Head Bartender

SUMMARY:
Hospitality Hire is recruiting an experienced Head Bartender for a busy hotel in Bantry Bay, Cape Town.
We are looking for a confident bar professional who combines excellent mixology and beverage knowledge with the leadership skills required to run a high-volume hotel bar operation.

POSITION INFO:
This is a hands-on leadership position. You will be expected to lead from behind the bar, develop the team, engage with guests, maintain strong beverage and stock controls and ensure consistently high service standards throughout every shift.
Previous Head Bartender, Senior Bartender or Bar Supervisor experience within a busy 4-star or 5-star hotel or comparable high-volume hospitality environment is essential.
What You Need to Bring

• Matric Certificate (Grade 12)
  - Hospitality or Food & Beverage qualification advantageous
  - Minimum 3 years' experience as a Head Bartender, Senior Bartender or Bar Supervisor within a 4-star or 5-star hotel, luxury restaurant or high-volume hospitality environment
  - Excellent knowledge of cocktails, mixology, premium spirits, wines, beers and current beverage trends
  - Experience with Micros Simphony or a similar POS system advantageous
  - Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
  - Excellent guest engagement, sales and upselling ability
  - Sound understanding of stock control, beverage costing, ordering and stock rotation
  - Knowledge of responsible alcohol service, HACCP and food safety standards
  - Ability to train, coach and develop a high-performing bar team
  - Professional grooming and presentation
  - Ability to work shifts, weekends and public holidays
  - Fully updated CV required

• Lead the daily operation of the hotel bar
  - Ensure consistently professional and efficient beverage service
  - Prepare and serve premium cocktails, wines, spirits and other beverages to established standards
  - Maintain excellent bar presentation, cleanliness and service standards throughout every shift

• Lead, motivate and develop the bar team
  - Provide ongoing coaching and practical skills training
  - Maintain service discipline and accountability
  - Lead by example during busy service periods

• Create memorable guest interactions through excellent product knowledge and personalised service
  - Confidently recommend cocktails, wines, spirits and premium beverages
  - Drive beverage sales through knowledgeable recommendations and effective upselling
  - Support cocktail innovation, beverage menu development and seasonal promotions

• Monitor stock levels and assist with beverage ordering
  - Manage stock counts, rotation and wastage controls
  - Maintain accurate beverage controls and support effective beverage costing
  - Ensure responsible handling and control of premium beverage stock

• Maintain responsible alcohol-service standards
  - Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, health and safety requirements
  - Work closely with Restaurant Managers, Food & Beverage leadership and Kitchen teams to ensure a seamless hotel guest experience