Lead Bartender

Donohoe Hospitality Services; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Daily pay access

Hotel room discounts

Job summary

Donohoe Hospitality Services is seeking a Lead Bartender for Cambria Navy Yard-Riverfront in Washington, DC. You will oversee daily bar operations, lead the bar team, maintain beverage quality, and support inventory and cost controls to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

The ideal candidate has strong beverage knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment while ensuring responsible alcohol service and guest engagement.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of bartending experience in high-volume or hotel settings.
• Previous lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, and beverage-service techniques.
• Ability to work under pressure with accuracy and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and guest service skills.
• Experience with point-of-sale systems and basic inventory procedures.
• Current responsible alcohol-service certification as required by law.
• Food-handler or food-safety certification may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead bar operations during shifts, including opening, service, and closing.
• Prepare and serve beverages accurately following recipes and standards.
• Provide leadership to bartenders, barbacks, and staff during service.
• Train staff on drink preparation, product knowledge, and guest engagement.
• Deliver hospitality by anticipating guest needs and resolving concerns.
• Maintain quality and consistency across cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.
• Monitor inventory, rotate products, and communicate ordering needs.
• Help control beverage costs by monitoring portions and waste.
• Keep bar clean, organized, and compliant with safety rules.
• Process payments accurately and follow POS procedures.

Skills

Bartending leadership

Staff training

Cocktail knowledge

Guest service

Communication

Tools

POS systems

Inventory management

Job description

Job Details

Lead Bartender

Location: Cambria Navy Yard-Riverfront

Department: Food & Beverage

Salary Range: $18.00 per hour +tips - $18.00 per hour +tips

Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront, a modern business and lifestyle hotel located on the vibrant Navy Yard Riverfront. Our hotel features urban-inspired spaces and 154 accommodations that reflect the energy of our neighborhood. Our guests enjoy local comfort food and wines at our restaurant, RowHouse, or sip craft beers and cocktails on our rooftop bar, Croix, with stunning city views. With a prime location near the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and just six miles from Reagan National Airport, we offer a seamless experience for both business and leisure travelers.

At Cambria Hotel, we value creativity, hospitality, and excellence, providing you with the opportunity to contribute to a unique guest experience in an exciting environment. If you're passionate about delivering exceptional service and want to be part of a hotel that embodies the spirit of Washington, D.C., Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront is the place for you.

Position Summary

The Lead Bartender oversees daily bar operations while delivering knowledgeable, attentive, and efficient service. This role leads the bar team during service, maintains beverage quality and consistency, supports inventory and cost controls, and creates a welcoming experience for every guest.

The ideal candidate is an experienced bartender with strong leadership skills, excellent beverage knowledge, and the ability to remain organized and composed in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead bar operations during assigned shifts, including opening, service, and closing procedures.
• Prepare and serve beverages accurately and efficiently, in accordance with established recipes and presentation standards.
• Provide leadership and direction to bartenders, barbacks, and other team members during service.
• Train and coach staff on drink preparation, product knowledge, responsible alcohol service, sanitation, and guest engagement.
• Deliver exceptional hospitality by anticipating guest needs, resolving concerns professionally, and creating a friendly bar atmosphere.
• Maintain quality and consistency across cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, garnishes, and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Monitor inventory levels, complete stock counts, rotate products, and communicate ordering needs to management.
• Help control beverage costs by monitoring portions, waste, breakage, spills, and complimentary items.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked bar in compliance with health, safety, and sanitation requirements.
• Process payments accurately and follow all cash-handling and point-of-sale procedures.
• Enforce responsible alcohol-service practices, including verifying identification and recognizing signs of intoxication.
• Collaborate with management and kitchen staff to support menu development, promotions, special events, and smooth service.
• Address operational issues promptly and elevate significant guest, staffing, or safety concerns when appropriate.

Qualifications

• At least 2-3 years of bartending experience, preferably in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, nightclub, or craft cocktail environment.
• Previous lead, supervisory, or training experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of spirits, classic and contemporary cocktails, beer, wine, and beverage-service techniques.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and guest service skills.
• Experience with point-of-sale systems and basic inventory procedures.
• Current responsible alcohol-service certification as required by applicable law.
• Food-handler or food-safety certification may be required.
• Must meet the legal age requirements for serving alcohol.

Physical And Scheduling Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 40-50 pounds.
• Ability to reach, bend, twist, and perform repetitive motions safely.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as business needs require.

Performance Expectations

• Consistent beverage quality and presentation.
• Efficient, organized bar service.
• Positive guest feedback and effective complaint resolution.
• Staff readiness, teamwork, and adherence to service standards.
• Accurate inventory, cash handling, and waste control.
• Compliance with alcohol-service, sanitation, and workplace-safety requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• The hotel operates 24/7, requiring department schedules to adapt to varying business demands. Employees may need to work shifts outside their preferred or usual hours.
• Employees must comply with all hotel-established work rules, procedures, and policies, including those outlined in the employee handbook.

Benefits And Perks

Donohoe Hospitality Services is pleased to offer employees a comprehensive Benefits Package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, leaves of absence, retirement plans, paid time off, and hotel room discounts. and MORE! Through this selection of benefits and perks, we strive to provide employees with options that will enhance their quality of life in and out of work.

• * Minimum 32 hours/week to qualify
• We also offer daily pay access where you can receive your earnings on the same day you work, empowering you to manage your finances easily and confidently.