Lead Bartender - Craft Cocktails & Team Leadership

16 On Center LLC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Short-term disability

401(k) with company match

Paid safe and sick leave

Job summary

16 On Center LLC, operator of live music venues and events, seeks a Lead Bartender for Bar Avant at Olly Olly Market in New York. Lead bar operations, guide the team, and align with management to support bar and vendor activities while crafting engaging, profitable experiences for guests.

The role emphasizes mentorship, consistency, cost controls, and cross‑team collaboration to elevate service, inventory, and event programming.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of bartending experience in a high-volume or craft cocktail environment.
• Natural leader who leads by example and supports team development.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across teams during service.
• Strong sense of hospitality and ability to connect with guests in a genuine way.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; lift up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Be the guiding force behind the bar staff, offering mentorship when possible and direction when necessary to keep the team on task and continue developing skills.
• Maintain a professional presence at all times, serving as an example for the team and championing 16 On Center’s guiding principles.
• Support the food hall management team and serve as a resource for vendors when needed.
• Act as the primary point of contact for closing the food hall five days per week.
• Guide event execution teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity while ensuring consistency in setup, service, and guest interaction.
• Drive hospitality standards in alignment with 16 On Center’s Mission Statement, creating positive guest experiences and encouraging the team to go above and beyond.
• Review financial data and adjust menu offerings based on trends, while maintaining overall bar profitability.
• Manage ordering, receiving, and inventory procedures, involving the GM when appropriate, and maintain organization of liquor rooms, coolers, and bar areas.
• Work to maintain cost of goods sold, shrinkage, and inventory levels within established targets.
• Oversee prep programs to improve efficiency, consistency, and product quality.
• Ensure complete and efficient opening and closing procedures, with team accountability across all duties.
• Keep all SOPs and training documents up to date.
• Attend weekly manager meetings and follow through on assigned tasks and projects.
• Work directly with the Private Events team to execute events and support overall event operations.
• Create and execute activations using beverage programming to build brand integrity and drive revenue (e.g., holidays, menu placements, takeovers, themed series).
• Manage end‑of‑night 7shifts log notes to ensure consistent and accurate reporting.
• Continuously identify areas of improvement and implement changes as needed.

Skills

Bartending experience

Leadership

Communication

Hospitality

Guest service

Multitasking

Physical stamina

Job description

16 On Center LLC, operator of live music venues and events, seeks a Lead Bartender for Bar Avant at Olly Olly Market in New York. Lead bar operations, guide the team, and align with management to support bar and vendor activities while crafting engaging, profitable experiences for guests.

The role emphasizes mentorship, consistency, cost controls, and cross‑team collaboration to elevate service, inventory, and event programming.