Description

Department: Food & Beverage – Front of House

Direct Report: Restaurant General Manager / Front of House Supervisor

Purpose: Lead bar operations at Theodosia by executing elevated beverage service, maintaining cost controls, training bar team members, and ensuring consistent hospitality standards aligned with EOS Hospitality and Sanderling Resort expectations.

OVERVIEW:

The Sanderling Resort, located in Duck, North Carolina, is the premier oceanfront destination in the Outer Banks, offering refined coastal hospitality, elevated culinary programming, and memorable guest experiences. Theodosia serves as the resort’s signature, chef-driven dining experience, celebrating regional ingredients, seasonality, and sophisticated yet welcoming service.

The Lead Bartender is responsible for overseeing daily bar operations, maintaining high-quality beverage execution, supporting inventory management and leading the bar team during service. This position blends hands-on bartending excellence with leadership, accountability, and financial awareness.

JOB SUMMARY:

• Serve as shift leader for bar operations, supervising Bartenders and Bar Support team members during service
• Assist Restaurant General Manager with training, coaching, performance feedback, and development of bar team members
• Create and maintain organized bar setup, ensuring readiness for service, cleanliness, and presentation standards
• Conduct daily bar briefings covering featured cocktails, wine pairings, menu changes, and service expectations
• Have full knowledge of all beverage offerings including cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic options
• Maintain elevated cocktail execution standards including recipe adherence, consistency, presentation, and proper glassware usage
• Assist in developing seasonal cocktail features in collaboration with Restaurant General Manager and Culinary leadership
• Perform regular beverage inventory counts and assist in maintaining accurate par levels
• Monitor liquor, wine, and beer inventory to reduce waste and control cost of goods
• Ensure proper rotation, storage, and labeling of all bar products
• Inspect deliveries for accuracy and quality; report discrepancies promptly
• Monitor bar labor productivity during shifts and communicate staffing needs to leadership
• Ensure compliance with all responsible alcohol service regulations and ABC laws
• Practice proactive guest engagement, upselling, and suggestive selling techniques to drive average check
• Lead guest recovery efforts related to beverage service when necessary
• Maintain accurate cash handling procedures and POS compliance
• Delegate side work and cleaning tasks to ensure the bar remains organized and efficient throughout service
• Demonstrate a team-focused attitude and collaborate closely with Front of House and Culinary teams to ensure seamless guest experience
• Understand and use safe work practices including Emergency Procedures, Accident Reporting, Responsible Alcohol Service standards, and workplace safety policies
• Attend meetings and training sessions as required
• Comply with all policies outlined in the Handbook, Property Supplement, or otherwise issued including time and attendance, uniform standards, anti-harassment policy, and workplace conduct expectations

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:

• Ability to remain standing for up to 10 hours
• Ability to move quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced bar environment
• Ability to regularly lift and move up to 40 lbs (cases of beer, liquor boxes, ice bins)
• Ability to bend, reach, and access storage above and below bar level
• Ability to use repetitive manual dexterity frequently including shaking, stirring, pouring, garnishing, and polishing glassware
• Ability to visibly inspect beverage presentation and bar cleanliness
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively with guests and team members
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English
• Ability to complete a satisfactory background check
• Ability to work flexible hours based on business needs including evenings, weekends, and holidays

TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• Microsoft Office (basic use)
• Point of Sale System
• Bar Inventory and Ordering Systems
• Phone and Two-Way Communication Devices
• Time clock and time clock systems
• Service Equipment (Coffee/Tea Machines, Soda Fountains, Toasters, Refrigeration, etc.)
• Bar Equipment (shakers, strainers, jiggers, muddlers, bar spoons, etc.)
• Basic Cleaning Tools and Chemicals
• Glassware and Garnish Tools
• Wine Preservation Systems
• Refrigeration Units
• Ice Machine
• Step Stool

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work will primarily take place in a hotel resort and restaurant bar environment
• Fast-paced service atmosphere with seasonal fluctuations in volume
• Combination of independent bar execution and collaborative team service
• Exposure to moderate noise levels and alcohol service environment

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 3+ years bartending experience in a full-service or upscale restaurant environment.
• Previous lead or supervisory bar experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits.
• Understanding of beverage cost control and inventory management.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and remain composed under pressure.
• Passion for hospitality and beverage craftsmanship.
• Successful completion of satisfactory background check.
• Available and willing to work flexible hours based on business needs including weekdays and weekends.

No Job Description for a position can possibly include all duties which may be requested by guests or required by the hotel. The objective of all positions is to effectively provide the services personally, or to immediately refer requests to the appropriate department manager. The items listed above are a summary of the major responsibilities of the position that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.