BARTENDER SUPERVISOR

Donohoe Hospitality Services•Washington, DC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bar Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily bar operations and ensuring an exceptional guest experience while maintaining high standards of service, beverage quality, cleanliness, and efficiency. This position provides leadership and direction to bartenders, barbacks, and other Food & Beverage team members during assigned shifts. The Bar Supervisor supports management by coordinating daily operations, monitoring staffing and service levels, assisting with inventory and cost controls, and ensuring compliance with responsible alcohol service, cash-handling, sanitation, and safety standards. The ideal candidate is an experienced hospitality professional with strong leadership skills, excellent beverage knowledge, and the ability to effectively manage a fast-paced bar environment while maintaining a welcoming and professional atmosphere.

Requirements

Minimum of 2–3 years of bartending or Food & Beverage experience, preferably in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, rooftop bar, or similar hospitality environment.
Previous supervisory, lead, or team-training experience strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of spirits, classic and contemporary cocktails, beer, wine, and beverage-service techniques.
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent guest service, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective during busy periods or challenging situations.
Experience with point-of-sale systems, cash handling, and basic inventory procedures.
Ability to coach team members and provide constructive feedback.
Current responsible alcohol-service certification as required by applicable law.
Food-handler or food-safety certification may be required.
Must meet applicable legal age requirements for serving alcohol.

Responsibilities

Supervise daily bar operations during assigned shifts, including opening, service, and closing procedures.
Provide leadership, direction, and support to bartenders, barbacks, and other Food & Beverage team members.
Assign and coordinate team responsibilities to ensure efficient service and appropriate staffing throughout the shift.
Monitor guest service, beverage preparation, order accuracy, and overall bar performance.
Ensure cocktails and other beverages are prepared consistently according to established recipes, specifications, and presentation standards.
Maintain strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages to assist guests and team members.
Train, coach, and provide ongoing feedback to team members regarding service standards, beverage preparation, responsible alcohol service, sanitation, and guest engagement.
Lead by example by providing friendly, attentive, and professional service.
Respond to guest questions, concerns, and service issues promptly and professionally, involving management when appropriate.
Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering, receiving, stocking, product rotation, and inventory counts.
Support beverage cost-control efforts by monitoring portioning, waste, spills, breakage, comps, and product usage.
Ensure the bar is properly stocked, organized, clean, and ready for service at all times.
Conduct or assist with shift inspections to ensure cleanliness, organization, equipment condition, and compliance with established standards.
Ensure all team members follow responsible alcohol-service practices, including proper identification verification and appropriate response to signs of intoxication.
Monitor cash-handling and point-of-sale procedures to ensure accurate transactions and proper accountability.
Communicate operational needs, staffing concerns, maintenance issues, inventory shortages, and other shift-related matters to management.
Assist with special events, promotions, private functions, and other Food & Beverage activities as needed.
Collaborate with restaurant, kitchen, front desk, and hotel leadership teams to support smooth operations and a consistent guest experience.
Assist management with implementing new beverage offerings, promotions, service procedures, and operational initiatives.
Address performance, service, safety, and operational concerns promptly and professionally.
Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment among Food & Beverage team members.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.