Lead Bartender

TPG Hotels & Resorts•Allentown, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Bartender is a key member of the restaurant and hotel leadership team, responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences while overseeing the daily operations of the bar. This role combines expert mixology, outstanding hospitality, and operational leadership to ensure the bar operates efficiently, profitably, and in accordance with company standards. In addition to preparing and serving exceptional beverages, the Lead Bartender leads by example through inventory management, purchasing, team development, coaching, and ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and responsible alcohol service standards.

Requirements

Minimum of 3–5 years of bartending experience, with at least one year in a leadership or supervisory role preferred.
Strong knowledge of mixology, cocktail preparation, wine, beer, and spirits.
Experience with inventory management, purchasing, and beverage cost control.
Excellent customer service, leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Basic math skills and experience handling cash and POS systems.
Knowledge of health, safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service regulations.
Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.

Responsibilities

Lead by example by delivering exceptional hospitality and maintaining the highest standards of service.
Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop bartenders and bar support team members.
Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training new team members.
Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to promote employee growth and accountability.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional team culture.
Partner with restaurant and hotel leadership to achieve operational and financial goals.
Serve as the leadership presence during bar service, resolving issues and supporting the team as needed.
Skillfully prepare and serve a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, wine, and specialty drinks while adhering to established recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines.
Maintain extensive knowledge of the beverage menu, ingredients, flavor profiles, and food pairings to confidently recommend selections based on guest preferences.
Ensure all beverages are visually appealing and consistently presented using appropriate glassware and garnishes.
Create an engaging, welcoming atmosphere by interacting with guests, anticipating their needs, and delivering memorable hospitality.
Prepare the bar for service by ensuring all equipment, tools, ingredients, and supplies are stocked and organized.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized bar throughout each shift.
Accurately process cash, credit card, and POS transactions while following all cash-handling procedures.
Collaborate with servers, culinary staff, and management to ensure efficient service and an exceptional guest experience.
Manage beverage inventory, including weekly and monthly inventory counts.
Monitor stock levels and maintain appropriate par levels.
Place beverage and bar supply orders while controlling costs and minimizing waste.
Receive and verify deliveries for quality and accuracy.
Monitor product usage, identify opportunities to reduce shrinkage, and support beverage cost goals.
Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Adhere to all federal, state, and local alcohol service regulations.
Verify guest identification and practice responsible alcohol service, refusing service when appropriate.
Maintain health, sanitation, and food safety standards throughout the bar.
Ensure recipes, portion controls, and service standards are consistently followed.
Complete inventory, ordering, and operational reports accurately and on schedule.
Assist with beverage menu development, seasonal cocktails, and promotional initiatives.
Participate in leadership meetings and contribute ideas for operational improvements.
Support sales initiatives and beverage program profitability through cost control, upselling, and exceptional guest service.