Lead Bartender

Job Title: Lead Bartender 21.00 per hour plus tip share

Location: Newtown, PA (for Mélange on Sycamore)
Reports To: Bar Manager / General Manager
Hours: Evening shifts Day shifts including weekends; full-time with possibility of split shifts and outdoor seating support

Position Summary

The Lead Bartender will be a senior member of the bar team, responsible not only for mixing and serving drinks, but for taking a leadership role behind the bar. This person will ensure high service standards, train and supervise other bartenders, assist with cocktail menu development, monitor bar operations including stock/inventory/control, and serve as a key ambassador of the bar program.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet and engage guests at the bar, take beverage orders, mix and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to the highest standards of quality, presentation, and timing.
• Supervise and mentor the bar team: train new bartenders, ensure adherence to standards, lead by example during high-volume shifts.
• Assist with creation of cocktail menus, seasonal specials, and signature drinks that reflect our "mixture of food, culture & friends" ethos.
• Oversee bar operations during shift: opening and closing tasks, cash handling, POS accuracy, drink cost controls, inventory & stock management, ordering and receiving supplies.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and professional appearance of the bar, back‐ bar, outdoor bar areas, and service surfaces.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (e.g., age verification, responsible service of alcohol, health & safety).
• Work in partnership with the kitchen and front‐of‐house teams to deliver seamless guest experience, particularly for the unique Mélange concept (Italian–Louisiana fusion).
• Monitor guest satisfaction, respond to guest concerns or requests in a timely and positive manner, promoting return visits.
• Contribute ideas for bar specials, promotions, events, and collaborate with management for execution.
• Assist in scheduling or coordinating bar shifts, as needed, and help manage workflow during busy periods (especially patio/outdoor seating).

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 3-5 years bartending experience in a full-service, high‐volume restaurant or bar; prior experience in a lead or senior bartender role preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cocktails, spirits, wine and beer; comfortable designing/maintaining a creative drinks program.
• Proven supervisory or training experience, with the ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Excellent guest service skills - friendly, engaging, professional; able to anticipate guest needs and upsell effectively.
• Strong organizational, time‐management and multitasking skills; able to thrive in a fast‐paced environment.
• Strong cash handling and POS system experience; attention to detail.
• Good inventory/stock control awareness and cost consciousness (minimizing waste, maximizing profitability).
• Knowledge of responsible alcohol service regulations (age check, intoxication policies).
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays; ability to handle split shifts if necessary.
• Ability to collaborate with kitchen and FOH teams to deliver unified guest service.

Preferred Additional Attributes

• A flair for mixology and crafting signature cocktails, infusions, syrups, and presenting visually appealing drinks.
• Experience managing outdoor bar seating or patio bar operations.
• A hospitality mindset aligned with the Mélange concept: blending cultures (Italian & Louisiana), food‐forward bar program, communal and social atmosphere.
• Some administrative capability (scheduling, basic cost tracking) if needed.