Head Bartender Distillery

Nbutexas; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonus eligible

Employee discount

Flexible hours

Additional benefits

Career growth

Hands-on role

Job summary

Craft Distillery in Somerville seeks an experienced Bar Lead/Bar Manager to lead a tasting room and cocktail bar team. You will craft cocktails, mentor staff, and elevate guest experiences with engaging storytelling and professional service.

Role requires leadership, strong spirits knowledge, and a passion for craft beverages. This is an in-person, full-time opportunity with growth potential within a growing brand.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years bartending or hospitality experience in bars, tasting rooms, distilleries.
• Prior lead or senior-level bar experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, and ingredients.
• Availability for nights, weekends, holidays, and event-based schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead bar service and set the standard for hospitality, speed, and execution
• Prepare and serve craft cocktails, spirits, and tastings with consistency and strong presentation
• Run opening/closing duties including setup, breakdown, cleanliness, stocking, and readiness
• Deliver warm, knowledgeable guest service and engage visitors in tastings and storytelling
• Educate guests on spirits, cocktails, and the distillery experience
• Support tours, events, classes, festivals, and brand activations
• Recommend drinks based on guest preferences and experience level
• Assist with cocktail development, seasonal menus, and recipe consistency
• Manage inventory, prep lists, par levels, and bar organization
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-stocked bar at all times
• Communicate guest feedback and operational needs with management
• Train and support team members on cocktails, service, and product knowledge
• Ensure responsible alcohol service and proper ID checks at all times
• Support occasional distillery operations as needed

Skills

Bartending

Leadership

Spirits knowledge

Guest experience

Events coordination

Job description

Are you an experienced bartender or bar leader who is passionate about craft cocktails, guest engagement, and creating memorable hospitality experiences? Do you enjoy storytelling and inspiring guests through your craft?

An award-winning craft distillery is seeking a full-time Bar Lead / Bar Manager to join its growing tasting room and cocktail bar team. This is an excellent opportunity for a hospitality-driven beverage professional who is passionate about craft spirits, classic cocktails, cocktail development, and delivering an elevated guest experience.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who leads by example during service, supports daily bar operations, engages and educates guests, contributes creative cocktail ideas, and represents a growing craft beverage brand with professionalism, energy, and pride.

Head Bartender | Bar Manager Responsibilities:

• Lead bar service and set the standard for hospitality, speed, and execution
• Prepare and serve craft cocktails, spirits, and tastings with consistency and strong presentation
• Run opening/closing duties including setup, breakdown, cleanliness, stocking, and readiness
• Deliver warm, knowledgeable guest service and engage visitors in tastings and storytelling
• Educate guests on spirits, cocktails, and the distillery experience
• Support tours, events, classes, festivals, and brand activations
• Recommend drinks based on guest preferences and experience level
• Assist with cocktail development, seasonal menus, and recipe consistency
• Manage inventory, prep lists, par levels, and bar organization
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-stocked bar at all times
• Communicate guest feedback and operational needs with management
• Train and support team members on cocktails, service, and product knowledge
• Ensure responsible alcohol service and proper ID checks at all times
• Support occasional distillery operations as needed

Head Bartender | Bar Manager Qualifications:

• 2-4 years bartending or hospitality experience in bars, restaurants, tasting rooms, taprooms, breweries, wineries, or distilleries
• Prior lead or senior-level bar experience (Bar Lead, Head Bartender, Bar Manager, etc.) preferred
• Strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, ingredients, and drink building techniques
• Passion for craft cocktails, guest experience, and hospitality
• Experience with events, tastings, pop-ups, or brand activations a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build guest rapport
• Leadership mindset with ability to support and guide a team during service
• Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced, growing environment
• Experience with inventory, prep, par levels, stocking, and bar operations preferred
• Positive attitude, professionalism, and strong guest service focus
• Availability for nights, weekends, holidays, and event-based schedules
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform hands-on bar duties
• Must be 21+
• TIPS, ServSafe, or similar certifications preferred

Head Bartender | Bar Manager Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Bonus eligible
• Employee discount
• Flexible hours
• Additional benefits available
• Opportunity to grow with an award-winning craft beverage brand
• Hands-on role with room to contribute to cocktail development, events, guest experience, and brand growth

About the Role:

This is an in-person, full-time role in a craft distillery tasting room and cocktail bar environment.

Goodwin Recruiting is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to our core values and helping our clients and candidates find the right long-term fit

JOB ID: 177709#post

Jeffrey Tryzbiak