Bar Leader

Punch Bowl Social; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Flexible schedule

Growth opportunities

Referral bonus

Employee discounts

Job summary

Punch Bowl Social in Chicago is seeking energetic bartenders to join our high-volume team. You will deliver outstanding guest service, craft beverages to standard recipes, and keep bar operations running smoothly in a fast-paced setting.

Join a team that values leadership, teamwork and hospitality. This role requires flexibility, late-night availability and a focus on quality, cleanliness and guest experience.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate strong leadership skills and calm under pressure.
• Proven ability to lead shifts and support operations.
• Strong communication with BOH/FOH and guests.
• Coaching, training, and mentorship of bar team.
• Prior leadership or training experience preferred.
• Prior bartender experience in high-volume setting required.
• Knowledge of spirits, beer, wine, and cocktail recipes.
• Must be 21+.

Responsibilities

• Lead the bar team to deliver exceptional guest service and efficient operations.
• Ensure beverages are prepared and served to company recipes and standards.
• Manage bar inventory, counts, ordering support, and vendor relationships.
• Maintain sanitation, safety, and alcohol service compliance.
• Availability to work five days per week, including nights and weekends.

Skills

Leadership experience

Bartending

Communication

Team collaboration

Customer service

Inventory awareness

Job description

Description

Bartenders - We want you at Punch Bowl Social!

Life is short, work somewhere awesome. Join the Punch Bowl Social crew today and be the envy of all your friends.

• Competitive hourly rate + tips
• Flexible working hours
• Opportunity for growth and development
• Referral bonus program
• Team member discounts on food, beverage and activities!

Responsible for supporting all daily bar operations with a primary focus on inventory management, team leadership, training, and operational execution. Our bar team is a unique and energetic group of professionals who combine a passion for their craft with the ability to execute at a high level.

This role requires a hands-on leader who can oversee bar operations while modeling exceptional bartending standards and best practices. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with beverage recipes, menu standards, inventory controls, and service expectations, while driving an outstanding guest experience.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Development

• Serve as the acting bar leader in the absence of the Bar Manager.
• Lead, coach, and support bartenders and barbacks to ensure excellent guest service and efficient operations.
• Train new team members and support ongoing development of the bar team.
• Assist with interviewing, scheduling, and performance coaching in partnership with the Bar Manager or General Manager.
• Communicate expectations, operational updates, and menu changes to the team.

Beverage & Guest Experience

• Lead by example in delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining a high-energy, hospitality-driven atmosphere.
• Ensure all beverages are prepared and served according to company recipes, presentation standards, and service expectations.
• Support bar operations for private events and contracted functions.
• Maintain strong knowledge of beverage offerings, products, and industry trends.

Inventory & Operations

• Manage bar inventory, including organization, accurate inventory counts, ordering support, and vendor relationships.
• Monitor product levels, control waste, and maintain organized storage areas.
• Ensure the bar is clean, stocked, and operationally ready at all times.
• Assist with bar deep cleans, organization projects, and operational improvements.
• Process guest orders and payments accurately using POS systems.
• Maintain proper cash handling procedures.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with alcohol service laws, health regulations, and company policies.
• Maintain sanitation, cleanliness, and safety standards throughout all bar operations.

Availability

• Must be available to work a minimum of five (5) days per week, including nights, often weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrate strong leadership skills and the ability to remain calm, decisive and professional in all situations
• Proven ability to lead shifts and support operations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with BOH, FOH, Management, vendors, and guest
• Ability to provide coaching, training, and mentorship to bar team members
• Keep Bar Manager and leadership team informed of operational and performance related concerns
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or training experience strongly preferred
• Prior work experience as a bartender in a high-volume restaurant/bar is required
• Strong understanding of spirits, beer, wine, cocktail recipes, and bar operations
• Positive attitude and passion for making people smile, and truly enjoy their experience
• Ability to work well in a face-paced team environment
• Value for high-quality food and beverage, and appreciation for the technique associated with production
• Sense of adventure and engaging energy
• Must be 21 years old and over

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking
• Comfortable with working late nights as needed, often 1am or later
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds frequently
• Must be able to lift 75 pounds occasionally
• Ability to stand and exert fast-paced mobility for period) at least four (4) hours in length
• Good sense of balance, be able to bend and kneel, and perform repetitive motions

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the associated with the position. May perform other duties as assigned.