Lead Bartender

Lead Bartender

Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Food & Beverage Operations Manager

Classification: Non-Exempt — Eligible for Overtime Pay

Employment Type: Part-Time

Who We Are

At SSA, we believe our work matters because the people do. For more than 50 years, we've helped create experiences that leave people feeling connected, inspired, and reminded that fun still matters.

Whether you're looking for your first job, building your career, or bringing years of experience to a new role, you'll be part of a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and encourages you to make an impact. More than 54% of our leaders were promoted from within — a reflection of our commitment to investing in people and creating opportunities to succeed.

Position Overview

The Lead Bartender is a frontline leadership role within the Food & Beverage team, responsible for delivering and modeling the 452 Hospitality standard of warm, welcoming, and memorable guest experiences. Operating under the direction of the Restaurant Manager, the Lead Bartender serves as the senior bar presence during each shift — ensuring that every interaction, every pour, and every moment behind the bar reflects the quality and professionalism that defines our operation.

This role goes beyond bartending. The Lead Bartender is a team leader, trainer, quality steward, and operational backbone of the bar. They lead by example, elevate the performance of those around them, and serve as an extension of management when they are unavailable. The ideal candidate brings a strong command of craft bartending, a guest-first mindset, a natural ability to coach and develop others, and the composure to manage a fast-paced service environment with consistency and care.

Key Responsibilities

• Embody and champion the 452 Hospitality standard by delivering warm, genuine, and memorable service to every guest and client without exception.
• Anticipate guest needs proactively, respond to requests promptly, and resolve concerns with professionalism and a solutions-oriented approach.
• Model exemplary service recovery — turning a guest concern into a positive experience — and coach the team on how to do the same.
• Create an inviting bar atmosphere where every guest feels acknowledged, valued, and well taken care of from arrival to departure.
• Train, mentor, and coach team members — including newly onboarded Ambassadors — on SSA service standards, bartending techniques, responsible alcohol service, and guest interaction expectations.
• Conduct real-time, on-the-floor coaching to reinforce correct procedures, product knowledge, and service behaviors as they occur.
• Support a team culture of accountability, positivity, and urgency — leading through action as much as through direction.
• Act as the manager on duty when the Restaurant Manager is not present, making operational decisions and escalating issues appropriately.
• Ensure the bar is fully set up, stocked, and guest-ready at the start of every shift; oversee all breakdown and sanitation procedures at close.
• Monitor bar operations continuously throughout each shift to identify and immediately correct gaps in execution, service flow, cleanliness, or product quality.
• Assist with scheduling coverage and break coordination to ensure adequate bar staffing at all times.
• Perform all duties of a bartender as needed, stepping in on the floor to maintain service standards during peak periods or staffing gaps.
• Support POS procedures and training to new bartenders.
• Communicate actively with the Restaurant Manager and back-of-house team to ensure seamless coordination between bar and kitchen operations.
• Oversee product levels, quality, and presentation throughout the shift; proactively communicate inventory needs or discrepancies to the Restaurant Manager.
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all cocktail recipes, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic offerings, and ensure the team can speak to each with confidence.
• Ensure all products are stored, rotated, and handled in accordance with food safety guidelines and company standards.
• Partner with the Restaurant Manager on ordering, inventory tracking, and waste reduction efforts to support cost control at the unit level.
• Ensure responsible alcohol service is practiced by all team members at all times, and intervene decisively when safe service standards are at risk.
• Maintain full compliance with all applicable alcohol service laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of all company policies and procedures, and ensure team members understand and follow them consistently.
• Uphold SSAfety standards in all bar operations, reporting any safety concerns, equipment issues, or hazards to the Restaurant Manager or GM promptly.
• Communicate clearly, honestly, and proactively with the Restaurant Manager regarding team performance, guest feedback, operational needs, and any issues arising during service.
• Provide shift notes or verbal debriefs to the Restaurant Manager following each service period, highlighting successes, concerns, and items requiring follow-up.
• Uphold a professional appearance and positive demeanor at all times, and reinforce those standards across the bar team.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Restaurant Manager in support of overall food and beverage operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• Minimum 2–3 years of bartending experience in a full-service, high-volume hospitality environment.
• Prior experience in a lead, senior, or supervisory bartending role preferred.
• Valid alcohol service certification (e.g., TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol) or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Must be 18 years of age or older; all educational backgrounds accepted.

Preferred

• Experience in a branded hospitality concept, managed F&B operation, or cultural attraction venue.
• Familiarity with POS systems and basic cash handling procedures.
• ServSafe Food Handler Certification or equivalent.
• Passion for hospitality, continuous learning, and team development.

Physical Requirements

This role requires extended periods of standing and moving throughout the shift. The Lead Bartender must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to heat, noise, and varied temperatures, and maintain composure and performance standards throughout the full duration of each shift.

Compensation & Benefits

• Eligible for overtime pay.
• On-Demand Pay program: get access to a portion of earned wages before payday
• 401(k) with 15% company match (must be 21 years or older; eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked; available during Open Enrollment Periods).
• Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave
• Tips
• Discounted Meal
• Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
• Holiday pay at 1.5× the regular rate for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local laws; accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.
  1. Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C..  Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA).  Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act.  Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.

SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies — including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials — are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice. San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.