Bar Lead — (Modern Craft Cocktail Bar, SF)
We’re looking for a Bar Lead to help shape the next chapter of our cocktail program, someone who genuinely loves this work. The craft, the chaos, the calm, the connection. You live for that moment when the room hums, specs are tight, and service feels effortless. You care about clean lines, clean hands, clean menus. You think in rhythm and balance, and you can hit a meniscus every time.
You’ve got stories to tell and ideas to share, maybe it’s a new prep system, a pop-up idea, or a training format that changes how a team communicates. You’re the kind of bartender who wants to build something, not just clock in.
This is an hourly leadership role built for someone who wants ownership without losing touch with the craft. You’ll work closely with management to keep the program moving forward, develop thoughtful cocktails that feel intentional, and keep the systems sharp so busy nights stay smooth. If you care as much about the details behind the bar as you do the guest experience in front of it, this is a space where you can actually build something meaningful.
About the Role
As Bar Lead, you’ll sit at the intersection of creativity and leadership, overseeing day-to-day bar operations, mentoring the team, and helping define what our program stands for. You’ll collaborate directly with ownership and the GM on everything from menu development and events to systems, consistency, and culture.
Who You Are
A bartender with leadership instincts and the drive to create something lasting
Curious, open-minded, and hungry to keep learning new systems and spirits
Confident communicating and running a shift when things get busy
Obsessed with hospitality, pacing, and the guest experience
Excited by creative freedom, cocktails, events, partnerships, the works
Organized, proactive, and not afraid to take ownership when something needs doing
What You’ll Do
Leadership & Communication
Manage and delegate prep so systems stay efficient and consistent
Communicate clearly with management and ownership (bar logs, meetings, email threads)
Lead by example behind the bar, pace, hospitality, standards
Train and mentor staff; set expectations, follow up, and hold people accountable
Write clear shift reports and communicate service flow and guest feedback
Operations & Systems
Handle ordering, inventory, and invoices
Keep the bar clean, organized, and ready for action
Maintain cash-handling procedures and security standards
Keep SOPs, prep guides, and systems current and actually usable
Creative Development
Collaborate on cocktail creation and long-term program direction
Host tastings, manage vendor relationships, and negotiate support
Use data, feedback, and instinct to evolve the menu over time
Help plan events, collaborations, and brand activations that feel fun, not forced
Culture & Hospitality
Be a leader and an ambassador, consistent, kind, and unreasonably hospitable
Train staff to deliver genuine hospitality, not robotic service
Help create a space that feels elevated but unpretentious, where people want to stay
Business & Compliance
Maintain health, safety, and service standards
Support long-term growth through clean systems and smart practices
Stay tuned in to what’s happening in the industry, new products, ideas, and trends
What You Bring
1–2+ years in a high-volume craft cocktail environment (lead or senior bartender level preferred)
Solid understanding of classic structure, specs, and batching systems
Deep product knowledge and strong technique
Experience mentoring peers or running shifts
Comfort with inventory, vendor management, and costing (we can train you here)
Excellent communication and time management
Interest in events, marketing, and creative community work
Compensation & Perks
Hourly (open to discussion) + tips
Room to grow into a salaried roll
Creative freedom in cocktail and program development
Mentorship from experienced operators
Opportunities for events, education, and brand partnerships
Supportive, collaborative environment where people give a damn
If you’re a creative bartender who loves people, lives for great service, and thrives when the room’s alive and everything’s clicking, we want to meet you.
Send your resume and a quick note about how you think about hospitality, what makes a night memorable, what makes a guest come back, and if you’ve got a cocktail or two you’re especially proud of, show us what you’ve got.
