BARTENDER JOB DESCRIPTION

A hotel bar is one of the few guest touchpoints that operates from pre-dinner drinks through late-evening wind-downs, demanding consistent craft across every hour. Bartenders in full-service hotel properties work within brand-compliance frameworks, including responsible service regulations and outlet-specific standards set by the property, that sit well outside what a standalone bar requires. The role spans beverage preparation, upselling, cash accountability, and station readiness. Guests expect both precision and warmth.

As the Bartender, you deliver beverages and limited food service to hotel guests with a level of professionalism that reflects the property's brand standards, ensuring every interaction meets the outlet's service and compliance expectations. You operate across bar and restaurant service areas within a hotel F&B structure, supporting the Head Bar or Bar Manager on inventory control, cash handling, and the day-to-day rhythm of the outlet.

Career Impact: Experience within a branded hotel bar environment, particularly at the four- or five-star tier, builds a service credential that accelerates advancement into lead bartender or bar supervisor roles within hospitality groups.

Business Impact: The bar outlet is a direct revenue generator for the property, and your ability to upsell promotions and execute consistent pours determines how much revenue each shift captures.

Growth Opportunity: Mastery of beverage compliance, brand standard audits, and inventory reconciliation opens a credible path toward Bar Manager and Beverage Director positions within hotel F&B operations.

• Prepare and serve beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails to hotel brand and outlet service standards throughout each shift.
• Upsell promotional beverages and slow-moving inventory items to guests during service.
• Set up and break down bar station before and after each shift, including ingredient prep, glassware polishing, and equipment cleaning.
• Monitor guests for signs of over-service and enforce responsible beverage service in line with applicable liquor laws and health regulations.
• Maintain bar inventory to par levels, order supplies as needed, and document stock accurately.
• Process all payment methods including cash, credit, and property accounts, balancing the bank and completing cashier reports at shift end.
• Comply with all brand-specific policies, outlet cleanliness standards, and hygiene requirements throughout service.

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality or equivalent work experience.
• 1 or more years of bartending experience, with preference for a hotel, resort, or upmarket bar environment.
• Working knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, and standard cocktail recipes, including mixology fundamentals.
• Demonstrated ability to upsell beverages and promotional items confidently in a guest-facing environment.
• Familiarity with cash handling procedures, point-of-sale systems, and end-of-shift reconciliation.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift items over 20 lbs, and carry beverage loads safely throughout a shift.
• Proficiency in English; bilingual ability is a strong asset.

• Responsible beverage service certification (e.g., TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or equivalent jurisdiction-recognized credential).
• Experience working within a branded hotel or resort F&B structure, including brand standard audits or outlet compliance checks.
• Additional language proficiency beyond English relevant to the property's guest mix.
• Familiarity with hotel property management systems or hospitality-specific POS platforms.

• Guest satisfaction score for the bar outlet, reflecting service consistency across assigned shifts.
• Upsell attachment rate per shift, measured against outlet promotional targets.
• Cash variance at shift close, tracking accuracy of payment processing and bank reconciliation.
• Inventory shrinkage rate within the bar station, compared against ordered and recorded par levels.
• Compliance pass rate on brand-standard and responsible service audits conducted by outlet management.
• Typical tools: POS systems (commonly hotel-integrated platforms); inventory tracking software (commonly spreadsheet-based or F&B inventory tools).

• Base Salary Range: $28,000 to $40,000 annually, plus tips typically adding $10,000 to $25,000
• Bonus: Occasional performance or service incentives at property level
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision; varies by property and chain
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; varies by employer and tenure
• Common Perks: Employee dining, hotel stay discounts, uniform provision, and brand training programs

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all applicants. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history review in accordance with applicable law. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

The Bartender delivers exceptional beverage and food service to hotel guests during assigned shifts, applying demonstrable cocktail and mixology expertise to upsell specials and ensure an unforgettable experience. Reporting to the bar manager and operating within the Kempinski Hotels outlet, the Bartender builds guest satisfaction through confident product knowledge and adherence to the property's service standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Up-sell and promote all specials advertised in the outlet as well as slow-moving items.
• Complete all side duties described in the job task checklist prior to opening and closing.
• Stock all supplies and glassware ordered by the bar manager.
• Ensure an unforgettable experience through demonstrable passion for cocktails and mixology.
• Approach guests with confidence to suggest cocktails, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages and promotional items.
• Maintain good working knowledge of bar inventory and wine selection to respond properly to guest questions.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of beverage recipes and mixing procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 1 to 2 years of experience in a bartender role, preferably in a five-star hotel or upmarket bar environment.
• Strong knowledge of mixology, wine, beverages, and cocktails.
• Thorough understanding of all food and beverage menu items with ability to recommend combinations and upsell alternatives.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with an enthusiastic, flexible, and creative approach.
• Fluency in English, with additional languages considered an advantage.

Embedded within the bar team and reporting to the Head Bar, the Bartender shapes daily operations by preparing and serving drinks to a high standard, promoting offers, and maintaining hygiene and cash control to Kempinski standards. Working closely with the Head Bar on budgets and stock management, this position enables a relaxed, atmospheric environment that drives guest satisfaction and sales.

Core Functions

• Assist with the daily running of the bar.
• Provide exceptional customer service at all times.
• Prepare and serve drinks to a high standard, promoting drinks offers and happy hours.
• Conduct stock control, weekly stock takes, and reconcile deliveries.
• Assist the Head Bar with budgets whilst maintaining high standards.
• Ensure high levels of hygiene and cleanliness to the Mark Warner standards.
• Manage cash control and bar security.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience working in a bar.
• Good knowledge of beverages.
• High level of customer service with a confident and outgoing personality.
• Professional work ethic with a calm demeanour and organised, self-starter approach.
• Ability to work individually or as part of a team.

Reporting to bar leadership, the Bartender leads service across a fast-paced brewpub environment, explaining tap beers, managing table orders, and handling problem situations to maintain a positive customer experience. Partnering with the broader floor team, this role shapes guest satisfaction by ensuring consistent, high-quality service and responsible alcohol monitoring throughout each shift.

Primary Duties

• Operate in a fast-paced brewpub bar serving beer, wine, and liquor.
• Deliver consistent, excellent service among a rapid and steady stream of customers.
• Explain beers on tap and their unique processes and properties to customers.
• Fill table orders while maintaining the bar.
• Monitor customer behavior and ensure guests are not being overserved.
• Handle problem situations strategically to maintain a positive customer experience.

Skills & Qualifications

• Significant experience bartending, preferably within a brewpub environment.
• Solid understanding of brewing methods, beer compositions, and the subtleties that distinguish each beer.
• Ability to memorize and execute a specific mixed drink menu and a large variety of standard beverages.
• Ability to manage a constant flow of orders at a rapid pace without sacrificing service quality or safety.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Sitting at the intersection of bar operations and team development, the Bartender owns the full bar program, including inventory management, seasonal cocktail menu collaboration, special event planning, and staff training on spirit and cocktail knowledge. Operating across service, compliance, and budget functions, this role builds program integrity and enables a high-volume bar or restaurant to consistently deliver quality guest experiences.

Duties

• Order, receive, stock, and maintain par levels for weekly liquor and beer inventory.
• Maintain budget by monitoring invoice cost of goods.
• Oversee planning for special events and daily produce orders for citrus, juice, and garnish.
• Input monthly inventory and collaborate on seasonal specialty cocktail menus.
• Maintain overall bar program integrity and compliance with departmental policies and standards.
• Train service staff on spirit and cocktail knowledge and delegate daily cleaning and prep duties.
• Ensure proper setup and breakdown of stations before and after operating hours.

Requirements

• 3 or more years of bartending experience in a high-volume bar or restaurant.
• Previous experience in a lead bartender or bar manager role.
• Extensive knowledge of spirits and beer, with wine knowledge as a plus.
• Working knowledge of classic cocktail recipes.
• Ability to multi-task and thrive under pressure during busy periods, keeping the bar organized and clean.
• Proactive attitude with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Flexible schedule with willingness to work late evenings, weekends, and holidays.

A key member of the food and beverage team, the Bartender delivers professional beverage and food service to guests across restaurant and catered function settings, ensuring bar areas, glassware, and tableware are properly set and maintained throughout each service period. Collaborating with service staff and responding promptly to guest requests, this role enables efficient, courteous dining experiences that uphold the property's quality and attendance standards.

Functions

• Prepare bar and restaurant area for service, including bar ingredients, mixers, inventory, equipment, and glassware.
• Serve food and beverages professionally, remove dishes when appropriate, and respond promptly to guest requests.
• Clean and maintain bar and restaurant service areas before, during, and after service.
• Maintain inventory, supplies, and equipment in an efficient and orderly fashion.
• Comply with all applicable policies, standards, and procedures including attendance and quality control.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Knowledge of food, wine, spirits, and beer, with skills associated with fine dining and bartending.
• Understanding and ability to conduct mixology.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift objects over 20 lbs, and carry 8 to 10 meals on a tray.

Consistent execution of brand standards, liquor laws, and responsible alcohol service depends on the Bartender, who owns guest greeting, drink preparation, payment processing, and end-of-shift cashier reporting across all operating hours. Based within a high-volume bar environment, the Bartender supports overall outlet performance by maintaining inventory par levels, upholding cleanliness standards, and delivering a strong customer service experience to every guest.

Accountabilities

• Acknowledge and welcome each guest with a smile, eye contact, and a friendly greeting.
• Check guests for proper identification.
• Promote and upsell drinks and special drink promotions.
• Create alcoholic beverages using proper portion controls to ensure no overserving.
• Adhere to all applicable brand standards, liquor laws, and health regulations.
• Maintain inventory to par, order supplies as needed, and secure all alcoholic beverages and storage areas.
• Set up bar before opening and ensure cleanliness of bar, equipment, and tools pre and post-shift.
• Perform side duties including cleaning, garnish prep, and stocking.
• Take payment, process all payment methods, complete cashier reports, and resolve discrepancies at shift end.

Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must meet the minimum age requirement of the jurisdiction.
• One year of bartending experience.
• Working knowledge of beer, wine, liquor, and common drink recipes, including familiarity with POS register systems.
• Friendly and motivated with a strong customer service focus.
• Proficient in English, with bilingual ability strongly preferred.
• Willingness to work varied hours, including holidays and weekends.