Head Bartender

RAMONA & The Firehouse; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

RAMONA & The Firehouse in Manchester is seeking a Head Bartender to lead the bar team, shape the guest experience, and set the tone for service. You will blend expert mixology with confident leadership to guide operations and ensure every guest enjoys outstanding drinks.

From signature serves to seasonal creations, you’ll elevate the bar offering, coach staff, and maintain high standards of speed, accuracy, and hospitality under pressure.

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.
• Ability to lead a team and train others.
• Maintain high service standards and stay upbeat under pressure.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Operational 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.

Skills

Bartending

Leadership

Team Management

Cocktail Knowledge

Service Excellence

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.