Candy Bar - Lead Bartender (Full Time)

ASH People LLC; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ASH People LLC is seeking a Lead Bartender for the acclaimed Candy Bar at The Siren Hotel in Detroit. This key leadership role involves managing bar operations, ensuring top-notch guest experiences, and training staff, all while upholding the ambiance and standards of this vibrant cocktail lounge. The ideal candidate will have proven bartending experience, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for crafting memorable drinks.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

10 vacation days annually

5 paid sick days

4 paid personal days

11 paid holidays

50% food & beverage discount

Discounted hotel rooms

Opportunity for growth

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a bartender in high-volume or craft cocktail settings.
• Ability to train others and uphold performance standards.
• Positive, guest-focused attitude and professional demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Oversee service, inventory, and team performance during bar shifts.
• Ensure consistent drink quality and ambiance.
• Lead by example and foster a warm atmosphere for guests.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Cocktail technique

Drink presentation

Point-of-sale systems

Education

Valid alcohol service certification (e.g., TIPS, ServSafe)

Job description

ASH Hotels designs, develops, owns and operates a very special collection of properties. In our

world, a hotel is much more than a destination to meet, dine, or sleep. Rather, it is a dynamic site of imagery and emotions, interactions and sensations manifesting within the walls of a beautifully restored local legend - a living movie set. An ASH hotel is a connection to the past and a beacon for the future, layered in nuanced storytelling that invites exploration time and again.

About Candy Bar

Candy Bar is the celebrated cocktail lounge within The Siren Hotel, renowned as one of America’s most lauded bar experiences. The menu features timeless classics and inventive proprietary creations, all served beneath a striking candy-pink ceiling. More than just a lounge, Candy Bar is a destination where business deals, social movements, romances, and stories begin. The space is also available for private even

About The Siren

Embracing the traces of downtown Detroit’s legacy, music, history and design buffs alike are drawn to The Siren. Adorned with a mix of contemporary fixtures and vintage items sourced from around the world, The Siren is a metaphor: a beckoning call to the city of Detroit and its ever-enduring wonder. It’s an ode that’s achieved the impossible; we’ve woven Detroit's pre-modern zeitgeist – motown, avant-garde architecture, urban charm – with an emerging and revitalized downtown fabric. Three food & beverage spaces, a retail shop, a rooftop with panoramic views, and 106 guest rooms spread across 55,000 square feet in Detroit’s legendary Wurlitzer Building, once referred to as “the world’s largest music house.” In the building’s second coming, it pays tribute to what came before and a nod to the unwritten future of America’s most beguiling city.

Position Summary

The Lead Bartender is a key leadership role responsible for upholding the high standards of Candy Bar’s guest experience, bar operations, and team development. Acting as manager-on-duty during bar shifts, this position oversees service, inventory, and team performance while ensuring that all organizational and hospitality practices are consistently followed. A strong understanding of sales drivers, upselling, and revenue growth is essential to the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory & Ordering
• Monitor dry goods, produce, and liquor inventory.
• Coordinate timely ordering and restocking with vendors and management.
• Track and manage usage to reduce waste and ensure cost control.
• Act as shift lead, managing bar operations and stepping in as manager-on-duty.
• Ensure consistent drink quality, proper technique, and presentation.
• Maintain ambiance, lighting, music, and overall cleanliness.
• Oversee and delegate prep tasks to ensure readiness before service.
• Assist in onboarding, training, and coaching of bar staff.
• Ensure compliance with bar policies.
• Provide feedback and address performance issues professionally and promptly.
• Lead by example in service excellence and adherence to bar standards.
• Foster a warm, attentive, and engaging atmosphere for all guests.
• Maintain knowledge of cocktail recipes and bar menu development.
• Assist in menu planning and event execution.
• Ensure all health, safety, and alcohol service regulations are followed (e.g., ServSafe, TIPS certified).
  
  

Quality Control & Cost Management

• Monitor portion control, preparation quality, and waste minimization.
• Uphold standards of cleanliness, organization, and bar readiness.
• Continuously seek ways to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Actively work to increase bar revenue through strategic upselling, staff coaching, and promotion of high-margin items.
• Monitor sales trends and provide input on pricing, menu development, and promotions to maximize profitability.
• Encourage team performance by setting targets around spend per guest and overall shift sales.
  
  
  

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience as a bartender in a high-volume or craft cocktail setting
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Deep knowledge of cocktail technique, drink presentation, and bar operations
• Ability to train others and uphold performance standards
• Familiarity with point-of-sale systems and basic computer literacy
• Positive, guest-focused attitude and professional demeanor
• Valid alcohol service certification (e.g., TIPS, ServSafe)

● Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401 (k) with match

● Annually: 10 vacation days, 5 paid sick days, 4 paid personal days, 11 paid holidays

● 50% food & beverage discount and discounted hotel rooms

● Opportunity for growth within Ash People LLC.

Ash provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Ash complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Ash expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Improper interference with the ability of Ash employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including