Lead Bartender

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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key leader within the bar operation, helping ensure quality, consistency, efficiency, and exceptional guest service.
• Welcome and engage guests with a warm, friendly, and confident approach.
• Create personalized beverage experiences and anticipate guest needs.
• Handle guest concerns professionally and assist with service recovery.
• Create an energetic atmosphere that reflects the M Social brand.
• Communicate operational priorities and service expectations to the bar team.
• Coach and support team members.
• Oversee bar setup and readiness for service.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar and service areas.
• Communicate product and supply needs to management.
• Handle cash and credit card transactions accurately and securely.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Frequent bending, reaching, stocking shelves, and moving quickly in a busy bar environment.
• Comfortable working in a high-volume, guest-facing environment.

Benefits

• 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).

About M Social Sunnyvale

Designed for the young at heart, M Social Sunnyvale delivers a bold and vibrant hospitality experience. The hotel features 263 rooms, a dynamic courtyard, and the signature Beast & Butterflies social hub. Blending technology, design, and social connectivity, M Social creates a unique guest experience in Silicon Valley. 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 Hotels & Resorts 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.