Lead Bartender

Position: GMT -5 Lead Bartender

Reports To: Food & Beverage Manager

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Food & Beverage Manager, the GMT -5 Lead Bartender plays a vital role in helping deliver an unforgettable dining experience that embodies the unique Hard Rock culture. In addition to mixology expertise, the Lead Bartender will take on a key leadership role within GMT-5. This includes overseeing consistency in cocktail preparation and execution, ensuring every drink meets our standards of quality and creativity. The role also champions the guest experience by supporting the team in delivering elevated, memorable service. As the on-shift leader, the Lead Bartender will provide guidance, coaching, and clear communication to the bar team, helping maintain smooth operations, fostering collaboration, and upholding the culture of excellence we're building behind the bar.

Hours of Work: This is an hourly position, with work hours that align with business needs and guest demand. The normal schedule will be Tuesday-Saturday PM shifts. This schedule could vary depending on business needs.

GMT -5 Lead Bartender – Job Description

Job Duties Include (but are not limited to):

Take food and beverage orders, retrieve and serve alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages and meals to guests, courteously and efficiently according to hotel specifications. Assist in the maintenance of the outlet area and equipment.

· Greet guests as they sit down at the bar top

· Work both the bar top and service well

· Follow correct recipe guidelines for classic and speciality cocktails

· Follow both steps of service when working the bar top or service well

· Anticipate guests' needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests, however busy and whatever time of day

· Always maintain positive guest relations

· Be familiar with all Hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately

· Resolve guest complaints, ensuring guest satisfaction

· Maintain complete knowledge of all menu items, food offerings, cocktails, liquor brands, beers and non-alcoholic selections available in the assigned outlet

· Maintain knowledge of the characteristics and description of every wine/champagne by the glass and major wines on the wine list

· Maintain complete knowledge of designated glassware and garnishes for each drink

· Maintain complete knowledge of and strictly abide by liquor regulations

· Maintain complete knowledge of bar top seat numbers

· Maintain complete knowledge of P.O.S. (MICROS) and manual systems

· Complete opening/during shift/closing side duties

· Inspect cleanliness and condition of bar, entire outlet, and service areas; help with any areas that need to be addressed before, during and after service

· Follow instructions and par levels for prep

· Greet guests and take their orders (food and beverage), utilizing suggestive/up-selling techniques

· Open and serve wine/champagne bottles

· Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of bar top and service well at all times throughout the duration of service

· Present guest checks and process payments

· Adhere to all cash handling and credit policies/procedures

· Clearly communicate last call at designated closing time to guests

· Report tips at the end of assigned shift

· Provide on-shift leadership and guidance to the bar team, ensuring all bartenders follow proper cocktail preparation techniques and recipe standards

· Oversee cocktail consistency, presentation, and accuracy for both bar-top and service-well cocktails

· Support and coach bartenders in real time to improve productivity, accuracy, and service execution

· Lead pre-shift communication, ensuring the bar team is aware of menu changes, specials, 86'd items, and service priorities

· Act as the primary point of contact for bar-related questions, concerns, or support needs during the shift

· Monitor overall guest experience at the bar, addressing issues quickly and professionally to ensure guest satisfaction

· Assist leadership in maintaining bar cleanliness, organization, and readiness, setting the standard for others to follow

· Collaborate with management on continuous improvement of cocktail programs, prep systems, and service standards

· Model positive communication, teamwork, and professionalism at all times, setting expectations for the entire bar team

· Support onboarding and training of new bartenders to ensure proper technique, consistency, and adherence to standards

· Identify opportunities during service to improve flow, reduce wait times, and elevate the overall guest experience

Qualifications

· High school graduate or secondary school diploma equivalent

· Minimum 3 years of bartending experience required

· Minimum 1 year in a lead bartender or supervisor role required

· Craft Cocktail/ Mixology experience required

· Fluency in English, both verbal and non-verbal

· Experience in bartending and cash handling considered a strong asset

· WSET certification considered a strong asset

· Smart Serve certified

· Food Handlers certificate

· Ability to input and access information in the point of sales system

Physical Aspects of Position (include but are not limited to):

· Constant standing and walking throughout shift

· Occasional lifting up to 80lbs

· Occasional kneeling, pushing, pulling

Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Accommodations will be made available upon request for applicants with disabilities to enable them to participate in the selection process. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing the application materials or any aspect of the selection process, please contact us at

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $17.20-$20.60 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Discounted or free food
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Store discount

Work Location: In person