Bar Lead | Part-Time | The Bushnell

Bar Lead | Part-Time | The Bushnell

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.

Position Summary

The Bar Lead is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the bar by providing hands-on leadership, ensuring exceptional guest service, and maintaining efficient beverage operations. This position serves as the lead bartender during assigned shifts, overseeing bar setup, inventory, product quality, and service standards while mentoring bartenders and bar support staff. The Bar Lead works closely with management to ensure the bar operates efficiently and delivers an elevated guest experience.

This role pays an hourly rate of $18.00 and is tip eligible.

Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching.

This position will remain open until December 11, 2026.

About the Venue

Located in the heart of Hartford, The Bushnell Performing Arts Center is Connecticut's premier performing arts destination and a cornerstone of the region's cultural scene. Originally opened in 1930, this historic, nonprofit venue blends timeless architecture with modern amenities, featuring two distinct performance spaces and hosting more than 350 events annuallyfrom Broadway tours and concerts to comedy, dance, and community programming. As the largest arts organization in the state, The Bushnell serves as a vibrant gathering place that inspires creativity, supports arts education, and delivers world-class entertainment experiences to diverse audiences. Oak View Group is proud to serve as the exclusive food and beverage provider for The Bushnell, enhancing the guest experience through exceptional hospitality and culinary offerings.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily bar operations and oversee service during assigned shifts.
• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipes, company standards, and responsible alcohol service guidelines.
• Ensure the bar is properly stocked with liquor, beer, wine, mixers, garnishes, glassware, ice, and supplies before and during service.
• Monitor beverage quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all bar areas, storage spaces, and service stations.
• Assist with opening, closing, and end-of-shift reconciliation procedures.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to bartenders, barbacks, and other bar team members.
• Assign daily tasks and assist with workflow during peak service periods.
• Train new team members on bar procedures, recipes, service standards, and safety protocols.
• Lead by example by demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and exceptional hospitality.
• Communicate operational updates and service priorities to the team.
• Deliver outstanding hospitality by engaging guests in a friendly, knowledgeable, and professional manner.
• Make beverage recommendations and answer guest questions regarding cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.
• Resolve guest concerns promptly and escalate issues to management when necessary.
• Foster a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the guest experience.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate product needs to management.
• Assist with inventory counts, product ordering, and receiving deliveries.
• Minimize product waste through proper portioning and storage practices.
• Verify guest identification and ensure compliance with all responsible alcohol service laws.
• Maintain accurate cash handling and POS transactions as required.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and responsible beverage service regulations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, health department standards, and workplace safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Report maintenance issues, equipment malfunctions, or safety concerns promptly.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
• 1-2+ years of bartending experience in a restaurant, private club, hotel, performing arts venue, stadium, or similar hospitality environment.
• Previous lead or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Responsible Beverage Service certification required or ability to obtain it within the designated timeframe.
• Food Handler Certification required or ability to obtain within the designated timeframe.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and event days.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and responsible alcohol service.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong lead and team-building abilities.
• Ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic math, cash handling, and POS system proficiency.
• Ability to train and mentor team members while maintaining high service standards.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects, including cases of beverages, kegs, and ice.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, and repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume bar environment.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.