Bartender

Job Summary: As a Bartender at a hotel, you will be responsible for preparing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to guests in a professional and efficient manner. You will ensure that all drinks meet the hotel’s standards of quality and service while providing exceptional customer service. You will also be responsible for maintaining a clean, organized bar area, handling cash and payment transactions, and assisting in creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for guests.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Guest Interaction & Service:
   • Greet guests warmly and interact with them in a friendly, professional manner.
   • Take drink orders from guests, ensuring to listen carefully to preferences and specifications.
   • Provide recommendations for beverages based on guest tastes, including cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic options.
   • Ensure that guests feel comfortable and attended to during their visit to the bar.
   • Maintain a positive and friendly demeanor at all times to foster a welcoming atmosphere.
   • Respond promptly to guest inquiries or requests, ensuring that service is always efficient and courteous.
2. Beverage Preparation & Service:
   • Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks following the hotel's standard recipes and presentation guidelines.
   • Mix, garnish, and serve drinks according to customer specifications, creating consistent, high-quality beverages.
   • Ensure that drinks are prepared in a timely manner, especially during busy periods.
   • Pour and serve wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks, handling all drink orders with care and attention to detail.
   • Maintain the quality of drinks, checking for taste and consistency before serving to the guest.
3. Inventory Management:
   • Monitor and maintain stock levels of bar supplies, including alcohol, mixers, garnishes, glassware, and napkins.
   • Assist in ordering and restocking liquor, beer, wine, and bar equipment as needed.
   • Ensure that all bottles are correctly labeled, stored, and organized, and that inventory is rotated properly to prevent spoilage.
   • Keep track of all bar supplies and report any shortages or damages to the bar manager.
4. Cash Handling & Payment Processing:
   • Process guest payments for drinks and services accurately using the POS (Point of Sale) system.
   • Handle cash, credit cards, and other payment methods accurately, ensuring correct change is given.
   • Maintain accurate records of sales and transactions, ensuring proper cash handling procedures are followed.
   • Handle tips with professionalism and ensure that tip-sharing policies are adhered to.
5. Bar Cleanliness & Organization:
   • Keep the bar area clean, organized, and well-stocked throughout the shift.
   • Clean and sanitize bar equipment, countertops, utensils, and glassware.
   • Ensure that the bar is consistently stocked with fresh garnishes, glassware, napkins, and other supplies.
   • Wash and sterilize bar glassware, ensuring all glasses are spotless and free from fingerprints or smudges.
   • Maintain cleanliness of the surrounding area, including floors, chairs, and tables.
6. Compliance with Safety & Legal Regulations:
   • Serve alcohol responsibly, following all legal and company guidelines regarding alcohol consumption and responsible drinking.
   • Monitor guests for signs of intoxication and refuse service when necessary, following hotel policies.
   • Check IDs of guests to ensure legal drinking age is met.
   • Adhere to local, state, and federal laws and hotel regulations regarding alcohol service and safety protocols.
   • Follow health and safety standards, ensuring the safe handling of alcohol and other beverages.
7. Customer Experience & Upselling:
   • Engage with guests to enhance their experience and encourage repeat visits.
   • Upsell drinks, specials, or additional services (such as appetizers or bar food) to enhance the guest experience and maximize sales.
   • Handle guest complaints or concerns with professionalism, working to resolve any issues quickly and to the guest’s satisfaction.
   • Create a friendly and lively atmosphere to encourage guests to enjoy their time at the bar.
8. Teamwork & Collaboration:
   • Work closely with fellow bartenders, servers, and other hotel staff to ensure smooth service.
   • Assist in the training of new bartenders or staff members as needed.
   • Communicate effectively with the kitchen staff to ensure any special requests or food pairings are handled appropriately.
   • Support other team members during busy periods to maintain a high standard of service across the bar and restaurant.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience: Previous experience as a bartender in a hotel, restaurant, or bar setting is preferred.
• Bartending Skills: Knowledge of drink preparation, mixing techniques, and understanding of classic cocktails.
• Customer Service: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with guests in a friendly and professional manner.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to remember guest orders, preferences, and provide accurate, timely service.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy objects (up to 30 lbs).
• Multitasking Ability: Ability to handle multiple drink orders at once in a fast-paced environment.
• Math Skills: Basic math skills to handle payment transactions and ensure correct change is provided.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to handle difficult or demanding guests in a calm and professional manner.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bartender Certification: A bartending certification or completion of a bartending school is a plus.
• Knowledge of Wines and Spirits: Familiarity with wine varieties, cocktails, beer styles, and spirits.
• POS System Experience: Familiarity with point-of-sale systems and cash register use.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in multiple languages may be a plus depending on the hotel’s international clientele.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Work Schedule: Flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Shift work is typical.
• Environment: Fast-paced and high-energy, with a focus on providing high-quality service in a busy setting.
• Physical Demands: Requires standing for long periods, lifting and carrying heavy items, and performing repetitive tasks such as pouring and mixing drinks.
• Noise Level: The bar area can be noisy, especially during peak hours, requiring the ability to stay focused and organized.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: Hourly wage plus tips, with potential for high earnings based on the hotel's clientele and performance.
• Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, and opportunities for career advancement within the hotel.
• Tips: A significant portion of compensation comes from tips, providing the opportunity for increased earnings.

This position is perfect for someone with a passion for mixology, a flair for customer service, and the ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. If you enjoy engaging with guests, creating great cocktails, and contributing to a positive bar atmosphere, this is the role for you!