Head Bartender

The-Met-Hotel-Leeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted room rates

Birthday leave

Course Sponsorship

F&B discount at RBH hotels

Refer a Friend £250

Flexible working arrangements

Wagestream access

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Social and wellness events

Free meals on duty

Job summary

The Met, part of RBH Hospitality Management in Leeds, seeks a dynamic Head Bartender to lead the bar team, deliver exceptional guest service, and uphold the venue’s bold lifestyle brand. You’ll drive service standards, craft drinks, and mentor staff in guest engagement and operation.

Join a people-first culture with extensive benefits, flexible hours, staff discounts, sponsorship opportunities, and wellness initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and energise the bar team to deliver warm, confident service.
• Coach team members in technique and guest engagement, ensuring service is on-brand.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new bar staff.
• Conduct regular one-to-ones and provide feedback to help the team grow.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful environment that promotes learning.
• Oversee day-to-day bar operations including opening/closing and stock control.

Skills

Team leadership

Coaching & development

Recruitment & onboarding

Guest engagement

Upselling & revenue awareness

Communication

Job description

JOIN US

At RBH we believe our people are our biggest assets and understand the value in putting them first. Our approach to diversity in the workplace, health & wellbeing, sustainability and individuality sets us apart from our competitors and is one of the reasons we are rated Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality! We are passionate about the industry and always on the lookout for new talent to join us on our journey...

OUR HOTEL

OUR BENEFITS

You will have access to a benefits package we believe truly works for our people

• Discounted hotel room rates for you and your friends & family
• An extra day's holiday for your birthday
• Enhanced Maternity, adoption & shared parental leave
• Course Sponsorship
• 30% F&B discount at RBH hotels
• Refer a Friend scheme (earn £250 for each referral up to 5 referrals)
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wagestream - choose how and when you get paid
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Social and wellness events and activities all year round
• Free meals on duty saving you over £1000 per year

And much much more!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HEAD BARTENDER AT OUR HOTEL

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, inspire, and energise the bar team, creating a fun, professional environment where creativity and service flourish.
• Coach team members in both technical skill and guest engagement, ensuring service is warm, confident, and always on-brand.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new bar staff, creating a strong foundation for team development.
• Conduct regular one-to-ones, on-the-job coaching and provide regular feedback, helping the team grow and improve every day.
• Recognise individual strengths and foster an inclusive, respectful environment that promotes learning and growth.
• Promote a positive team culture that values respect, teamwork, and authenticity

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Oversee day-to-day bar operations, including opening and closing procedures, service flow, cash handling, and compliance.
• Manage stock levels, ordering, and inventory control, ensuring accuracy, minimal waste, and excellent supplier relations.
• Maintain detailed records of stock use, wastage, and cost control to support financial reporting.
• Coordinate with the Restaurant & Bar Manager on rota planning, shift management, and team deployment.
• Ensure the bar is always prepared for service, with equipment maintained and presentation on point.

GUEST EXPERIENCE & STANDARDS

• Deliver a guest experience that is immersive, exciting, and consistently memorable across all service periods.
• Develop and maintain a high-quality cocktail and drinks list that reflects current trends and aligns with The Met’s bold, lifestyle brand.
• Curate drinks pairings and bar experiences that complement the restaurant and event menus.
• Ensure the bar area is always impeccably clean, organised, and visually appealing; every glass, garnish, and pour matters.
• Resolve guest feedback professionally and confidently, turning potential issues into positive experiences.

DRIVING RESULTS

• Drive bar revenue through creative menu design, upselling, and guest interaction.
• Implement cost control strategies, including efficient portioning, inventory checks, and stock rotation.
• Work with the Restaurant & Bar Manager to analyse sales data, identify best-sellers, and adapt the menu to maximise profitability.
• Monitor and manage supplier relationships to ensure quality products at the right price.
• Support team training in product knowledge and upselling techniques to enhance the guest experience and increase spend per head.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

• Collaborate with the Restaurant & Bar Manager to align bar offerings with seasonal themes, guest feedback, and brand evolution.
• Stay ahead of market trends and contribute innovative ideas that help attract more guests to the bar, enhance the overall drinks experience, and build a strong reputation for The Met’s bar offering
• Support the creation of unique bar experiences from themed cocktails to special promotions and local collaborations.
• Contribute to team strategy meetings, bringing insight and vision from a bar leadership perspective.

THE BASICS THAT MATTER

• Adhere to all hotel policies, codes of conduct, and uniform standards, acting as a brand ambassador and role model for the team.
• Be flexible with working hours to support the needs of the business, including late finishes and peak seasonal periods.
• Collaborate with other departments as needed to support smooth hotel operations and exceptional guest service.
• Take part in regular departmental meetings and briefings.
• Take part in training, development initiatives, and team engagement activities.
• Perform any other duties as required by the Restaurant and Bar Manager or Hotel Management to support operations.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

RBH Hospitality Management is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. If at any point throughout our process you require reasonable adjustments, please contact.

Compensation: To be discussed