Lead Bartender

Millennium Hotels and Resorts•Sunnyvale, CA

40d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Lead Bartender at Beast & Butterflies, you will play a crucial role in leading the bar experience. This position combines expert beverage knowledge with exceptional hospitality and team leadership. You will be responsible for crafting high-quality cocktails, supporting daily bar operations, and guiding the bartending team to deliver a consistent, energetic, and memorable guest experience. This role is ideal for an experienced bartender who leads by example, possesses strong knowledge of cocktails and beverage service, and thrives in a fast-paced, social environment. You will serve as a key leader within the bar operation, helping ensure quality, consistency, efficiency, and exceptional guest service. Your leadership will help create an engaging atmosphere while supporting the team in meeting M Social's service and operational standards.

Requirements

Minimum 2–3 years of bartending experience, preferably in a full-service restaurant, hotel, upscale bar, or lifestyle property
Previous lead bartender or supervisory experience preferred
Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits
Experience with craft cocktails and premium spirits
Experience using point-of-sale (POS) systems
Food Handler Card required or ability to obtain upon hire
Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification required or ability to obtain as required by California law
Ability to accurately handle cash and beverage transactions
Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to lead by example in a fast-paced environment
Strong multitasking, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
Professional appearance and positive attitude
Ability to coach and support team members
Strong knowledge of beverage service and bar operations
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift
Frequently lift and carry up to 35 pounds
Ability to bend, reach, stock shelves, and move quickly in a busy bar environment
Ability to safely handle glassware, beverage products, and bar equipment
Comfortable working in a high-volume, guest-facing environment
High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered

Nice To Haves

Previous hotel or lifestyle restaurant experience preferred
Mixology training or cocktail certification is a plus
Wine knowledge or WSET certification is beneficial
Experience training and mentoring bartenders
Experience with cocktail menu development is a plus
Bilingual abilities are a plus

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipes and brand standards
Create handcrafted cocktails while maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation
Demonstrate strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits
Provide knowledgeable recommendations based on guest preferences
Monitor beverage quality, presentation, and consistency throughout service
Accurately process guest checks and payments using the POS system
Practice responsible alcohol service and monitor guest alcohol consumption
Lead by example and set the standard for exceptional bar service
Support, coach, and mentor bartenders and barbacks during daily operations
Help assign and prioritize tasks to ensure smooth service
Communicate operational priorities and service expectations to the bar team
Assist management with training and onboarding of new team members
Provide feedback and escalate performance or operational concerns to management
Help maintain a positive, collaborative, and social team environment
Welcome and engage guests with a warm, friendly, and confident approach
Build rapport with guests and create personalized beverage experiences
Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly to requests
Handle guest concerns professionally and assist with service recovery when appropriate
Create an energetic atmosphere that reflects the M Social brand
Maintain professionalism while creating genuine social connections with guests
Oversee bar setup and readiness for service
Ensure liquor, beer, wine, mixers, garnishes, glassware, ice, and supplies are properly stocked
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar and service areas
Complete opening, closing, and side-work duties according to established procedures
Assist with inventory counts, product rotation, and monitoring beverage levels
Communicate product and supply needs to management
Help ensure proper storage and handling of alcoholic beverages and supplies
Work closely with Food & Beverage, Culinary, Banquet, and Management teams
Coordinate beverage service during high-volume periods and special events
Communicate effectively regarding guest requests, menu changes, and operational priorities
Support restaurant and banquet beverage operations as needed
Foster a team-first environment where employees support one another
Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
Verify guest identification and comply with California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) requirements
Handle cash and credit card transactions accurately and securely
Follow company policies regarding responsible alcohol service
Maintain a safe and sanitary bar environment
Report maintenance, safety, or equipment concerns promptly