Lead Bartender

ABOUT HOTEL DROVER:

Inspired by the pioneering spirit of the West, Hotel Drover delivers true Texas hospitality. Named to honor the legendary cowboys who drove cattle to market across the plains, Hotel Drover is an Autograph Collection® property, offering a truly unique guest experience in the heart of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

Our goal is simple. To harness the true spirit of the Stockyards through the legacy of the drover, creating an experience that can only be achieved here in Fort Worth. Proud of where we came from, we greet visitors with a tip of the hat and a firm handshake, welcoming all to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and genuine Texas hospitality.

So, dust off your boots, grab your hat and join us at Hotel Drover.

WHO WE’RE SEEKING:

We’re seeking a unique individual who will embody the heart and soul of the Fort Worth Stockyards while caring deeply about our brand and community – someone who acts as an extension of our mission, values, and culture. This person is driven to create meaningful experiences for our employees, guests, and community. 

We want to work with someone who brings a spirit of fun, authenticity, collaboration, and genuine hospitality to their life and work. We are seeking an individual who will whole-heartedly take responsibility for ensuring Hotel Drover successfully delivers Legendary Service to every guest, every day. 

We have poured our passion, energy, and excitement into crafting an extraordinary place and brand – and we know that the right Lead Bartender for Hotel Drover will be as inspired and passionate about this vision as we are. Care for people, have a belief in the power of community, and the desire to create extraordinary experiences drive us. You must apply if these things also drive you!

ROLE SUMMARY: The Lead Bartender supports the Outlets leadership team by supporting bar operations and ensuring a polished, high-quality beverage experience that reflects hotel brand standards. This role provides on-floor leadership during service, manages beverage execution and inventory, trains and mentor bartenders, and ensures responsible alcohol service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Assist with beverage inventory management, ordering, and cost control. 

• Establish and maintain approved par levels for all beverage items to support operational efficiency and cost control. 

• Ensure all bar storage, prep, and service areas are clean, organized, and compliant with hotel and health department standards. 

• Properly clean, maintain, and store all portable bars and bar equipment. 

• Train new and existing bartenders on brand standards, bar policies, beverage preparation, and guest service expectations. 

• Coach and mentor bartenders to promote consistency, efficiency, and professional growth. 

• Reinforce responsible alcohol service and safety procedures in accordance with TABC requirements. 

• Train and monitor proper pour counts to ensure beverage consistency; conduct blind pour testing as needed. 

• Host monthly beverage education sessions covering wine, beer, and spirits to enhance team knowledge and service confidence. 

• Partner with management to design and implement an updated bartender training guide that supports skill development and service excellence. 

• Develop, maintain, and execute beverage menus, including signature cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic offerings. 

• Ensure beverage offerings align with event specifications, brand identity, and guest expectations. 

• Lead and supervise banquet bartenders during events. 

• Always ensure professional service delivery and adherence to brand and service standards. 

• Lead monthly beverage education sessions for the banquet department to enhance product knowledge and service confidence. 

• Serve as the primary on-floor contact for bar operations, allowing Leadership to focus on service execution. 

• Review Event Orders (EOs) to forecast beverage inventory needs and ensure accurate preparation for upcoming events. 

• Maintain a flexible schedule consisting of four on-floor shifts and one administrative day per week. 

• Collaborate with management to complete and reconcile monthly beverage inventories, ensuring accuracy and accountability. 

• Utilize administrative time for inventory management, training, menu updates, and operational planning. 

• All other duties as assigned. 

ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to stand, walk, and walk for extended periods. 

• Ability to lift, carry, and move bar supplies, cases, and equipment up to 25 pounds. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provides on-floor leadership and direction to bartenders during assigned shifts. 

• Responsible for training, coaching, and reinforcing service and safety standards for bartending staff. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Flexible schedule — must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

• Minimum of two (2) years of bartending experience; banquet or hotel experience preferred. 

• Strong knowledge of spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

• Demonstrated leadership, training, and organizational skills. 

• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully. 

• Ability to obtain Food Handlers and TABC Certification. 

• Embody our Core Values: Hit the Mark, Every time, Blaze New Trails, Spark Warmth, Be Intentional, Honor All, Do Right, Stay Curious. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Previous lead bartender or supervisory experience. 

• Prior hotel or banquet environment experience. 

• Strong multitasking, time management, and problem-solving skills. 

• Detail oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills. 

Hotel Drover complies with all laws prohibiting discrimination against employees and applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, or veterans' status.