Head Barman - Waterberg

HotelJobs; Limpopo; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking a Head Barman for a Luxury Game Lodge in the Waterberg area to deliver exceptional beverage service and maintain high standards of presentation.

You will lead bar operations, supervise staff, manage stock and costs, and contribute to a memorable guest experience in a premium hospitality setting. Flexibility to work weekends and holidays is required.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent advantageous.
• Luxury hospitality bartending experience preferred.
• Advanced beverage knowledge and mixology skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent guest service and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and public holidays.
• Professional and well-presented appearance.
• Financial awareness and ability to support cost control.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to luxury lodge standards.
• Maintain cleanliness, organisation, and presentation of all bar areas, equipment, and service stations.
• Assist with daily bar setup and closing procedures.
• Support the development of beverage menus and signature cocktail offerings.
• Manage beverage stock, inventory control, and ordering processes.
• Conduct stock takes, minimise wastage, and maintain accurate records.
• Provide coaching and training to bar staff and supervise performance.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, safety & liquor regulations and SOPs.
• Promote responsible service of alcohol and maintain a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure seamless guest experiences.

Skills

Beverage knowledge

Mixology skills

Guest service

Leadership

Communication

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Job description

Luxury Game Lodge in the Waterberg area is looking for a Head Barman to provide exceptional beverage service to guests by preparing and serving drinks professionally, maintaining high service standards; and contributing to an outstanding guest experience within a luxury hospitality environment.

Duties:

Bar Operations:

Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to luxury lodge standards. Maintain cleanliness, organisation, and presentation of all bar areas, equipment, and service stations. Assist with daily bar setup and closing procedures. Ensure proper care and maintenance of bar equipment and glassware. Support the development of beverage menus and signature cocktail offerings.

Guest Experience:

Provide personalised, professional, and attentive service to enhance the guest experience. Engage with guests warmly while efficiently managing requests and concerns. Ensure prompt and exceptional beverage service in line with luxury lodge standards.

Stock Control & Administration:

Manage beverage stock, inventory control, and ordering processes. Conduct stock takes, minimise wastage, and maintain accurate records. Ensure correct storage and rotation of beverages. Monitor costs and support achievement of departmental financial targets.

Staff Supervision & Training:

Support and motivate bar staff while ensuring high service standards. Provide coaching and training to improve skills and beverage knowledge. Ensure compliance with grooming, hygiene, and operational standards. Assist with scheduling and staff performance management.

Hygiene; Safety & Compliance:

Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, health, and liquor regulations Always promote responsible service of alcohol Ensure all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are followed Maintain a safe and hygienic working environment

Teamwork & Communication:

Collaborate with departments to ensure seamless guest experiences. Maintain effective communication and promote teamwork, professionalism, and a positive work environment.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent advantageous.
• Luxury hospitality bartending experience preferred.
• Strong beverage, cocktail, wine, and bar service knowledge.
• Mixology training and stock control experience advantageous.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays.
• Professional and well-presented appearance.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and team management abilities.
• Advanced beverage knowledge and mixology skills.
• Excellent guest service and communication skills.
• Strong organisation, administration, and stock control abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure with attention to detail and effective problem-solving skills.
• Financial awareness and ability to support cost control.