Lead Bartender

Posted: 02/25/2025

Position:                            Chamberlin Inn Hotel Lead Bartender

Reports To:                       General Manager

The Lead Bartender plays a key role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the hotel's bar, ensuring an exceptional guest experience while managing staff, inventory, and financial performance.
Job Summary:
The Chamberlin Inn Hotel Lead Bartender is responsible for managing the bar's operations, including staff supervision, customer service, and overall guest experience. This role involves ensuring that the bar runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably while maintaining a high standard of quality and safety. The Lead Bartender is also responsible for managing inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining the ambiance, and creating a unique and welcoming environment for hotel guests.
 
Key Responsibilities:

  1. Team Leadership & Supervision:
    • Recruit, train, and manage bar staff to ensure a high level of service and professionalism.
    • Schedule shifts, manage labor costs, and ensure staffing levels meet business needs.
    • Monitor and evaluate staff performance, provide ongoing feedback, and motivate the team to excel.
    • Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
  2. Customer Service Excellence:
    • Greet guests, ensure their needs are met, and provide a memorable, personalized experience.
    • Handle guest complaints or issues in a calm and professional manner.
    • Maintain knowledge of hotel events and activities to provide recommendations to guests.
  3. Bar Operations:
    • Oversee daily bar operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service.
    • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area, ensuring it meets health and safety standards.
    • Create, update, and manage the drink menu, including seasonal or signature cocktails.
    • Ensure all necessary equipment is functioning properly and report any maintenance issues.
    • Ensure responsible alcohol service and compliance with local laws and regulations.
  4. Inventory & Supply Management:
    • Manage bar inventory, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, food, glassware, and supplies.
    • Order supplies and keep track of stock levels to minimize wastage and overordering.
    • Track inventory usage and analyze trends to make informed purchasing decisions.
  5. Financial Management:
    • Monitor the bar’s budget, costs, and sales to ensure profitability.
    • Set and review pricing strategies to maintain competitive yet profitable pricing.
    • Prepare financial reports, including daily, weekly, and monthly revenue analysis.
    • Handle cash management and ensure the accurate processing of transactions.
  6. Event Coordination:
    • Recruit and schedule music talent for our music nights and events.
    • Work with the Events Coordinator to plan and coordinate special events or promotions at the bar (e.g., happy hours, themed nights, private events).
    • Ensure seamless execution of events, including staff coordination, décor, and menu adjustments.
    • Collaborate with the General Manager to promote the bar and events to hotel guests and non-hotel customers.
    • Lead marketing of the Chamberlin Inn Bar, Lounge and Garden Experience and all events including on social media.
  7. Compliance & Safety:
    • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and liquor licensing regulations.
    • Monitor and enforce the responsible consumption of alcohol.
    • Keep up-to-date with industry trends and relevant laws, including changes in liquor laws
    • Ensure all employee’s maintain valid liquor cards, are sufficiently trained and follow all health and safety standards.
  8. Guest Experience:
    • Create and maintain a chic, inviting, and on-brand bar ambiance that aligns with the boutique hotel’s overall aesthetic.
    • Foster relationships with repeat guests to ensure loyalty and satisfaction.
    • Communicate with guest service team regarding any bar charges to the room, return guests, specials and events.
 
Qualifications:
  • Proven experience as a Lead Bartender or in a similar leadership role within the hospitality industry.
  • Strong knowledge of cocktail preparation, wine pairings, and bar operations.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high standard of service.
  • Strong financial acumen with the ability to manage budgets and analyze sales data.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Knowledge of health and safety regulations, including liquor laws and responsible alcohol service.
  • A passion for delivering outstanding customer service and creating memorable experiences.
Preferred Skills:
  • Experience in a boutique hotel environment.
  • A background in mixology or advanced bartending skills.
  • Certification in Responsible Beverage Service (e.g., TIPS or similar).
Work Environment:
  • Fast-paced, dynamic, and guest-focused environment.
  • Requires standing for long periods, lifting heavy items, and multitasking.
  • Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are often required