Bartender Manager/Lead Bartender

Plate Restaurant Group; Leawood (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Plate Restaurant Group in Leawood, KS is seeking a Lead Bartender / Bar Manager to own the bar program while staying active behind the bar and on the floor. This hands-on leadership role blends bartending excellence with restaurant management, offering strong tips and career growth.

You will develop beverage offerings, coach staff, manage costs, and uphold standards of hospitality in a high-energy setting. The right candidate combines craft and leadership to elevate guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Three years of bartending experience
• Upscale or fine-dining experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of wine and cocktails
• Confident in discussing wine with guests and making recommendations
• Knowledge of spirits, cocktail techniques, and proper bar execution
• Leadership/management experience preferred
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Professional appearance and hospitality mindset
• Calm and positive in a fast-paced environment
• Desire to help teammates succeed and contribute to hospitality culture

Responsibilities

• Maintain high-quality bar performance and guest experiences while bartending
• Lead the bar and ensure consistency in recipes, presentation and standards
• Develop and maintain cocktail and beverage offerings
• Oversee bar operations, inventory, costs, and organization
• Coach, train, and develop bartenders and service staff
• Manage front-of-house operations in collaboration with restaurant leadership
• Drive beverage sales and guest satisfaction improvements

Skills

Bartending

Leadership

Wine knowledge

Cocktails

Communication

Organization

Hospitality

Positive attitude

Guest service

Job description

Job Description:

Lead Bartender / Bar Manager

Full-Time | Bartending + Management

We are seeking an experienced, hospitality-driven Lead Bartender / Bar Manager to take ownership of our bar program while remaining actively involved behind the bar and on the restaurant floor.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who loves bartending, understands upscale hospitality, and is ready to take the next step in their career without leaving the energy and earning potential of service behind.

The position will split time between bartending shifts and management responsibilities, providing a combination of strong tip income, leadership experience, and the opportunity to directly influence the performance and culture of the restaurant.

As Lead Bartender / Bar Manager, you will:

• Work regular bartending shifts while providing exceptional guest experiences
• Lead and maintain the overall quality and performance of the bar
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of wine, classic cocktails, spirits, and contemporary cocktail preparation
• Help develop and maintain cocktail and beverage offerings
• Maintain consistent recipes, presentation, preparation standards, and bar organization
• Assist with wine and beverage education for the service team
• Monitor inventory, ordering, product levels, waste, and beverage costs
• Help coach, train, and develop bartenders and service staff
• Maintain high standards for cleanliness, organization, and bar readiness
• Work scheduled shifts as a restaurant manager, overseeing front‑of‑house operations and supporting the entire team
• Handle guest concerns professionally and create a culture of genuine hospitality
• Work closely with restaurant leadership to improve beverage sales, profitability, and the overall guest experience

What We're Looking For

The right person will bring:

• Minimum 3 years of bartending experience
• Upscale or fine‑dining experience strongly preferred
• Strong working knowledge of wine and cocktails
• Confidence discussing wine with guests and making thoughtful recommendations
• Knowledge of spirits, cocktail techniques, and proper bar execution
• Previous leadership, lead bartender, supervisor, or management experience preferred
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• A professional appearance and polished approach to hospitality
• The ability to remain calm and positive in a fast‑paced environment
• A genuine desire to help teammates succeed
• Most importantly, we're looking for someone with a positive attitude who understands that great hospitality starts with the way we treat both our guests and one another.

Compensation

This position combines management wages with bartending shifts and tip income. Depending on experience.

Actual earnings will depend on scheduled bartending hours, management hours, shifts worked, and gratuities.

Why This Role Is Different

Many restaurant management positions require talented bartenders to step away from the bar and give up a significant portion of their earning potential.

This position is designed differently.

You'll have the opportunity to lead the bar program while continuing to bartend, maintain relationships with guests, earn tips, and develop meaningful restaurant management experience.

For the right person, this is an opportunity to become an important part of the leadership team while continuing to do what you do best: create exceptional experiences for guests.