Lead Mixologist – Fine-Dining Bar & Cocktail Program

SA Hospitality Group; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SA Hospitality Group is seeking a Head Bartender to oversee and elevate the bar program in our fine dining setting in Rochester, NY. You will lead a team of bartenders, develop classic and seasonal cocktails, and ensure exceptional guest experiences at the bar.

You will mentor the team, manage mise-en-place and bar cleanliness, and collaborate with beverage, FOH, sommelier, and culinary teams to deliver harmonized pairings and memorable events.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Bartender or Lead Mixologist in a fine dining or luxury hospitality environment.
• Mastery of classic cocktail techniques, premium spirits, and luxury bar standards.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to mentor a team.
• Knowledge of wine, vermouths, and amari is an advantage.
• Impeccable grooming, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Passion for creating memorable guest experiences through hospitality.
• Ability to work late nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Adherence to cleanliness, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and interact with team members and guests.
• Time management and multitasking skills required to manage high-volume production.
• Discipline to follow set standards.
• Must hold or be able to provide the New York City Department of Health (DOH) Food Protection Permit within the first days of employment.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director of Cocktail Programming to carry out and execute a cocktail program that reflects fine dining standards — classic cocktails with precision and seasonal creations with elegance.
• Collaborate actively in the creative process of menu updates and cocktail development.
• Support Management in leading beverage operations and service of the bar.
• Maintain bar organization, mise-en-place, beverage par levels, and cleanliness.
• Lead and inspire a team of bartenders and barbacks, ensuring efficiency and refinement.
• Deliver polished guest service at the bar, anticipating needs and engaging with discretion.
• Conduct tastings, pre-shift trainings, and skill-development sessions for the team.
• Support FOH management, sommelier, and culinary teams to create harmonized pairings and seasonal experiences.
• Provide tailored beverage experiences for private events and VIP guests.

Skills

Head Bartender

Lead Mixologist

Fine Dining

Team Leadership

Cocktail Techniques

Premium Spirits

Guest Service

Time Management

Sanitation Standards

English Communication

Job description

SA Hospitality Group is seeking a Head Bartender to oversee and elevate the bar program in our fine dining setting in Rochester, NY. You will lead a team of bartenders, develop classic and seasonal cocktails, and ensure exceptional guest experiences at the bar.

You will mentor the team, manage mise-en-place and bar cleanliness, and collaborate with beverage, FOH, sommelier, and culinary teams to deliver harmonized pairings and memorable events.