Lead Bartender - Aera

aera; Toronto; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a passionate Bar Lead to elevate the bar experience in a luxurious setting. This role involves overseeing the bar program, managing day-to-day operations, and creating innovative cocktail offerings. With a focus on exceptional service and team leadership, you'll inspire others while ensuring a memorable experience for guests. Join a vibrant team dedicated to fine dining and hospitality excellence, where your contributions will be valued and recognized. This is an exciting opportunity to grow within one of Canada's largest hospitality companies, offering a dynamic environment and numerous career opportunities.

Benefits

Gratuity Sharing

Discounted Gym Membership

Employee Assistance Program

50% Dining Discount

Employee Referral Program

Training and Development Opportunities

Health, Dental and Vision Benefits

Enhanced Mental Health Coverage

Qualifications

• 3+ years in high-volume hospitality, with fine dining experience preferred.
• Strong beverage knowledge and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee bar operations, manage staff training, and drive sales through promotions.
• Build relationships with suppliers and maintain operational standards.

Skills

Beverage Knowledge

Conflict Resolution

Communication Skills

Organization

Sales Management

Education

WSET Intermediate Wine Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Company Description
Welcome to Aera, Toronto’s destination for peak indulgence. Paying homage to 21st century American cuisine, our menu of elevated classics and steakhouse favourites pairs beautifully with panoramic city views. Featuring a luxuriously appointed cocktail bar, impressive sushi counter, and an expansive open-air terrace set to launch this spring, our 38th-floor oasis in the clouds marries exceptional design and culinary innovation. As masters of our craft, we ensure that every moment spent with us is a tribute to the art of fine dining — and once the sun sets — a lively celebration of late-night revelry.

With the goal of giving each and every guest a truly memorable dining experience, our team is passionate about providing polished, attentive, and intuitive hospitality at every turn.

What's in it for you?

• Gratuity Sharing
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Program
• 50% dining discount for all O&B locations for you and up to 3 guests
• Employee referral program
• Training and development opportunities
• Access to health, dental and vision benefits with enhanced mental health coverage
• O&B is one of Canada’s largest hospitality companies with many internal career opportunities. We have restaurants, food halls, and catering teams in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec

Job Description
The Bar Lead will oversee the bar program by creating and maintaining bar standards while driving sales through creative and innovative promotions and building relationships with suppliers and vendors. In addition, the Bar Lead is accountable for the day to day operations of the restaurant bar including cost controls, staff training, budgeting, administration and active bartending.

The Day to Day:

• Work bartending/serving shifts
• Manage the bar and beverage program for the restaurant including cocktails, beers, garnishing and non-alcoholic beverages
• Create and maintain service and operational standards for the bar, making use of best practices and efficiencies where possible
• Lead the creation and maintenance of cocktail lists including new and innovative products and combinations while keeping in mind costing and speed requirements
• Liaison and build relationships with beverage related suppliers to source new products, new promotions and improved pricing
• Communicate the vision to all team members and leads by example. Reinforce the O&B values daily and inspires the team with his/her exciting vision for the future
• Ensure facility is well maintained, repaired and spotless at all times
• Regularly monitors and achieves the O&B points of technical service and points of details
• Builds and maintains relationships with guests, team members and senior management alike
• Demonstrate high personal integrity, business ethics and takes every opportunity to promote the venue
• Use conflict resolution and problem solving skills
• Strive for maximum efficiency and continual improvement of staff productivity
• Assists with the tracking of sales, invoicing, and managing inventory
• Additional duties as assigned or required

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a high volume, fast paced hospitality environment.
• WSET Intermediate Wine Certificate or comparable an asset
• Experience working in both a fine dining and casual restaurant bar environment is preferred
• Extensive beverage knowledge including traditional cocktails and new, on-trend beverages
• Experience with new restaurant or bar openings and bar set-up is preferred
• A passion for beverage, food and service is a must!
• Must possess superior verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate extreme organization in a fast paced environment while acting as a team player
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Strong business acumen

Additional Information
** We thank all applicants for their interest in Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants; however, only suitable candidates will be contacted to continue the application process. **

Oliver & Bonacini's Diversity Commitment
At Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality, we are committed to treating every employee with dignity and respect. We strive to be fair and just, and create working environments where our employees can be at their best.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing
• Industries
• Technology, Information and Internet