SUMMARY:
A luxury tented safari lodge, set within a private Big Five reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a polished and guest-focused FRENCH-SPEAKING BARTENDER to join their team.
POSITION INFO:
The ideal candidate is a confident, detail-driven bartender who can deliver five-star beverage service in a remote bush setting, from sundowner cocktails to boma dinners and private functions. You will bring product knowledge, creativity and a warm, professional manner to every guest interaction, including those who prefer to be served in French.
Core Criteria:
- Fluent in French, with strong English communication skills
- Previous experience as a Bartender in a luxury lodge, hotel or high-end hospitality environment
- Strong product knowledge across cocktails, wines, spirits, beers and non-alcoholic beverages
- Sound understanding of stock control, HACCP and hygiene standards
- Knowledge of responsible alcohol service and South African liquor regulations
- Ability to work calmly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Professional appearance and demeanour
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Cultural awareness and emotional intelligence
- Willingness to work shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays
- Comfortable working in outdoor and bush dining settings, and following wildlife safety protocols
Core Responsibilities:
- Provide warm, personalised bar service to all guests, in French and English
- Prepare and serve cocktails, mocktails, wines, beers and spirits to five-star standards
- Anticipate guest preferences and create tailored, memorable experiences
- Maintain consistent quality, presentation and portion control
- Keep the bar stocked, clean and presentable, with mise en place ready at all times
- Support beverage service during meals, boma dinners, bush events and private functions
- Assist with stock counts, requisitions and stock rotation
- Store and handle all beverages correctly, and minimise wastage, breakages and variances
- Report low stock levels and equipment issues promptly
- Uphold HACCP, hygiene and cleanliness standards
- Ensure responsible alcohol service in line with lodge policy and liquor regulations
- Handle guest feedback and requests professionally, escalating where needed
- Work closely with waiters, F&B supervisors, kitchen staff and management
- Attend daily briefings and share guest preferences and special occasions with the team
- Assist with cash handling and POS procedures where applicable
- Complete daily cleaning schedules and bar checklists
- Comply with SOPs and brand standards
