Bar Lead

Urschel; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock ownership (ESOP)

Paid time off & holiday pay

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Free health clinic

401(k) with employer matching

Free life insurance

Hotel stay and on-site dining discount

Flexible scheduling

Onsite workout center access

Professional development support

Community involvement support

Job summary

Urschel’s Grand Gardner Hotel in Valparaiso, Indiana, invites an experienced Bar Lead to join a boutique hotel team. This working leadership role oversees beverage service, guides daily operations, and supports bartenders and staff to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on hospitality expertise with problem-solving, communication, and a passion for guest relations. Evening, weekend, and event availability is expected in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Hands-on hospitality professional with team support mindset.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional beverage service while guiding daily operations.
• Support bartenders, barbacks, and staff to maintain service standards.
• Train and mentor team on service standards and product knowledge.
• Balance guest service with operational leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Urschel, a 100% employee-owned company, is seeking an experienced and service-driven Bar Lead to join the team at the Grand Gardner Hotel. The Grand Gardner Hotel is an Urschel Development property located in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana. Urschel Development is a wholly owned subsidiary of Urschel Laboratories in Chesterton, Indiana.

The Grand Gardner Hotel is an independent boutique hotel featuring 58 guest rooms and suites, a speakeasy, banquet space, and welcoming shared spaces. As part of our employee-owned culture, every team member contributes to the hotel's success. We believe that excellent guest experiences are the result of employees who understand how their work impacts guests, coworkers, and the overall operation of the business.

At Grand Gardner Hotel, we value teamwork, accountability, and pride in a job well done. Whether serving guests directly or supporting operations behind the scenes, each employee-owner plays an important role in maintaining the high standards that define our property.

Why You’ll Love Working at the Grand Gardner Hotel:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Stock Issued Annually
• Accrued Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Free Health Clinic (Available to Employees and Their Dependents)
• 401(k) with Employer Matching
• Free Life Insurance
• Hotel stay and on-property dining discounts
• Flexible scheduling whenever possible
• Free 24/7 Access to An Onsite Workout Center with Personal Trainers @ Urschel’s Chesterton Facility
• Professional Development Support
• Support for Community Involvement/Philanthropy

The Bar Lead is a working leadership position responsible for delivering exceptional beverage service while helping guide daily operations during assigned shifts. This role serves as a key resource for bartenders, barbacks, and support staff by maintaining service standards, ensuring quality beverage preparation, supporting training efforts, and helping create memorable guest experiences throughout the hotel's beverage venues.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on hospitality professional who enjoys supporting team members, solving problems, and building positive guest relationships. Successful candidates are organized, dependable, and comfortable balancing guest service responsibilities with operational leadership. Previous hotel front office or hospitality management experience is preferred, along with experience scheduling staff, managing reservations, handling guest concerns, and overseeing daily hotel operations. Familiarity with hotel property management systems and Microsoft Office applications is highly desirable.

Candidates Should Be Able To

• Prepare and serve beverages with consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
• Lead by example while supporting coworkers during busy service periods.
• Maintain professional and engaging guest interactions.
• Train and mentor team members on service standards and product knowledge.
• Handle guest concerns calmly and professionally.
• Monitor service flow and adjust priorities as business demands change.
• Communicate effectively with team members and management.
• Work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Remain standing and walking for extended periods during the shift.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Bend, reach, grasp, and perform repetitive hand movements.
• Work safely around glassware, beverage equipment, and cleaning products.
• Maintain focus and efficiency in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

EEO/Veteran/Disability

Date Posted: 11/2/2026