Job Description

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 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 careers@hrhlondonontario.com.

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