Head Bartender

W Bridges Manpower Corporation; Makati; On-site; PHP 420,000 - 680,000; Full time

Job summary

W Bridges Manpower Corporation seeks an experienced Head Bartender to lead a Japanese restaurant’s bar operations in Makati. You will supervise the bar team, craft and curate beverage programs, and ensure top service and sanitation standards.

You will manage inventory, train staff, collaborate with the kitchen, and drive beverage sales with innovative cocktails and seasonal offerings.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of bartender experience with at least 1 year in a supervisory or lead capacity
• Deep knowledge of spirits, wines, sakes, shochu, and cocktail techniques
• Proficiency in bar inventory management and POS software

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily bar and lounge operations to meet standards
• Lead the bar team and fill in during peak service hours
• Manage bar inventory, perform stock counts, monitor par levels
• Maintain clean bar stations and equipment per health codes
• Coordinate with kitchen to pair drinks with dishes
• Develop and update the drink menu using Japanese ingredients
• Create signature and seasonal cocktails
• Train new bartenders and barbacks on recipes and service etiquette
• Engage with patrons, suggest pairings, handle requests
• Drive up-selling to meet beverage sales targets

Skills

Bartending experience

Leadership

Inventory management

POS software

Communication

Conflict resolution

Education

Food Handler's Certificate

Health Permit

Tools

POS systems

Job description

About the role

A Head Bartender in a Japanese restaurant manages day-to-day bar operations, curates Japanese-inspired or specialty beverage programs, and leads the bar team while ensuring high service and sanitation standards.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise daily bar and lounge operations to ensure company and brand standards are met
• Lead the bar team using a hands-on approach, assisting during peak service hours and filling in for bartenders or bar waiters as needed
• Manage bar inventory, conduct stock counts, monitor par levels, and handle requisitions and empty bottle audits
• Maintain clean, organized bar stations, tools, glassware, and equipment in compliance with local health and sanitation codes
• Coordinate with the kitchen team to pair drinks with Japanese dishes
• Develop, standardize, and update the drink menu incorporating Japanese spirits and ingredients, whiskies, yuzu, matcha, and craft cocktails
• Create signature and seasonal cocktails that balance flavor profiles and align with the restaurant's concept
• Conduct on-the-job training for new bartenders and barbacks on recipes, POS systems, and service etiquette
• Engage with restaurant patrons, recommend drink pairings, and handle special requests
• Drive up-selling techniques to hit daily and monthly beverage sales targets

About you

• At least 2 to 3 years of experience as a bartender, with 1 or more years in a supervisory or lead capacity
• Deep knowledge of spirits, wines, sakes, shochu, and cocktail-making techniques
• Proficiency in bar inventory management and POS software
• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills under fast-paced service pressure
• Food Handler's Certificate or Health Permit
• Familiarity with Japanese or Asian beverage culture, izakaya operations, or fine-dining service is a strong advantage
• Mixology, sommelier, or sake advisor certifications are a plus