Head Bartender - Blu Bar

Shangri-La Group; The Rocks; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rates

Duty meals every shift

Employee discounts worldwide

Luxury five-star hotel environment

The Rocks location

Job summary

Shangri-La Sydney in The Rocks, Sydney NSW, is seeking a Head Bartender to lead the bar and beverage operations across the hotel's outlets. You will set service standards and ensure guests receive an exceptional beverage experience.

You will mentor the bar team, maintain cocktail knowledge and stock control, and collaborate with F&B, events and front office to deliver memorable guest moments with polish and warmth.

Qualifications

• Previous bartending experience in a luxury hotel or high-end venue.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits and wine.
• Proven ability to lead a team during service period.

Responsibilities

• Lead the bar team during service to uphold high guest service standards.
• Greet guests warmly and engage with professionalism.
• Prepare and serve cocktails, wines, and beverages to hotel standards.
• Maintain knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wines and beer offerings.
• Recommend drinks based on guest preferences.
• Assist with cocktail menu development and changes.
• Complete opening and closing procedures accurately.
• Assist with cash handling and POS reconciliation as required.

Skills

Cocktail knowledge

POS experience

Guest service excellence

Team leadership

Tools

POS systems

Cash handling

Job description

Shangri-La Sydney | The Rocks, Sydney NSW | Full-Time

Three reasons to consider this opportunity

• Lead the bar experience and be a key ambassador for exceptional service, quality and hospitality at one of Sydney’s leading luxury hotels.
• Work in a luxury five-star environment, collaborating closely with the Food & Beverage, Restaurant, Events and Front Office teams to deliver memorable guest experiences.
• Build your hospitality leadership career with Shangri-La Sydney, developing your skills in beverage operations, team leadership, guest engagement and luxury hotel service.

About the role

As a Head Bartender, you will play a key role in delivering an exceptional beverage experience for guests across the hotel's bar and food and beverage outlets.

Working closely with the Food & Beverage management team, bartenders, waitstaff and other hotel departments, you will be responsible for maintaining high standards of beverage quality, service, presentation and guest engagement.

You will lead by example on the floor, support and develop the bar team, and ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the bar during both regular and high-volume service periods.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about hospitality, confident in leading a team, knowledgeable about cocktails and beverages, and committed to delivering a consistently polished and personalised guest experience.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the bar team during service and ensuring a consistently high standard of guest service.
• Welcoming guests in a warm, professional and engaging manner.
  Preparing and serving cocktails, wines, spirits, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and other drinks to hotel standards.
• Maintaining strong knowledge of cocktail recipes, classic and contemporary techniques, spirits, wines, beers and beverage offerings.
• Providing knowledgeable recommendations to guests based on their preferences.
• Supporting the development and implementation of cocktail and beverage menus when required.
• Completing opening and closing procedures accurately and efficiently.
• Assisting with cash handling, POS operations and reconciliation as required.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Bartender, Senior Bartender, Bar Supervisor, Assistant Bar Manager or similar role in a quality hotel, restaurant or cocktail bar.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wines, beers and beverage service.
• Experience with POS systems, cash handling and beverage stock control.
• Flexibility to work a rotating roster, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Previous luxury hotel or high-end hospitality experience is highly desirable.

Why Join Shangri-La Sydney?

• Competitive HIGA rates + penalty rates + 12% Super
• Complimentary duty meals every shift
• Work in a luxury five-star hotel in the heart of The Rocks
• Lead and develop a professional bar team
• Access employee discounts across Shangri-La hotels and resorts worldwide