Head Bartender

Kerten Hospitality; Shimla district; On-site; INR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Career growth

Inclusive environment

Shared purpose

Job summary

Kerten Hospitality in Shimla, North India, seeks a Head Bartender to lead the bar team and deliver premium cocktails in a luxury setting.

Role emphasizes menu development, inventory management, hygiene compliance, and guest-focused service. Fluency in English and Hindi is preferred; candidates must thrive in a fast-paced environment and coach staff to uphold brand standards.

Qualifications

• Head Bartender or Senior Bartender experience in hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wines and modern mixology.
• Good understanding of beverage inventory, stock management and cost control.
• Creative development and presentation of cocktails.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of hygiene, health, safety, and responsible beverage service standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Good communication skills and ability to train staff.
• Fluency in English and Hindi; knowledge of regional Indian languages is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily bar operations, ensuring smooth service and alignment with brand and service standards.
• Lead, supervise, and motivate the bar team to deliver a high-quality guest experience.
• Prepare and serve cocktails, beverages, and signature drinks to consistently high standards.
• Develop and maintain cocktail menus, seasonal offerings, and innovative beverage concepts.
• Ensure proper bar setup, mise en place, cleanliness, and organization at all times.
• Monitor beverage inventory, stock levels, ordering, and storage while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
• Maintain accurate stock counts and support regular beverage inventory and cost-control procedures.
• Handle guest feedback, special requests, and complaints professionally.
• Train and develop bartenders and bar team members on product knowledge, cocktail preparation, service standards, and upselling techniques.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, health, safety, and local regulations related to beverage service.
• Coordinate closely with Restaurant, F&B, Kitchen, and other operational teams to ensure seamless service.
• Support revenue growth through upselling, beverage promotions, and effective menu recommendations.

Skills

Leadership

Cocktails & mixology

Inventory control

Staff training

Communication

Multitasking

Hygiene & safety

English & Hindi fluency

Job description

Job Description:

Shimla, North India

About Kerten Hospitality

Kerten Hospitality (KH) is an end-to-end lifestyle hospitality operator creating bespoke destinations, lodging, experiences and communities while optimising operations and driving profitability for savvy investors with a strong commitment to sustainability. KH transforms destinations through impactful partnerships with Lodging, Food & Beverage, Retail, Entertainment, Art and Wellness brands with a focus on building Ecosystems, and unique community-centric destinations, which connect International & local travellers. The Group’s current pipeline of lodging includes projects in numerous countries in the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa region. An expanding development pipeline of more than 55 lodging projects representing over 4,500 keys planned across our international development pipeline. Our Impact Every destination we develop and every concept we bring to life is driven by purpose and rooted in ESG, locality, sustainability, innovation, meaningful collaborations, that nurture ecosystems supporting community growth, guided by our values of Connection, Curation, Innovation, and Leading the Way.

About The Property

A premium lifestyle destination set within one of North India's most iconic hill stations, blending colonial heritage, Himalayan charm, and contemporary hospitality. The property features 40 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, including Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites, offering a refined retreat for upscale leisure travellers, families, and boutique explorers. The hotel positions its culinary offering as the region's first Michelin‑aspiring destination, with seasonal tasting menus and global comfort classics celebrating local terroir alongside internationally curated cuisine. Wellness facilities include a heated swimming pool, dedicated wellness rooms, and conference areas, complemented by curated experiences that connect guests with Shimla's heritage architecture, vibrant promenades, mountain lifestyle, and natural surroundings. The property is also positioned as a leading venue for luxury destination weddings in the region.

Location:

Shimla, North India

About The Role

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee daily bar operations, ensuring smooth service and alignment with brand and service standards.
• Lead, supervise, and motivate the bar team to deliver a high-quality guest experience.
• Prepare and serve cocktails, beverages, and signature drinks to consistently high standards.
• Develop and maintain cocktail menus, seasonal offerings, and innovative beverage concepts.
• Ensure proper bar setup, mise en place, cleanliness, and organization at all times.
• Monitor beverage inventory, stock levels, ordering, and storage while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
• Maintain accurate stock counts and support regular beverage inventory and cost‑control procedures.
• Handle guest feedback, special requests, and complaints professionally.
• Train and develop bartenders and bar team members on product knowledge, cocktail preparation, service standards, and upselling techniques.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, health, safety, and local regulations related to beverage service.
• Coordinate closely with Restaurant, F&B, Kitchen, and other operational teams to ensure seamless service.
• Support revenue growth through upselling, beverage promotions, and effective menu recommendations.

Experience & Skills

• Previous experience as a Head Bartender, Senior Bartender, or similar role within the hospitality industry.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wines, beverages, and modern mixology techniques.
• Good understanding of beverage inventory, stock management, and cost control.
• Creative approach to cocktail development and beverage presentation.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Knowledge of hygiene, health, safety, and responsible beverage service standards.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Good communication skills with the ability to train and motivate team members.
• Fluency in English and Hindi; knowledge of additional regional Indian languages is an advantage.

JOINING OUR TEAM MEANS

• Competitive Compensation: A rewarding package tailored to your experience.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within our dynamic organisation.
• Inclusive Environment: A vibrant and inclusive workplace that encourages collaboration.
• Shared Purpose: Working with passionate people who live our values every day — connecting, innovating, curating, and leading the way together.