Head Bartender

The Sloane Club; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sloane Club in London seeks an experienced Head Bartender to lead the bar's daily operation and deliver an exceptional member and guest experience.

This hands-on leadership role requires passion for hospitality, premium spirits knowledge, and the ability to develop a high-performing bar team while maintaining the club's renowned standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a Head Bartender or similar leadership role.
• Experience in premium hospitality environments.
• Excellent knowledge of spirits, wines, champagnes and cocktails.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Understanding of stock management, costing and GP control.
• Awareness of licensing, health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and inspire the bar team, setting clear expectations and leading by example.
• Supervise daily bar operations, ensuring the team consistently delivers exceptional service.
• Train and coach bartenders and bar staff on standards and technique.
• Manage staff rotas, attendance and performance feedback.
• Maintain a welcoming, professional atmosphere aligned with private members' club expectations.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure a seamless member experience.

Skills

Head Bartender

Team leadership

Staff training

Stock management

Cocktail knowledge

Guest relations

Job description

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and service-driven Head Bartender to lead the daily operation of our bar and deliver an exceptional experience for our members and their guests.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and service-driven Head Bartender to lead the daily operation of our bar and deliver an exceptional experience for our members and their guests. Working within a prestigious private members' club, the successful candidate will demonstrate a genuine passion for hospitality, an excellent understanding of premium spirits, wines and cocktails, and the ability to lead a team by example. This is a hands‑on leadership position, requiring someone who takes pride in maintaining the highest standards of service, presentation and operational efficiency while creating a welcoming, professional and personable atmosphere. The ideal candidate will be confident in managing a busy bar operation, developing their team and ensuring that every interaction reflects the quality and reputation of the club.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, motivate and inspire the bar team, setting clear expectations and leading by example.
• Supervise daily bar operations, ensuring the team consistently delivers exceptional service.
• Support the training, development and ongoing coaching of bartenders and bar support staff.
• Conduct team briefings, communicate daily objectives and maintain strong team engagement.
• Assist with staff rotas, attendance management and performance feedback.
• Foster a positive, professional and collaborative working environment.

Member Experience & Service Standards

• Deliver an outstanding and personalised experience to members and their guests.
• Develop strong relationships with members, recognising preferences and anticipating individual requirements.
• Ensure service is attentive, knowledgeable, discreet and aligned with private members' club expectations.
• Handle member feedback and service challenges professionally and proactively.
• Maintain a visible presence on the floor, ensuring service standards are consistently upheld.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure a seamless overall member experience.

Bar Operations & Standards

• Oversee the daily opening, closing and preparation of the bar.
• Ensure the bar, back bar, equipment and service areas are maintained to an immaculate standard.
• Maintain consistency in cocktail preparation, presentation and beverage quality.
• Ensure all products are correctly stored, handled and presented.
• Monitor stock levels and oversee ordering, deliveries and stock rotation.
• Maintain accurate stock controls, wastage records and regular stocktakes.
• Ensure all operational procedures, licensing requirements, health and safety and food hygiene standards are followed.

Beverage Knowledge & Development

• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of spirits, wines, champagne, beers and classic cocktails.
• Maintain awareness of current cocktail trends and developments within the premium hospitality sector.
• Support the creation and development of seasonal cocktail menus and beverage offerings.
• Ensure the team is confident in recommending products and providing knowledgeable descriptions.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the bar offering and improve the overall member experience.

Commercial & Financial Awareness

• Monitor wastage, portion control and product consistency.
• Understand beverage GP targets and contribute towards achieving departmental financial objectives.
• Identify opportunities to maximise revenue through effective recommendations and upselling.
• Support management with stock reporting
• Balance commercial performance with the quality of service expected within a premium private members' environment.

Experience & Skills Required

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a Head Bartender, similar leadership position within a quality‑led hospitality environment.
• Previous experience working within a premium hotel, restaurant, members' club or high‑end cocktail bar is desirable.
• Excellent knowledge of spirits, wines, champagne, beers and classic cocktails.
• Strong cocktail preparation and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a team.
• A good understanding of stock management, beverage costing and GP control.
• Knowledge of licensing legislation, health and safety and food hygiene requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A confident, professional and approachable personality.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiences.

Personal Attributes

• Take pride in their appearance, professionalism and personal presentation.
• Have a natural enthusiasm for hospitality and a genuine interest in people.
• Be proactive, organised and solution-focused.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Lead from the front and take ownership of their responsibilities.
• Be commercially aware without compromising the member experience.
• Demonstrate discretion, integrity and an understanding of the expectations associated with private members' club hospitality.
• Have a flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Our Expectations

• As Head Bartender, you will play an important role in shaping the identity and reputation of the bar culture. You will be expected to set the standard for the team, maintain operational excellence and ensure that every member and guest receives a consistently exceptional experience.
• We are looking for someone who combines technical ability with natural leadership, commercial awareness and a genuine passion for delivering hospitality at the highest level.