operational challenges, team needs, and opportunities to improve beverage quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
• Ensure the team is prepared for upcoming changes and that approved initiatives are executed consistently.
• Follow company procedures for POS operation, cash handling, payments, comps, and transaction accuracy.
• Complete required opening and closing checklists, par sheets, and other operational documentation.
• Communicate shift updates, guest concerns, discrepancies, and outstanding tasks to management.

Competencies

• Leadership and accountability: Ability to reinforce standards, support peers, and take ownership of shift execution.
• Beverage expertise: Strong technical knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, ingredients, and preparation methods.
• Communication and training: Ability to coach team members and communicate effectively with management and support staff.
• Operational awareness: Strong understanding of cleanliness, organization, inventory, preparation, and cost control.
• Guest service: Professional, engaging, and attentive approach to hospitality and revenue generation.
• Initiative and teamwork: Proactive, adaptable, and capable of maintaining high standards in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional presentation: Maintains grooming and conduct consistent with SBE brand standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 3 years of progressive bartending experience in upscale hospitality.

Work Schedule

• Full-time, on-site position
• Requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• The position operates in a fast-paced, dynamic hospitality environment focused on delivering high-impact guest experiences.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand or walk a minimum eight (8)-hour shift and work inside assigned bar area in the venue.
• Must be able to twist, tow (push or pull), reach, bend climb and carry objects as necessary.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25-50 pounds.
• Must be able to work inside and outside at all times of the year as needed, based upon business volumes.

Work Authorization 

Must be able to provide documentation that shows you are authorized to work in the United States. Must be twenty-one (21) years of age.

Affirmative Action / EEO Statement 

We are an equal-opportunity employer who is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We believe in, embrace, and abide by the spirit, as well as, to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. 

Our policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, internships, and apprenticeship. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.