Head Bartender

Rotana Hotels; Manama; On-site; BHD 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotana in Manama, Bahrain, is seeking a dynamic Head Bartender to lead the bar team and deliver exceptional beverage experiences. The role emphasizes creativity, beverage knowledge, and engaging guest interactions while supporting the F&B team to maximize guest satisfaction and revenue.

The ideal candidate will have a diploma in hospitality management and at least two years of bar operations experience, with excellent English and strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Hospitality Management or related vocational training.
• Minimum of two years' experience in bar operations.
• Excellent command of English; strong guest service and communication skills.
• Knowledge of wines, spirits, cocktails, and beverage preparation.
• Previous experience in a team-leading or supervisory role is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Deliver professional beverage service to standard.
• Lead the bar team to provide warm, efficient, and engaging service.
• Prepare and serve a wide range of beverages with consistency in quality, presentation, and taste.
• Train the bar team on beverage knowledge, techniques, pouring, presenting, and upselling.
• Maintain the timely setup of all bar areas and mise en place before opening and during operations.
• Promote innovative beverage offerings and upsell to maximize revenue and guest satisfaction.
• Monitor wastage and costs, ensuring stock levels are adequate for daily operations.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and organization in the bar and service areas.

Skills

Guest service

Communication

Team leadership

Customer focus

Education

Diploma in Hospitality Management

Job description

We are currently looking for a dynamic, passionate, and self-motivated Food & Beverage professional who is ready to take the next step in their hospitality career.

As a Head Bartender, you will be responsible for delivering an exceptional beverage experience while leading by example and maintaining the highest standards of service, quality, and hospitality. With your creativity, beverage knowledge, and engaging personality, you will create memorable guest experiences while supporting the team in maximizing guest satisfaction and revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver professional and personalized beverage service in accordance with the hotel’s established standards.
• Lead by example and ensure the bar team consistently provides warm, efficient, and engaging service.
• Prepare and serve a wide range of beverages and cocktails while maintaining consistency in quality, presentation, and taste.
• Conduct regular training and coaching sessions for the bar team, including beverage knowledge, cocktail preparation, pouring techniques, presentation, and upselling.
• Ensure the timely setup of all bar areas and completion of mise en place prior to opening and throughout operations.
• Introduce and recommend creative, innovative, and trend-led beverage offerings that enhance the guest experience.
• Actively promote beverages and apply effective upselling techniques to maximize sales and revenue opportunities.
• Monitor the efficient use of products and resources while minimizing wastage, breakage, and unnecessary costs.
• Prepare and process store and bar requisitions, ensuring adequate stock levels for daily operations.
• Monitor the quality, availability, and presentation of beverages and bar supplies.
• Handle guest feedback and complaints promptly and professionally, escalating matters to the appropriate manager when required.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, organization, and food safety throughout the bar and service areas.
• Build positive relationships with guests and colleagues through a courteous, professional, and approachable manner.
• Support smooth daily bar operations, particularly during peak periods, and work closely with the wider Food & Beverage team.
• Contribute to creating memorable experiences and delivering “Treasured Time” for every guest.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

You should ideally have a diploma in Hospitality Management or relevant vocational training in Food & Beverage, with a minimum of two years of experience in bar operations, preferably within a hotel, high-volume restaurant, or upscale bar environment.

An excellent command of English is essential, together with strong guest service, communication, and interpersonal skills. You should have sound knowledge of wines, spirits, liquors, cocktails, and beverage preparation techniques, along with confident bartending and presentation skills.

Previous experience in a team-leading or supervisory capacity will be a definite advantage, particularly in coaching team members and supporting smooth daily bar operations.

Knowledge & Competencies

The ideal candidate will be a well-presented, confident, and engaging hospitality professional with a genuine passion for beverages, people, and exceptional service.

You should be hands-on, proactive, charismatic, and approachable, with the ability to create positive connections with both guests and colleagues. You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, remain calm and professional under pressure, and thrive as part of a multicultural team.

You should possess the following key competencies:

• Understanding Hotel Operations
• Effective Communication
• Planning for Business
• Supervising People
• Understanding Differences
• Supervising Operations
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Customer Focus
• Drive for Results