Lead Bartender

The Popal Group is a growing family-driven boutique hospitality group setting the standard for DC dining through ambitious restaurant concepts. We are currently seeking a Lead Bartender for our new French wine focused concept. 

Lead Bartender

The Lead Bartender is responsible for overseeing daily bar operations, ensuring service efficiency, maintaining cleanliness, and supporting the bar team in executing the beverage program as designed by the Beverage Director. This position serves as the point person for bar staff during shifts, ensuring smooth service while upholding the bar’s quality and operational standards. Additionally will also be responsible for assisting in training new staff and supporting the General Manager and Beverage Director in their efforts to elevate the bar’s performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the shift leader for the bar team, ensuring smooth operations and timely execution of service.
• Ensure all bartenders properly set up and break down their stations before and after service.
• Maintain oversight of batched cocktails and prep items, ensuring all necessary ingredients are available and prepared to spec
• Ensure bar tools, glassware, and supplies are adequately stocked and properly maintained.
• Coordinate with floor staff to ensure seamless communication between the bar and front-of-house teams.
• Enforce all health and safety standards in line with company policies and local regulations
• Oversee the cleanliness and organization of the bar area, including fridges and liquor storage.
• Ensure that bartenders unbox liquor and wine deliveries and complete this task before leaving (either during shifts or when the bar starts to slow down).
• Coordinate with floor staff to ensure that delivery boxes are properly brought to storage areas..
• Notify the team of any low-stock items or out-of-stock (86’d) products during pre-shift meetings.

• Oversee the quality control of cocktails during service, ensuring that drinks are balanced, accurate, and visually appealing.
• Help introduce new products and cocktails to the team, providing guidance on their preparation and presentation.

• Ensure that bartenders are properly communicating prep needs to prep staff
• Ensure that bar team is communicating with kitchen for produce order needs
• Accurately report order needs to the Beverage Director using provided pars.

• Assist in training new staff members on bar operations, cocktail preparation, and customer service standards while coaching and providing feedback
• Evaluate the skills of staff members and ensure adherence to the training schedule and report performance to beverage director and general manager
• Assist in ensuring that all team members are equipped with the necessary knowledge to perform their roles effectively.
• Assist management in monthly inventory counts

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in leadership role preferred.
• Fine dining experience preferred
• Craft Cocktail experience prefered
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks effectively.
• Positive attitude and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Enthusiastic, organized, self- motivated, detail oriented and joyful
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to understand and respond to individual guests needs and requirements
• A genuine passion and understanding of food and drink

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining composure and attention to detail

Benefits:

401(k), Dental insurance, Employee discount, Health insurance, Paid time off, Vision insurance

Shift:

8-10 hour shift, including evenings and weekends