Lead Bartender

Location: SAGA & Overstory
Reports To: General Manager / Bar Director

Kent Hospitality Group is a visionary team reshaping hospitality through community, culture and

excellence. Founded by the late Chef Jamal James Kent, this award-winning group delivers unrivaled experiences that are both welcoming and exceptional.

With a portfolio that includes Michelin-starred restaurants, private members clubs, and world-class venues, KHG creates destinations where guests and team members alike feel welcome and inspired. In partnership with entrepreneur-led private equity group SC Holdings, we believe extraordinary hospitality begins with extraordinary teams, valuing not just what we create, but how we work together to bring it to life.

The Lead Bartender is a key member of the beverage leadership team, responsible for overseeing daily bar operations, maintaining exceptional beverage quality, and delivering a polished, memorable guest experience across SAGA, Overstory, and private dining events.

Working closely with the Bar Director and broader Front-of-House and Back-of-House teams, the Lead Bartender supports beverage program execution, contributes to cocktail research and development, and helps train and develop the bar team. This role requires technical expertise, operational precision, creativity, and strong interpersonal leadership.

The ideal candidate leads by example, demonstrates sound judgment under pressure, and fosters a collaborative environment grounded in hospitality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee daily bar operations during assigned shifts, delegating preparation, setup, service, and closing responsibilities to ensure smooth and consistent execution.
• Maintain quality control of syrups, juices, infusions, garnishes, batching, and other beverage components while ensuring appropriate pars and station readiness.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and presentation of bar stations, equipment, storage areas, and guest-facing spaces while upholding food safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service standards.
• Anticipate service needs, resolve operational challenges promptly, and communicate relevant concerns to leadership.

• Participate in cocktail research and development for SAGA, Overstory, private dining events, and special programming.
• Collaborate with the Bar Director on menu design, seasonal offerings, recipe development, testing, and beverage program updates.
• Assist with recipe documentation, standardized specifications, batching procedures, costing, and training materials to ensure consistency across service teams.
• Support beverage execution for private events and other venue-specific initiatives as needed.

• Provide daily guidance and mentorship to bartenders and bar team members, reinforcing technical proficiency, hospitality, and service standards.
• Lead or assist with pre-service meetings, tastings, team education, and ongoing training initiatives.
• Communicate expectations clearly and address service or performance concerns promptly, professionally, and in accordance with company policies.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment that encourages accountability, constructive feedback, and professional growth.
• Partner with the Bar Director to identify training needs, improve team performance, and support the development of future beverage leaders.

• Assist with inventory counts, product organization, and ordering through BinWise or the company's designated inventory management platform.
• Monitor product usage, waste, and inventory variances to support cost control and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate documentation for inventory, ordering, recipes, preparation procedures, and other required bar systems.
• Ensure products are properly stored, labeled, dated, and rotated, and promptly communicate discrepancies, low-stock items, or equipment concerns.

• Minimum of two years of bartending experience in a high-volume, cocktail-focused, or upscale hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, bitters, production methods, and beverage preparation techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to lead shifts, delegate responsibilities, mentor colleagues, and maintain quality and composure in a demanding service environment.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; familiarity with inventory management, ordering systems, and cost control is preferred, with BinWise experience a plus.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and respond effectively to changing operational priorities.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift or carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.