Lead Bartender

Cala Scottsdale; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Job summary

The Americano North Scottsdale is seeking a Lead Bartender to anchor the bar team, balancing leadership with hands-on service. You will set the tone for the team, uphold hospitality standards, and maintain high beverage quality and guest experience.

Role requires calm leadership during peak hours, deep knowledge of cocktails, wine, and spirits, and collaboration with management on training and service optimization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years bartending experience in high-volume or craft settings.
• Leadership experience (Trainer/Lead) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine, and service standards.
• Calm, organized, and precise under pressure; lead by example.
• Excellent communication and delegation skills.
• Arizona Food Handler’s Card and Liquor License required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily bar operations with management to ensure smooth guest flow.
• Lead by presence and set the tone of service.
• Be first point of contact for bar team questions and guest issues.
• Support prep, section assignments, and quality control during shifts.
• Uphold cleanliness and safety standards and organize bar areas.
• Coach and train bartenders and barbacks in real time.
• Deliver elevated, knowledgeable service aligned with standards.
• Maintain beverage knowledge across menus, cocktails, wine, and spirits.

Skills

Bartending 3+ yrs

Leadership

Communication

Calm under pressure

Delegation

Education

Food Handler’s Card

Liquor License

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Job Title: Lead Bartender Reports To: Bar Manager > General Manager

Location: The Americano North Scottsdale

Pay: 15.15/hour + Tips

Job Summary

The Lead Bartender is the anchor of the bar team — ensuring consistency, flow, and excellence during live service. This position balances operational leadership with hands-on bartending, setting the tone for the team while maintaining CALA’s refined yet relaxed coastal European spirit. The Lead Bartender supports the management team in service execution, training, and maintaining high standards of hospitality, beverage quality, and team morale.

The Lead Bartender leads by example — calm under pressure, precise in craft, and trusted by peers to uphold The Americano's energy, culture, and guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily bar operations alongside management, ensuring smooth pacing and guest flow.
• Lead by presence — set the tone of service through composure, communication, and professionalism.
• Act as the first point of contact for bar team questions, guest issues, or service adjustments.
• Support section assignments, prep, and quality control throughout the shift.
• Ensures all cleanliness and safety standards are met.
• Oversee organization of all bar areas including bar storage rooms.

Team Support & Training

• Coach bartenders and barbacks in real time to uphold service and cocktail standards.
• Provide feedback constructively, modeling consistency, accountability, and empathy.
• Protect the bar’s standards and flow through hands-on leadership during peak hours.

Guest Experience

• Deliver elevated, engaging, and knowledgeable bar service consistent with The Americano standards.
• Maintain full knowledge of all beverage menus, seasonal cocktails, wine, and spirits.
• Anticipate guest needs and handle concerns promptly and professionally.
• Foster a lively yet controlled environment that reflects The Americano's warm, hospitality driven energy.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Assist with inventory counts as well as communicating pars and levels with management.
• Uphold all Arizona alcohol service laws and responsible service protocols.
• Participate in pre-shift meetings, team development sessions, and leadership discussions.
• Help identify opportunities to improve bar systems, prep, and service flow.
• Help track usage and ways to maintain cost control. I.e. Theft, Breakage, Spill, etc.
• Contribute to new cocktail menus and seasonal menu changes.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years bartending experience, preferably in a high-volume or craft cocktail setting.
• Demonstrated leadership experience — Trainer, Lead, or comparable position preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of classic and modern cocktails, spirits, wine, and service standards.
• Calm, organized, and precise under pressure; an example for peers to follow.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to delegate effectively.
• Current Arizona Food Handler’s Card and Liquor License required.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Maintain a polished, professional appearance in alignment with The Americano's uniform and grooming standards.
• Punctuality, reliability, and professionalism are essential.
• Available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Demonstrate balance between authority and approachability — lead through example, not ego.
• Protect the bar’s integrity, team energy, and guest experience with consistency and pride.

Mindset Statement

“I control the energy and flow of the bar. I lead with presence, precision, and positivity — keeping the team aligned and the guests delighted.”