Head Bartender

Firehouse; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Talosats Careers in Manchester is seeking a Head Bartender to lead the bar team, set standards, and ensure guests enjoy outstanding drinks and warm, memorable service.

You will combine expert mixology with confident leadership, overseeing bar operations while crafting signature and seasonal cocktails to elevate the bar offering and inspire excellence with every pour.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a bartender in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer.

Responsibilities

• Lead the bar experience by guiding standards and mentoring bartenders.
• Oversee bar operations, ensure speed, accuracy and quality during high-volume service.
• Develop drinks, refine recipes, and keep the offering fresh and exciting.
• Lead by example with clear, confident communication and team motivation.

Skills

Leadership

Bartending Experience

Team Management

Job description

As Head Bartender, you are the driving force behind an exceptional bar experience, leading the team, setting the tone, and ensuring every guest enjoys outstanding drinks and warm, memorable service. You’ll combine expert mixology skills with confident leadership, overseeing bar operations while crafting cocktails that showcase creativity, consistency, and flair. From signature serves to new seasonal creations, you’ll elevate our bar offering and inspire your team to deliver excellence with every pour.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead The Bar Experience: Act as the face of the bar, guiding standards, mentoring bartenders, and ensuring each guest receives energetic, engaging service from the moment they arrive.
• Menu & Product Expert: Oversee smooth, efficient bar operations. Manage workflow, maintain organisation, and ensure speed and accuracy during high-volume service, always without compromising quality.
• Opperational Excellence: Bring strong creative instincts and mixology expertise to the bar. Develop new drinks, refine recipes, and work with the wider team to keep our offering fresh, modern, and exciting.
• Team Leadership & Communication: Lead by example with your approachable, confident communication style. Support and motivate the team, ensuring clarity, teamwork, and high morale even during the busiest moments.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience as a bartender in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, with additional leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer, with a passion for innovation.
• Confidence in supporting leading a team, supporting training, and maintaining high service standards.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at once while keeping the bar clean, calm, and controlled.
• A positive, can‑do attitude with the resilience to stay upbeat under pressure.
• Precision in crafting drinks and overseeing accurate orders, payments, and service timing.