Lead Bartender

This is a tipped position; as such, it will pay a cash wage that is less than the regular minimum wage but is at least the minimum "tipped wage" per hour for your location, per federal, state, or local law. Lark will claim a tip credit.

About the Role

The Lead Bartender is responsible for safely and efficiently providing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and food while ensuring complete guest satisfaction. This position assists the Bar Supervisor in training, coaching, delegating, and overseeing bar staff duties to ensure guests receive a high level of customer service from all team members.

You must display effective listening and communication skills, initiative, ability to work independently and in teams, and lead by example. Exercise good judgment and discretion, display effective problem-solving skills, and provide excellent customer service. Ability to multi-task, maintain composure under pressure, and display a high level of professionalism, integrity, and follow-through is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist Bar Supervisor in training, coaching, delegating, and overseeing duties of bar staff to ensure high levels of customer service.
• Assist Bar Supervisor in maintaining par levels of wine, beer, liquor, and bar supplies.
• Maintain cleanliness, upkeep, organization, and maintenance of the lounge space.
• Engage guests with a warm greeting and demonstrate thorough knowledge of food and beverage products, menus, additions, and promotions.
• Up-sell and suggestively sell food and beverages by describing each item appealingly to increase check average.
• Accurately ring in orders on POS quickly and in proper sequence.
• Ensure guest needs are continually met in a courteous and professional manner throughout their visit.
• Maintain food and beverage control, including liquor portion control and age verification; follow guidelines outlined in TIPs training.
• Measure and mix beverages as ordered, following company procedures and policies.
• Follow alcohol awareness procedures for preventing and handling intoxicated guests.
• Stock the bar, polish glasses, fill ice bins, clean, and perform tasks necessary for smooth operation and guest service.
• Promptly prepare bills, collect and process payments, enter into POS system, make change correctly, and handle charge transactions accurately.
• Handle house bank and follow all cash handling procedures.
• Reconcile and balance all sales transactions at the end of each shift; generate closing reports.
• Arrange bottles, glasses, and bar items in an attractive manner meeting company standards.
• Pass all required job-related tests and properly wash glassware using bar sinks and/or dishwashers.
• Safely use cleaning compounds and chemicals; comply with health and safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and wipe as needed.
• Confirm all liquor, beer, and alcohol is locked at the end of shift.
• Provide department/position-specific safety orientation and training for new employees or those assuming new duties.
• Promote company Safety Policies and Procedures; participate in Safety Committee meetings.
• Support the hotel in achieving high performance levels in service and profitability.
• Hold self and others accountable for achieving results and support a culture promoting high employee morale.
• Provide strong leadership, motivate staff, and resolve guest/employee concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
• Effectively coach, motivate, lead, and resolve employee concerns with timely communication and feedback.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation via performance log, attendance record, and corrective action forms.
• Schedule staffing and assignment of daily duties to meet hotel needs while controlling payroll.
• Review daily Time & Attendance punches in payroll and maintain accurate employee status for benefit plans.
• Train team on punching in, out, and transferring departments.
• Use meetings, memos, or bulletins to keep staff informed of hotel events and policies.

Requirements

• Regular attendance and punctuality; ability to work flexible schedules including weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions as directed by supervisor/manager.
• Commitment to working safely and following safety policies.
• Be polite, courteous, and helpful to all guests and coworkers, displaying a positive attitude.
• Acknowledge guests with a smile and friendly greeting; promptly attend to guest needs.
• Comply with all hotel policies and procedures, including guest privacy standards.
• Report all injuries immediately, no matter how minor.
• Act as a safety and security agent by identifying and reporting potential risks.
• Arrive to work on time, in appropriate work attire, neat in appearance.
• Complete work in a timely manner and meet productivity standards.
• Keep work area clean, neat, and well organized.
• Demonstrate teamwork and seek approval from management prior to working overtime.

Skills

• Leadership: Ability to effectively motivate, mentor, coach, and counsel others.
• People Skills: Deliver hospitable service that is attentive, friendly, and courteous; collaborate and work effectively with others.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication, including spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Identify issues, analyze information, and implement best practices.
• Judgment & Discretion: Manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational & Time Management Skills: Schedule time to meet job demands, multi-task, prioritize, and work efficiently with limited supervision.
• Attention To Detail: Follow instructions and achieve thoroughness and accuracy in tasks.
• Computer Skills/Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and general office equipment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of previous bartending experience.
• Must be of legal age to serve alcohol.
• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• TIPS certification required; Allergy Awareness training helpful.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States; must complete the I-9 form within the first 3 days of employment.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a hotel environment with extended periods of walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Moderate to frequent computer keying and viewing material on a computer screen.
• Extended workdays may be required during peak periods.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Company Values

• Embody Integrity: Honest, genuine, and transparent in interactions.
• Concern For Others: Care for each other and guests.
• Collaboration: Value diversity and a "come as you are" spirit.
• Accountability: Learn from mistakes and strive for continuous improvement.
• Hospitality Soul: Have fun creating lifelong memories for each other and guests.