Lead Bartender
Position Summary
The Lead Bartender is a working leadership position responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the front of house while providing exceptional guest service. This individual leads by example, working both bartender and server shifts as business needs dictate while helping ensure consistent service standards, efficient operations, and an outstanding guest experience.
The Lead Bartender assists management with training and developing bartenders and servers, creating front-of-house schedules, completing bar inventories, placing beer and liquor orders, and maintaining organization behind the bar. This position serves as a resource for the front-of-house team by answering questions, helping solve operational issues, and communicating opportunities or concerns to management.
While the Lead Bartender provides leadership and direction during each shift, all disciplinary actions, performance management, and employment decisions remain the responsibility of management.
Essential Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead by example in professionalism, teamwork, hospitality, and work ethic.
- Train and onboard new bartenders and servers.
- Provide ongoing coaching and support to front-of-house staff.
- Help ensure company policies, recipes, service standards, and procedures are followed consistently.
- Assist employees with questions and day-to-day operational issues.
- Promote teamwork between the bar, dining room, and kitchen.
- Communicate employee concerns, guest feedback, and operational opportunities to management.
Guest Service
- Work bartender and server shifts as scheduled.
- Deliver exceptional guest service while maintaining a friendly, positive attitude.
- Prepare alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages accurately and efficiently.
- Ensure table service standards are consistently met.
- Maintain extensive knowledge of all food, beverage, and seasonal menu offerings.
- Promote food and beverage sales through suggestive selling.
- Verify guest identification and comply with all liquor laws and responsible alcohol service practices.
- Professionally resolve guest concerns and involve management when appropriate.
Operations
- Ensure the bar is clean, organized, stocked, and ready for service.
- Complete and oversee opening, shift, and closing duties.
- Verify side work is completed each shift.
- Maintain clean wells, coolers, beer taps, glassware, and bar equipment.
- Rotate inventory properly and minimize waste.
- Monitor product quality and freshness.
- Complete regular beer, liquor, and wine inventories.
- Assist with placing beer, liquor, and bar supply orders.
- Help maintain appropriate inventory levels while controlling costs.
Scheduling & Administrative Support
- Assist management with preparing the front-of-house schedule.
- Help ensure schedules align with projected sales and labor goals.
- Assist with shift coverage and scheduling adjustments when needed.
- Verify employees are clocking into the appropriate job codes.
- Support accurate cash handling and drawer reconciliation procedures.
Qualifications
- Minimum two years of bartending experience (high-volume experience preferred).
- Previous leadership or training experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktail preparation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Dependable, motivated, and solution-oriented.
- Must meet all state and local alcohol service requirements.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Frequently bend, reach, stoop, and twist.
- Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
Performance Expectations
Success in this role is measured by the ability to:
- Deliver exceptional guest experiences.
- Lead by example and foster a positive team environment.
- Effectively train and develop bartenders and servers.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked bar.
- Assist with efficient scheduling and labor management.
- Complete accurate inventory counts and assist with beer and liquor ordering.
- Ensure company standards, side work, and service expectations are consistently met.
- Communicate effectively with management and support the overall success of the restaurant.
The Lead Bartender is expected to set the standard for professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and hospitality while helping create an environment where both guests and employees enjoy coming to work.