Lounge Lead Bartender

Proper Hospitality Careers•Miami Beach, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lounge Lead Bartender oversees daily bar operations at The Shelborne by Proper, an oceanfront Art Deco hotel in Miami Beach. The role is responsible for efficient service, a positive guest experience, drink quality and presentation, bar readiness, inventory, cleanliness, and compliance with safety and alcohol-service requirements. The lead coordinates with kitchen and service teams and monitors guest feedback, sales, and inventory to support effective operations. The position provides hands-on leadership for bartenders and other bar staff, including training, coaching, scheduling, setting expectations, and providing performance feedback. It also involves engaging guests, addressing concerns, recommending beverages, controlling stock and waste, maintaining equipment, and supporting drink promotions and special events. The employer describes a culture focused on creativity, excellence, care, employee wellbeing, growth, and belonging, and states that it offers comprehensive benefits and development programs. Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
A minimum of 3–5 years of bartending experience in a high-volume or upscale environment.
At least 1–2 years of experience in a supervisory or lead role.
In-depth knowledge of spirits, liqueurs, beers, wines, and cocktail preparation.
Experience managing bar operations, inventory control, and staff supervision.
Strong leadership and team-management skills, including the ability to motivate, coach, and develop staff.
Excellent customer-service and communication skills, including the ability to engage guests and provide an exceptional experience.
Knowledge of cocktail recipes, bartending techniques, and beverage trends.
Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks while maintaining service quality.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize and delegate.
Proficiency in inventory, stock management, and cost-control measures.
Ability to stand and move around the bar for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry items such as bottles, kegs, and glassware weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to occasionally bend, reach, and stoop to access storage or restock supplies.

Nice To Haves

Additional training in hospitality or bartending.
Certification in alcohol safety or bartending, such as TIPS or Responsible Beverage Service.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily bar operations, including setup, stock levels, cleanliness, service efficiency, and guest experience.
Ensure drinks are prepared to recipe and guest specifications and meet quality and presentation standards.
Monitor bar performance, guest feedback, sales, and inventory, and adjust operations as needed.
Coordinate with kitchen and service teams for smooth communication and accurate drink service, particularly during peak periods.
Lead, guide, train, mentor, and coach bartenders and bar staff on cocktail preparation, service standards, bar etiquette, and company policies.
Create staff schedules and ensure the bar is adequately staffed for busy periods and special events.
Set performance expectations, conduct regular performance evaluations, and provide feedback to support improvement.
Foster teamwork, collaboration, and accountability among bar staff.
Engage guests, address their needs, handle concerns and complaints professionally, and provide personalized beverage recommendations.
Maintain a welcoming and lively bar atmosphere while remaining professional.
Oversee inventory and ensure beverages, mixers, garnishes, glassware, and other supplies are stocked and stored appropriately.
Conduct inventory checks and assist with ordering and replenishment to prevent shortages and waste.
Ensure alcoholic beverages are properly handled, labeled, and stored.
Monitor waste, over-pouring, and portion control, and implement measures to manage costs and margins.
Maintain a clean, organized, efficient, and safe bar area and comply with health, safety, hygiene, sanitation, and alcohol-service regulations.
Enforce company policies for responsible alcohol service, cash handling, and customer interactions.
Inspect bar equipment, including blenders, shakers, and coolers, and report problems to management.
Assist in creating and promoting drink specials, happy-hour offerings, and seasonal cocktail menus.
Lead or assist with special events, tastings, promotions, and themed nights in collaboration with management.