Bartender – Permanent Part-Time / Full-Time

Cognoscenti Food & Wine; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 75,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent part-time

Full-time hours for right candidate

Staff discounts

Creative input on cocktails

Supportive hospitality team

Job summary

Cognoscenti Food & Wine in Belgrave, nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, is seeking an experienced bartender to take ownership of the bar and contribute to our drinks program.

You will manage bar prep, stock, and service during busy periods, work closely with floor and kitchen teams, and bring ideas for cocktails and seasonal drinks. Permanent part-time with potential for full-time hours for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years bartending experience
• Knowledge of spirits and classic cocktails
• Basic wine knowledge
• Ability to work quickly in a fast-paced restaurant environment
• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• Genuine interest in hospitality and guest care
• Willingness to contribute ideas
• Able to work independently while also being a strong team player
• Availability to work nights and weekends
• Barista experience is a bonus, but training can be provided

Responsibilities

• Preparing and serving cocktails, spirits, wine, beer and other beverages
• Taking ownership of bar prep and mise en place before service
• Managing bar stock levels, ordering requirements and stocktakes
• Maintaining a clean, organised and well‑presented bar
• Contributing ideas and input into cocktail creation and seasonal drinks
• Dispensing drinks efficiently during busy services
• Serving and engaging with guests seated at the bar
• Providing drink recommendations and delivering warm, knowledgeable service
• Working closely with the floor and kitchen teams to ensure smooth service

Skills

Bartending

Cocktail knowledge

Spirits knowledge

Wine knowledge

Fast-paced service

Attention to detail

Team player

Night shifts

Stock management

Hospitality mindset

Job description

An exciting opportunity has opened up for an experienced bartender to join the team at Cognoscenti Food & Wine and take ownership of our bar.

Located in Belgrave, in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges and only 50 minutes from Melbourne CBD, Cognoscenti is a vibrant neighbourhood restaurant combining fresh, seasonal produce with European influences and a strong focus on great food, wine and hospitality.

Since opening in February 2022, we’ve continued to grow and evolve, and we’re now looking for a confident, organised and enthusiastic bartender to become an important part of our team.

This is more than simply a drinks-dispensing role. You’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of the day-to-day running of the bar, contribute ideas to our cocktail offering and help us continue developing the drinks experience at Cognoscenti.

Permanent part-time is available, with the opportunity for full-time hours for the right candidate.

Cognoscenti Food & Wine | Belgrave, Dandenong Ranges

The Role

You’ll be responsible for keeping the bar organised, prepared and running smoothly throughout service, while working closely with our floor and management team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing and serving cocktails, spirits, wine, beer and other beverages
• Taking ownership of bar prep and mise en place before service
• Managing bar stock levels, ordering requirements and stocktakes
• Maintaining a clean, organised and well‑presented bar
• Contributing ideas and having input into cocktail creation and seasonal drinks
• Dispensing drinks efficiently during busy services
• Serving and engaging with guests seated at the bar
• Providing drink recommendations and delivering warm, knowledgeable service
• Working closely with the floor and kitchen teams to ensure smooth service

About You

We’re looking for someone who is confident behind the bar, enjoys taking responsibility and works well as part of a close‑knit team.

You’ll ideally have:

• A minimum of 1–2 years’ bartending experience
• Good knowledge of spirits and a solid understanding of classic cocktails
• Basic wine knowledge
• The ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast‑paced restaurant environment
• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• A genuine interest in hospitality and looking after guests
• A positive attitude and willingness to contribute ideas
• The ability to work independently while also being a strong team player
• Availability to work nights and weekends

Barista experience is a bonus, but training can be provided.

What We Offer

• Permanent part-time or full-time employment for the right candidate
• Competitive pay based on experience
• The opportunity to take real ownership of the bar
• Creative input into our cocktail and drinks offering
• A professional but relaxed and friendly workplace
• Staff discounts when dining at Cognoscenti
• Opportunities to learn, develop and grow within the business
• A supportive, passionate and experienced hospitality team

If you’re an experienced bartender looking for a role where you can have more responsibility, bring your own ideas to the bar and become an important part of a growing restaurant, we’d love to hear from you.