Bar nineteen 49 Lead Bartender

Newport Beach Country Club; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Balboa Bay Resort invites an experienced Lead Bartender to elevate Bar nineteen 48's beverage program in Newport Beach. You will lead by example on the floor, mentor bar staff, and ensure flawless cocktail execution while delivering exceptional hospitality to our guests.

We seek a professional with 3+ years in luxury cocktail environments, deep knowledge of classic and modern cocktails, and a passion for storytelling through beverage experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of luxury cocktail bar or upscale hospitality experience.
• Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, modern mixology, spirits, wine, and beverage trends.
• 21+ age and required certifications (TIPS, Food Handler Card) scheduled.

Responsibilities

• Deliver personalized, anticipatory service to guests.
• Prepare and execute cocktails, wines, and beverages to standard.
• Maintain knowledge of cocktail menu, spirits, wine, ingredients.
• Mentor and train bartenders and bar staff.
• Monitor beverage quality and presentation.
• Assist with inventory controls, ordering, and menu implementation.
• Ensure opening, closing, and side work procedures are flawless.
• Maintain bar cleanliness and organization.
• Uphold professionalism and guest satisfaction.
• Handle guest concerns with urgency and discretion.

Skills

Leadership

Guest engagement

Cocktail knowledge

Communication

Wine knowledge

Job description

Job Details

• Level: Experienced
• Job Location: Balboa Bay Resort - Newport Beach, CA 92663
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: None
• Salary Range: $20.65 - $20.65 Hourly
• Travel Percentage: None
• Job Shift: Day

Position Summary

The Lead Bartender serves as the ambassador of Bar nineteen 48's beverage program, ensuring every guest experiences exceptional hospitality, refined craftsmanship, and personalized service. This role leads by example on the floor, maintains the highest standards of cocktail execution and guest engagement, and supports the ongoing development of the bar team.

Bar nineteen 48 is an intimate cocktail destination where every detail matters. The Lead Bartender is expected to cultivate memorable guest relationships, elevate the guest journey through storytelling and beverage expertise, and uphold the standards of a world-class luxury hospitality environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Deliver highly personalized, anticipatory service to every guest.
• Prepare and execute all cocktails, spirits, wines, and specialty beverages to established standards and specifications.
• Maintain expert knowledge of the cocktail menu, rare spirits collection, wine selections, ingredients, and preparation techniques.
• Guide guests through curated beverage experiences and bespoke recommendations.
• Serve as the primary mentor and trainer for bartenders and bar support staff.
• Monitor beverage quality, consistency, presentation, and execution throughout service.
• Assist management with inventory controls, ordering, menu implementation, and product education.
• Ensure all opening, closing, and side work procedures are completed flawlessly.
• Maintain impeccable cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the bar at all times.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, and excellence.
• Handle guest concerns with urgency, grace, and discretion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of luxury cocktail bar or upscale hospitality experience.
• Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, modern mixology, spirits, wine, and beverage trends.
• Must be at least 21 years of age to serve alcoholic beverages. Must complete TIPS® (Training of Intervention Procedures) alcohol awareness certification as scheduled upon employment. Must have a valid current Food Handlers Card or willingness and ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Must know all applicable health standards. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, ordinances and regulations and company policy regarding serving alcohol to minors and intoxicated patrons.
• Proven leadership and team development experience.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and guest engagement skills.
• Ability to thrive in a high-touch, detail-oriented environment.
• Passion for hospitality, craftsmanship, and continuous learning.
• Must wear designated uniform/attire, including non-slip, oil-resistant shoes

Special Skills & Abilities / Mental and Physical Demands

• Regularly stands and walks for sustained periods of time and works at a quick pace, maneuvering between activities occurring simultaneously.
• Frequently grasps objects such as liquor bottles and glassware. The team member frequently feels the temperature of objects such as extremely hot glassware.
• Regularly reaches by extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction while serving and performing other essential functions of the job.
• Occasionally stoops, kneels, and crouches when stocking bars and coolers or performs other tasks.
• Frequently talks when communicating with guests and kitchen. Frequently needs to hear voices while taking orders and interacting with guests.
• Occasionally needs to taste to make sure drinks are not too strong and have the right flavor.
• Balance is frequently required to prevent falling when walking, standing, moving, or carrying plates, beverages, and food items.
• Occasionally pushes and pulls carts and furniture. Lifting is required to prepare serving areas, stock and restock bar, and serve food and beverages.
• Occasionally exerts up to 50 pounds of force and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move items such as liquor bottles, cases of beer, kegs, and glassware.
• Is required to have close visual acuity to perform the job such as detecting glassware that does not meet cleanliness standards, reading liquor labels, using the POS system, reading state issued identification cards, and assuring accurate pours. Visual acuity is required to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Is subject to environmental conditions found working both inside and outside. Many aromas and smells may be present in the kitchen and dining areas.
• Is occasionally subject to extreme heat, with temperatures above 100 degrees while moving around in the kitchen or outside temperatures are high. Occasionally subject to extreme cold when working in refrigerated areas.