Lead Bartender

Mélange on Sycamore•Newtown, PA

6d•$21•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Bartender will be a senior member of the bar team, responsible not only for mixing and serving drinks, but for taking a leadership role behind the bar. This person will ensure high service standards, train and supervise other bartenders, assist with cocktail menu development, monitor bar operations including stock/inventory/control, and serve as a key ambassador of the bar program.

Requirements

Minimum 3-5 years bartending experience in a full-service, high‐volume restaurant or bar; prior experience in a lead or senior bartender role preferred.
St rong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine and beer; comfortable designing/maintaining a creative drinks program.
Proven supervisory or training experience, with the ability to lead and motivate a team.
Excellent guest service skills - friendly, engaging, professional; able to anticipate guest needs and upsell effectively.
Strong organizational, time‐management and multitasking skills; able to thrive in a fast‐paced environment.
Strong cash handling and POS system experience; attention to detail.
Good inventory/stock control awareness and cost consciousness (minimizing waste, maximizing profitability).
Knowledge of responsible alcohol service regulations (age check, intoxication policies).
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays; ability to handle split shifts if necessary.
Ability to collaborate with kitchen and FOH teams to deliver unified guest service.

Nice To Haves

A flair for mixology and crafting signature cocktails, infusions, syrups, and presenting visually appealing drinks.
Experience managing outdoor bar seating or patio bar operations.
A hospitality mindset aligned with the Mélange concept: blending cultures (Italian & Louisiana), food‐forward bar program, communal and social atmosphere.
Some administrative capability (scheduling, basic cost tracking) if needed.

Responsibilities

Greet and engage guests at the bar, take beverage orders, mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to the highest standards of quality, presentation, and timing.
Supervise and mentor the bar team: train new bartenders, ensure adherence to standards, lead by example during high-volume shifts.
Assist with creation of cocktail menus, seasonal specials, and signature drinks that reflect our "mixture of food, culture & friends" ethos.
Oversee bar operations during shift: opening and closing tasks, cash handling, POS accuracy, drink cost controls, inventory & stock management, ordering and receiving supplies.
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and professional appearance of the bar, back‐ bar, outdoor bar areas, and service surfaces.
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (e.g., age verification, responsible service of alcohol, health & safety).
Work in partnership with the kitchen and front‐of‐house teams to deliver seamless guest experience, particularly for the unique Mélange concept (Italian–Louisiana fusion).
Monitor guest satisfaction, respond to guest concerns or requests in a timely and positive manner, promoting return visits.
Contribute ideas for bar specials, promotions, events, and collaborate with management for execution.
Assist in scheduling or coordinating bar shifts, as needed, and help manage workflow during busy periods (especially patio/outdoor seating).