Lead Bartender

Auberge Collection•Dallas, TX

10d

About The Position

The Lead Bartender delivers exceptional beverage service and supports the execution and consistency of the hotel’s cocktail program. This working leadership role guides the Barback and Bar Prep teams, oversees cocktail and garnish production, and partners with management on staffing structure, training, and beverage standards across hotel outlets. The role combines direct bar service and beverage preparation with production oversight, quality control, team direction, inventory monitoring, and compliance with responsible alcohol service, food safety, sanitation, and hotel procedures. The Lead Bartender also coordinates with outlet bartenders and communicates operational concerns and improvement opportunities to beverage leadership.

Requirements

Prior bartending experience in an upscale or luxury hospitality environment.
Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, spirits, production methods, and beverage service.
Experience with cocktail batching, garnish preparation, recipe adherence, and quality-control procedures.
Clear communication, coaching, organization, and collaborative leadership skills.
Ability to direct Barback and Bar Prep workflows and advise management on staffing requirements.
Professional appearance, attention to detail, and commitment to consistent luxury service standards.
Familiarity with inventory controls, sanitation requirements, and POS or production documentation.
Flexible availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying outlet needs.
Must meet legal alcohol-service age requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain required food-handler and alcohol-service certifications.

Nice To Haves

Lead experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide polished, attentive bar service while setting standards for hospitality, presentation, and technical execution.
Prepare cocktails and other beverages according to approved recipes, specifications, and service standards.
Maintain knowledge of spirits, wine, beer, nonalcoholic beverages, menus, and beverage pairings.
Direct daily work of Barbacks and Bar Prep team members, assign priorities, and monitor completion.
Oversee cocktail batching, syrups, infusions, juices, and garnish production for quality, consistency, and freshness.
Maintain recipe specifications, preparation methods, labeling, dating, storage, and production pars across outlets.
Inspect cocktail presentation, glassware, ice, garnishes, and service technique to uphold hotel-wide beverage standards.
Coordinate production and replenishment with outlet bartenders to support timely, uninterrupted beverage service.
Consult with management on schedule structure, staffing coverage, and allocation of Barback and Bar Prep labor.
Identify training needs and coach team members in cocktail technique, organization, sanitation, and service standards.
Monitor beverage inventory, waste, product rotation, and stock levels; communicate shortages and variances.
Ensure compliance with responsible alcohol service, food safety, sanitation, and hotel operating procedures.
Communicate operational concerns, quality issues, and improvement opportunities to beverage leadership.