Lead Bartender

WONDERGATE; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

401(k) retirement plan

Opportunities for training and career

Job summary

Wondergate seeks an experienced Lead Bartender to lead bar service in a fast-paced hospitality setting. You will prepare high-quality drinks, train staff, and ensure the bar remains organized and ready for service.

You will work onsite in San Diego with late nights, weekends, and holidays, reporting to the General Manager. A California RBS certification and food-handler credentials are required or obtainable within deadlines.

Qualifications

• Three years bartending experience with at least one year in a lead role.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer.
• Experience in high-volume service and staff training.
• Ability to obtain required credentials by deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine per recipes.
• Lead bar service during shifts, coordinate prep and stock.
• Train and coach bar staff on drink prep, guest service, and safety.
• Contribute ideas for signature cocktails and menu improvements.
• Monitor inventory, assist with ordering and stock rotation.
• Follow portion controls and track waste and discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate POS transactions and cash handling procedures.
• Keep bar areas clean and ready for service.
• Check ID, monitor guest consumption, coordinate with security as needed.
• Handle guest questions and special requests professionally.
• Communicate equipment problems and staffing needs promptly.

Skills

Bar leadership

Cocktail knowledge

High-volume service

Training & coaching

Inventory control

Customer service

Education

California RBS certification

Food-handler certification

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Wondergate is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Lead Bartender to lead bar service and deliver exceptional guest experiences in a fast‑paced hospitality and nightlife environment.

You will prepare consistent, high‑quality drinks, support and train bartenders, and keep the bar organized and ready for service. Working closely with the General Manager, you will help maintain service standards, control inventory and waste, and contribute to the beverage program.

This part‑time position requires on‑site work in San Diego, including late nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine according to established recipes, portions, and presentation standards.
• Lead bar service during assigned shifts, coordinating preparation, station coverage, restocking, and closing.
• Train and coach bar staff on drink preparation, product knowledge, guest service, and responsible alcohol service.
• Contribute ideas for signature cocktails, seasonal specials, and menu improvements, coordinating changes with management.
• Monitor inventory, assist with ordering and receiving, and maintain proper storage and stock rotation.
• Follow portion controls and track waste, breakage, and inventory discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate POS transactions and follow procedures for cash handling, tabs, discounts, and comps.
• Keep bar stations, equipment, glassware, and storage areas clean, organized, and ready for inspection.
• Check identification, monitor guest consumption, and coordinate with management and security when service concerns arise.
• Handle guest questions, special requests, and service issues professionally.
• Communicate equipment problems, staffing needs, and operational concerns promptly to management.

Qualifications

• At least three years of bartending experience, including one year in a lead or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, spirits, wine, and beer.
• Experience delivering accurate, efficient service in a high‑volume environment.
• Ability to train, motivate, and support a bar team while actively working behind the bar.
• Experience with inventory counts, portion control, and waste reduction.
• Strong communication, organization, and guest service skills.
• California Responsible Beverage Service certification and food‑handler credentials, or ability to obtain required credentials within applicable deadlines.
• Availability to work part‑time on‑site in San Diego, including late nights, weekends, and holidays.
• $25 per hour
• Part‑time position
• Paid sick leave
• 401(k) retirement plan, subject to plan eligibility
• Opportunities for training and career growth

About Wondergate

Wonder Gate LLC is a San Diego‑based hospitality company focused on music, nightlife, and memorable guest experiences. We value creativity, reliable execution, and genuine hospitality, and we give our team opportunities to develop their skills and grow with the business.