Bar Lead

Workstream; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k with a 4% match after 6 months of

growth opportunities

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Horsefeather Palo Alto is seeking a Bar Manager to lead our creative and competitive cocktail program. You will oversee daily bar operations, train the team, manage inventory, and collaborate with the General Manager and Chef de Cuisine to ensure seamless service across departments.

The ideal candidate has at least one year of bar management in a high-volume setting, deep knowledge of spirits and mixology, and proficiency with Toast or similar POS systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of bar management or lead bartender experience in a high-volume, cocktail-forward setting.
• Strong working knowledge of spirits, classic cocktails, and modern mixology.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and vendor relations.
• Ability to train and mentor team members in both technique and hospitality.
• Proficiency with POS systems (Toast preferred).
• California Food Handler’s Card and RBS certification required.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a bar team with hospitality, efficiency, and consistency.
• Maintain and evolve the cocktail program with seasonal updates and staff education.
• Oversee all aspects of bar operations, including cleanliness, prep, restocking, and compliance with health and safety standards.
• Manage weekly and monthly liquor inventory and place accurate orders.
• Coordinate with the GM and FOH to support service and staff training.
• Provide real-time leadership during shifts, including expediting bar tickets, monitoring pacing, and ensuring drink quality.
• Handle end-of-night procedures and maintain accountability around cash handling and financials.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs and stand for extended periods.

Skills

Leadership

Bar management

Inventory management

Mixology knowledge

Staff training

POS systems (Toast)

Education

California Food Handler's Card

RBS certification

Job description

Join Our Team as Bar Manager – Lead Our Creative and Competitive Cocktail Program

About the Position

The Bar Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the bar and managing the bar team while maintaining the quality and creativity of the beverage program. This includes working service shifts behind the bar, leading bartender training, handling inventory and ordering, developing seasonal cocktail offerings, and working closely with the General Manager and Chef de Cuisine to ensure seamless collaboration between departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a bar team with an emphasis on hospitality, efficiency, and consistency.
• Maintain and evolve the cocktail program with seasonal updates and staff education.
• Oversee all aspects of bar operations, including cleanliness, prep, restocking, and compliance with health and safety standards.
• Manage weekly and monthly liquor inventory and place accurate orders.
• Coordinate with the GM and FOH to support service and staff training.
• Provide real-time leadership during shifts, including expediting bar tickets, monitoring pacing, and ensuring drink quality.
• Handle end-of-night procedures and maintain accountability around cash handling and financials.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs and stand for extended periods of time

What We’re Looking For (Please Read Carefully)

We are seeking a driven and organized individual with a deep knowledge of cocktail culture and strong leadership experience. The right candidate should be passionate about mentorship, hospitality, and building a cohesive, high-functioning bar team.

Minimum Requirements

• You must be 21 or older to apply
• Minimum 1 year of bar management or lead bartender experience in a high-volume, cocktail-forward setting.
• Strong working knowledge of spirits, classic cocktails, and modern mixology.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and vendor relations.
• Ability to train and mentor team members in both technique and hospitality.
• Proficiency with POS systems (Toast preferred).
• California Food Handler’s Card and RBS certification required.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

What We Offer

• Health Benefits for full-time employees.
• 401k with a 4% match after 6 months of employment.
• Substantial growth opportunities within an expanding company.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Horsefeather Palo Alto is an extension of the original Horsefeather, offering a full-scale restaurant experience. Our space is designed to be comfortable and welcoming, with a focus on high-quality cocktails, a dynamic food program, and an environment that feels effortlessly stylish yet approachable. We serve lunch and dinner every night, along with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The menu is rooted in New American cuisine, incorporating diverse influences to create dishes that are both familiar and exciting.