Lead Bartender

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection; Newport (RI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection in Newport is seeking a Lead Bartender to lead bar operations, mentor staff, and develop seasonal cocktails. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of bartending experience, including 2 in a luxury setting. Ideal applicants will possess hospitality qualifications and certifications in wine and spirits. The role involves engaging with guests while ensuring high service standards. Offering an opportunity to thrive in a vibrant, historic environment with a focus on excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Bartender, with 2 years in a fine dining/luxury resort setting.
• Professional appearance and ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Certifications like WSET, Cicerone, or TIPS highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee bar operations, staff training, and cleanliness.
• Mentor bartenders on drink recipes and techniques.
• Develop seasonal cocktails and stay informed on industry trends.

Skills

Bartending proficiency

Customer service

Knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits

Cocktail crafting

Education

Hospitality Certificate or Degree

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Company Description

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection is a former mansion-turned-storied 33-room luxury resort located in downtown Newport. Originally built in 1908 by scion Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, the property is the coastal city’s social hub and a vibrant, historic gem waiting to be explored. Brimming with alluring eccentricities, the mansion has been meticulously restored to its glory, boasting elegant fireplaces and museum-quality artwork in the welcoming lobby entrance, Mezzanine and Parlor Room. Dining options include The Dining Room at the Vanderbilt, which features a forward-thinking menu of coastal New England classics, The Living Room, offering light bites and bar favorites, and The Conservatory, where guests can dine indoors as well as outdoors on the Garden Terrace. Guests can also enjoy evening drinks at the popular rooftop bar, The Roof Deck, which offers sweeping views of Newport Harbor.

The Vanderbilt presents a spa and fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a variety of local experiences, such as sailing journeys on the Newport coast, private culinary classes, and more. For more information: auberge.com/vanderbilt/. Follow The Vanderbilt on Facebook and Instagram @VanderbiltAuberge.

Job Description

The Lead Bartender serves as a role model for the bar staff, demonstrating expert proficiency in bartending and guest interactions. Engaging in both front and back-of-house tasks, the Lead Bartender oversees bar operations, cleanliness, staff training, and inventory management. The role requires advanced knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, and craft cocktail construction.

Behind the Bar

• Set up and break down workstations, ensuring the bar is fully stocked daily.
• Produce house-made items, including syrups, garnishes, and batch cocktails.
• Contribute to improving F&B sales revenues by being knowledgeable about drinks and menu items.
• Accurately take and place orders, input them into the system, and prepare guest checks.

Mentorship and Talent Development

• Mentor and provide ongoing training and coaching to bartenders on drink recipes, techniques, and efficient prep management to ensure proper execution and adherence to standards.
• Oversee bartenders to ensure proper guest service standards and mentorship for skill advancement.

Research and Development

• Develop seasonal cocktails aligned with current trends and market demands.
• Stay informed about local distillery, winery, and brewery offerings.
• Must be aware of, and introduce, new technology and hospitality innovations that could improve the guest experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Bartender, with 2 years in a fine dining/luxury resort setting.
• Professional appearance, good character, ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, according to department needs.
• Hospitality Certificate or Degree desirable.
• Certifications: Wine (Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET), Cicerone, TIPS highly preferred.
• Ability to obtain relevant state and local government certifications, such as food handlers certificate or alcohol training certifications, as applicable to the position.

Vanderbilt Hotel LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Vanderbilt Hotel LLC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Vanderbilt Hotel LLC complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. 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.