Lead Bartender

Mainsail Lodging & Development; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Mainsail Lodging & Development's Marriott Autograph Collection property seeks a Lead Bartender who leads daily bar operations, ensures beverage quality, and trains staff.

You will manage inventory, participate in menu development, and provide warm, energetic guest interactions while maintaining safety standards and accurate cash handling.

This role demands reliability, excellent communication, and the ability to work a fast-paced service environment.

Qualifications

• 1 year or more bartending experience required
• General knowledge of cocktail crafting and mixology fundamentals
• Excellent customer service and cash handling skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to use technology e.g. computer, POS, etc.

Responsibilities

• Supervise bar staff operations ensuring efficiency and adherence to cleanliness and service standards
• Assist in development and execution of cocktail recipes for bar menus and ensure syrups are prepared accurately
• Maintain bar cleanliness and organization; oversee weekly deep-cleaning projects
• Manage bar inventory and par levels; participate in monthly inventory counts as needed
• Train, coach, and support bar staff; ensure accurate cash handling and POS reconciliation
• Collaborate with servers and culinary staff to ensure timely and seamless service

Skills

Customer service

Cash handling

Mixology

Team leadership

Food & beverage service

Education

High School Diploma or higher

Tools

POS system

Job description

We’re looking for enthusiastic, fun, and energetic people who take the work seriously, but not themselves. Let’s see if we’re a fit. We hope so.

The Lead Bartender is responsible for overseeing daily bar operations while delivering exceptional guest service. This role leads by example behind the bar, ensuring consistent beverage quality, adherence to recipes, and compliance with all safety and alcohol service regulations. The Lead Bartender supports bar staff through training, scheduling assistance, and on-shift leadership, while maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient bar environment.

In partnership with management, the Lead Bartender helps manage inventory, controls costs, and may contribute to drink menu development and promotions. This position serves as a key point of contact during service, resolving guest concerns professionally and fostering a positive, team-oriented atmosphere that aligns with the Marriott Autograph Collection standards.

• Supervise bar staff operations, ensuring team members work efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with cleanliness and service standards
• Assist in the development and execution of cocktail recipes for all bar menus.
• Ensure all specialty cocktail syrups are prepared accurately and consistently according to established recipes
• Maintain overall bar cleanliness and organization, including the creation and oversight of weekly deep-cleaning projects
• Manage bar inventory and par levels for liquor, wine, beer, mixers, and non-alcoholic beverages, including participation in monthly inventory counts as needed
• Train, coach, and support the ongoing development of bar staff to uphold service and performance standards
• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in compliance with standard recipes, presentation guidelines, and responsible alcohol service practices
• Engage guests with a welcoming, knowledgeable, and energetic presence while overseeing service of all guests in following steps of service, preparing cocktails, pouring beer and wine, and making beverage recommendations
• Take orders accurately and prepare beverages according to guest preferences
• Report to work punctually, well-groomed, and in appropriate attire
• Curate guests’ bar experience by making recommendations
• Address customer concerns or complaints calmly and promptly
• Collaborate with servers and culinary staff to ensure timely and seamless service for food and beverage items
• Maintain knowledge of current menu offerings, including ingredients, preparations, and accompaniments
• Participate in setting up and breaking down the bar for daily service or special events
• Continually train on new products and recipes
• Collect payment for food and beverages served while ensuring accurate cash handling, POS transactions, and reconciliation of cash bank and receipts
• Follow TIPS practices to ensure safe and responsible serving of alcohol
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area, including glassware, tools, garnishes, equipment, and supplies
• Manage inventory by monitoring par levels, restocking items, and reporting shortages to management
• Address customer concerns or complaints calmly and promptly
• Other tasks as assigned by management

Lead Essential Functions

• Assist the F&B Manager with monthly inventory counts of liquor and applicable bar products
• Monitor service levels and make staffing cuts as needed to control labor costs while maintaining a positive guest experience
• Assign bar positions strategically to ensure efficient service flow and to leverage individual team members’ strengths
• Receive, organize, and stock liquor deliveries and bar supplies in accordance with established procedures
• Make appropriate adjustments to POS transactions when necessary to support guest satisfaction and service recovery efforts
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• Lead Essential Functions: Support F&B Management with drink menu development, tastings, and recipe refinement as requested Recommend beverage specials and promotions to help manage inventory levels and drive sales Assist with the organization and maintenance of the wine cella Contribute to the development and execution of themed concepts and experiences for the SpeakeasyundefinedHotel PerformanceEnsure successful performance by assisting guests with exceptional experience to ensure high performing scores on the GSS (Guest Satisfaction Surveys) according to Marriott and Mainsail/Fenway standards.
• Hotel PerformanceEnsure successful performance by assisting guests with exceptional experience to ensure high performing scores on the GSS (Guest Satisfaction Surveys) according to Marriott and Mainsail/Fenway standards.
• Qualification StandardsEducation & ExperienceHigh School Diploma or higher1 year or more bartending experience requiredGeneral knowledge of cocktail crafting and mixology fundamentals Previous hospitality experience preferredExcellent customer service and cash handling skillsExcellent communication skills, both verbal and writtenAbility to use technology e.g. computer, POS, etc. Physical DemandsAbility to sit or stand for extended periods of timeAbility to lift, push, pull up to 100 lbs.Ability to communicate clearlyCorrected vision to normal rangeAbility to work long hours as neededMental DemandsMake sound judgments quicklyWork on multiple tasks, making appropriate progress towards deadlinesAble to work independently, take direction, and provide direction to othersManage differing personalities within the office, the hotel, and the communityMaintain the highest degree of confidentialityAbility to work effectively in stressful, high-pressure situationsAbility to effectively handle challenges in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary NOTICE: The hotel business functions seven days a week, 24 hours a day. All associates must realize this fact and always be aware that it may be necessary to move associates from their accustomed shift as business demands. In addition, this is a hospitality business, and a hospitable service atmosphere must be always projected.

Mainsail is an Equal Opportunity Employer and it does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military service and veteran status, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.