Head Bartender - Strawfire

Mandarin Oriental; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 201,000 - 357,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MOstay programme with complimentary/n-

Health benefits and wellness

Retirement plans

Job summary

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi is seeking a Head Bartender to lead the bar team within the Food & Beverage Department. You will oversee daily operations, ensure top‑notch guest experiences, and maintain beverage standards in line with luxury brand expectations.

Ideal candidates have a diploma or certification in Bartending/Mixology, 3–5+ years in high-end hospitality, and strong leadership and guest‑relations skills for an international clientele.

Qualifications

• Diploma or professional certification in Bartending, Mixology, Hospitality Management or related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with international guests.
• Experience leading a bar team in luxury hospitality environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation of the bar and lead the bar team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Train and develop bartenders in freestyle bartending, mixology, and beverage knowledge.
• Ensure compliance with alcohol, licensing and responsible-service policies.
• Proactively engage guests with cocktail and beverage recommendations.

Skills

Beverage knowledge

Leadership

Guest interaction

Education

Diploma or cert in Bartending/Mixology/Hospitality Management

Job description

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi is looking for a Head Bartender to join our Food & Beverage team.

Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional.

Mandarin Oriental is the award‑winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognised for creating some of the world’s most sought‑after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting‑edge of luxury experiences.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi is the definition of an unrivalled Arabian fantasy. From a 1.3km pristine private beach, landscaped pools and a private marina overlooking a natural bay, the hotel is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi and perfect for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime holiday or for events and meetings that make a statement, with some of the city’s largest hotel conference centres. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi offers award‑winning 5-star luxury hospitality and authentic local experiences with 390 luxurious rooms and suites along with award‑winning culinary cuisines.

About The Job

Based at the Emirates palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi within the Food & Beverage Department, the Head Bartender is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the bar, leading the bar team, and ensuring an exceptional beverage and guest experience in line with the standards of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. The Head Bartender reports to the Restaurant General Manager.

As a Head Bartender, you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Ensure the beverage section of the outlet is managed efficiently in accordance with the established concept and service standards, consistently delivering courteous, professional, efficient, and flexible service in line with Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental standards.
• Take an active role in the daily operation and ensure appropriate senior leadership coverage during the opening and closing of each function.
• Create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere by ensuring the team actively interacts with and entertains guests in a professional manner.
• Lead the training and development of Bartenders, with particular focus on freestyle bartending, mixology, cocktail preparation, and beverage knowledge.
• Proactively engage with guests by recommending cocktails, wines, non‑alcoholic beverages, and promotional offerings based on their preferences.
• Apply approved suggestive‑selling techniques to maximize revenue and promote higher‑margin products.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of bar inventory, wine selections, beverage offerings, and current trends to confidently respond to guest inquiries.
• Maintain an extensive knowledge of beverage recipes, preparation techniques, and standard mixing procedures to ensure consistency and quality.
• Oversee the complete setup, presentation, cleanliness, and organization of the bar throughout the operation.
• Ensure the beverage selection is attractively displayed and presented in accordance with established standards.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of cash‑handling procedures, check writing, credit card transactions, city ledger, and customer ledger procedures.
• Regularly review the bar and beverage menus and provide recommendations for improvements, new concepts, and promotions to the Restaurant Manager / General Manager.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable alcohol, liquor, licensing, and responsible‑service policies and regulations.
• Assist in preparing the bar's business and marketing plans in collaboration with the Restaurant Manager and contribute to the preparation and management of the departmental budget.
• Handle guest inquiries, requests, and concerns in a courteous and efficient manner. Escalate unresolved complaints to the appropriate supervisor and ensure proper follow‑up with the guest.

As a Head Bartender, We Expect From You

• Diploma or professional certification in Bartending, Mixology, Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of bartending experience in a luxury hotel, resort, fine‑dining restaurant, or high‑end bar environment.
• Previous experience in a Senior Bartender, Head Bartender, or supervisory position is highly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with international guests.

Our commitment to you

• Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously.
• MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it's important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones.
• Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work‑life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally.
• Retirement Plans. When you show commitment to us, we reciprocate. We offer different retirement plans depending on the length of your service and your role.

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