Crew Lead

Bars & Recreation; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Paid Time Off

Employee Rewards Program

Discounted Play, Drinks, Snacks andMer

Flexible scheduling

Social events

Job summary

Bars & Recreation seeks a Crew Lead to supervise hospitality and facility operations on shift. You will learn leadership styles from senior managers while performing all Crew Member duties and supporting reservations, events and guest experiences.

As a key holder, you’ll help open/close, mentor staff, and ensure safety and cleanliness across all activities in a fast-paced, multi-brand environment in Milwaukee.

Qualifications

• Must be 21+ with at least 3 years in hospitality or a similar setting.
• Leadership or supervisory experience required.
• Willing to obtain a Class B Manager’s License in Milwaukee.
• Able to stand/walk long hours and lift 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Lead guest service and hospitality operations on shift.
• Assist SOM, HTM, HOMs and SCLs; learn leadership styles.
• Open/close responsibilities and supervise crew on duty.
• Train Crew Members to improve efficiency and friendliness.
• Assist with reservations, events, and social media activity.

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Communication

Training

Education

High school diploma or GED

Class B Manager’s License (Milwaukee)

Tools

POS system

Responsible Beverage Server Course

Job description

Bars & Rec Employment Opportunity: Crew Lead

Posting Date: Monday, July 20, 2026

Contact: [e-mail]

Overview

Milwaukee-based Bars & Recreation owns and operates a diverse portfolio of entertainment brands including Amped, AXE MKE, Game Show MKE, Nine Below, NorthSouth Club, Splash Studio, and The New Fashioned.

• Amped offers private suite karaoke and event space, perfect for creative meetings and special events.
• AXE MKE provides a controlled environment for guests to enjoy competitive axe throwing.
• Game Show MKE presents a live hosted experience featuring stage show games like The Feud, 20 Second Challenge, Pop Goes the Lyric, and more.
• Nine Below introduces a fun, team-oriented twist on indoor miniature golf.
• NorthSouth Club is home to Wisconsin's first full-size deck shuffleboard facility, complete with 16 axe throwing lanes.
• Splash Studio is the premier "wine & paint" concept in Wisconsin – with a full bar and a great vibe.
• The New Fashioned offers family friendly activities like Hyperbowling, curling, and dartball in the heart of Milwaukee’s downtown Deer District.
• Slingshot Bar is the world’s first indoor slingshot arena paired with a full bar. Located in West Allis, Wisconsin.

Our guests come to us for memorable, immersive experiences, to celebrate life events or just spend time with friends, family, and colleagues. They can easily make reservations online or plan custom events with help from our dedicated in-house Sales Team. Each brand maintains its own distinct voice, target audience, and atmosphere, while all operations are centrally managed under the Bars & Rec umbrella.

At Bars & Rec, we prioritize delivering exceptional guest experiences, fostering continuous improvement, and promoting a collaborative, team-driven culture. As a rapidly growing company, we exclusively seek professionals who are energetic, hardworking, positive, and committed to taking care of each other and our guests.

Job Description

The Crew Leads (CLs) are primarily responsible for Hospitality and Facility Operations by assisting the Senior Operations Manager (SOM), Senior Hospitality & Training Manager (HTM), Hospitality Operations Managers (HOMs) and Senior Crew Leads (SCLs). They have several important roles when there is no SCL or EOM on site (typically slower times), including being the highest-level leader on duty. Crew Leads do not have managerial duties over employees such as scheduling, cuts, hiring/firing, or discipline, but they are on a leadership track within the company and are expected to learn leadership and supervisory styles from the SOM, HTM, HOMs and SCLs. The Crew Lead is responsible for knowing and performing all job responsibilities of the Crew Member role.

Primary Crew Lead Expectations

Commitment to Excellent Customer Service & Hospitality

• Warmly greet guests with a smile and welcome them into the establishments
• Guide guests through each establishment’s offerings, highlighting key features and benefits tailored to their needs
• Unwavering focus on guest satisfaction and guest retention by resolving guest complaints quickly and reasonably
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service and ensuring a positive dining, drinking, and activity experience

Food & Beverage/Catering

• Always enforce food safety regulations and cleanliness standards
• Take food and drink orders for guests, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Provide menu recommendations, specials, and pairings (i.e., wine, cocktails, entree specials, etc.) to guests
• Work in tandem with the SOM, HTM, HOMs and SCLs to implement, train and execute suggestive selling techniques, including upgrades offered by BAR
• Ensure dining areas are clean, tables are wiped down, windowsills are wiped down and free of crumbs, chairs/stools are arranged correctly, etc.
• Stay informed about current promotions, limited time offers, or seasonal specials, and actively promote these to guests to increase sales
• Communicate effectively with kitchen employees to ensure accurate, timely food preparation and delivery
• Continually train and mentor CMs on how to become more efficient, friendly, and speedy bartenders
• Train/Run the steps of Quick Service (at The Fashioned) including Expo 1, Expo 2 and Food Runner
• Ensure compliance with local regulations regarding health and safety standards
• Train as a Banquet Captain and run Custom Events as assigned

When there is no HOM or SCL onsite

• As the key holder, open the facility by activating the space and prepare for daily operations
• Run pre-shift meetings as needed and ensure that all employees are fully aware of the content provided in the pre-shift notes.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations regarding health and safety standards
• Be readily available to assist guests and CMs by floating through the facility and remaining on the floor
• Monitor safety and provide guidance for all guests participating in activities
• Ensure that all Crew Members are fulfilling the expectations of their specified role(s)
• Support at check-in as needed in the absence of a SCL or HOM
• Delegate and assign tasks to Crew Members
• Continual training and coaching of all Crew Members and new hires
• Answer phones and take guest reservations
• Ensure proper response times for all incoming voice mails
• Take and post photos for social media accounts and events
• Model exemplary and positive employee behavior
• Report team or guest issues to the SOM, HTM, HOMs and SCLs
• Any other duties as assigned by the SOM, HTM, HOMs and SCLs

General Job Responsibilities

• Serve in a specialty role for all Bar & Recreation additional activations (i.e. Game Show MKE Host and/or Producer, Splash Studio Session Leads, Course Coach for Nine Below, emcee for Summerfest "Hole in One" Challenge, operations assistance and/or leader for the mobile Karaoke Suite, etc.)
• Manage the onsite training of all new crew members when a SCL or HOM is present and utilizing the new hire training check sheets
• Attend weekly leadership meetings
• Maintain efficient operations and overall upkeep of all facilities, not limited to but including the following; lane maintenance, facility maintenance, obstacle maintenance, facility cleaning, food and beverage operations.
• Check-in all reservations, walk-ins and custom events
• Assign guests to activity areas (lanes, courts, greens, suites etc.) and keep track of timing for activities
• Walk guests to their lanes/courts/greens/suites
• Fill in as an activity host as needed
• Do regular table touches and assist Section Hosts with bussing as needed.
• Assist with promotional activities including social media postings and photography
• Execute guest "upgrades" correctly
• Participate in non-operations shifts (cleaning, axe rehandling, lane maintenance and keg batching)
• Ensure compliance with local regulations regarding health and safety standards
• Assist with offsite events including summer festivals, tradeshows, and promotional events
• Any other duties as assigned by the SOM, HTM, HOMs, SCLs or above

Job Location and Tier

This position is classified as a Tier 2 On-site Employee. Crew Leads will be trained to work at all the various facilities to support the overall team as needed.

Supervisor

This job reports to the Senior Operations Manager (SOM) but is directly managed by the Experience & Operations Managers (EOMs) onsite. When a SCL and CL are present in the absence of an EOM, the SCL will be the ultimate onsite “LOD.”

Time Commitment

Crew Leads are expected to work at least 20-30 hours per week but also have the ability to work full-time hours if approved by management. Must have flexible availability, with priority around opening shifts, and must be able to work days, nights, and weekends. Full and open availability is required on Saturdays for all operational team members.

Compensation And Benefits

Crew Leads receive a starting base rate of $10.00 - $11.50/hour based on experience plus share of the bi-weekly Tip Pool. Plus, a comprehensive benefits package.

• Company sponsored 401k plan
• Paid Time Off
• Company sponsored Employee Rewards Program
• Company sponsored complimentary social events
• Annual charitable donation of employee's choice
• Flexible scheduling
• Great variety of work with cross-training at all facilities
• Free/Discounted Play, Drinks, Snacks and Merchandise
• Company-wide communication platform

Application Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must have at least 3 full years of experience working in a similar hospitality/service setting (examples include resorts, hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, theme parks, etc.). This requirement can be partially met with other relevant/equivalent professional experience, pending Hiring Manager approval.
• Must have held a leadership/supervisory position in a prior job, club, camp, or team setting and be able to describe this experience in depth. This requirement can be waived by written request for internal candidates who have worked in the Crew Member role for at least 1 year, pending Hiring Manager review of job performance, prior work experience, skills, and qualifications.
• Preference will be given to candidates who also have experience bartending in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to raise or lower objects more than 50 lbs. from one level to another.
• Must be able to climb stairs and regularly bend, stoop, or crouch (frequency and duration will vary according to daily business needs).
• Must be able to spend up to 100% of working time standing, walking, and moving around in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to work some days, nights, and weekends, including regular opening shifts.
• Must be willing and able to learn all Bars & Recreation activations including, but not limited to, Game Show MKE Host and/or Producer, Splash Studio Session Lead, Course Coach for Nine Below, emcee for Summerfest "Hole in One" Challenge, operational assistance and/or leader for the mobile Karaoke Suite, etc.)
• Must be willing to complete an online Responsible Beverage Server Course and submit proof of completion.
• Must have (or be willing and able to obtain) a Class "B" Manager’s License for the City of Milwaukee and submit proof of completion.
• Must be able to hold and speak clearly into a microphone in front of small and large groups.
• Must be able to facilitate activities for children at allowed establishments during specific hours.
• Must be able to operate a point-of-sale system and accurately conduct credit card transactions.
• Must be able to hold an axe with one or both hands overhead.
• Must be comfortable using power tools including drills, power saws, and a grinding wheel.
• Must be comfortable carrying, using, and standing on a 6-foot ladder.
• Must have (or be willing to obtain) personal transportation and a personal cell phone.
• Must be able to read, understand, and follow the Bars & Recreation Employee Handbook.

A Successful Crew Lead Is a

• Energetic, friendly, confident, and guest-focused personality.
• Detail-oriented person who can also oversee the many moving aspects of a busy facility.
• Skilled motivator and delegator.
• Team player who is willing to learn and can take direction.
• Self-starter who seeks out job tasks and ways to contribute.

At Bars & Rec, we D.R.I.V.E. toward these Guest Service Pillars:

• Demonstrate expertise
• Rally the team
• Identify opportunities
• Value every person
• Exceed expectations

Bars & Recreation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.