Lead Bartender

Lead Bartender $15/hr + tips Paid Time off (FTE), Discounted Staff Meals on Shift JOB TITLE: Lead BartenderSTATUS: Regular, ExemptDEPARTMENT: Front of House (FOH)SUPERVISOR: General Manager / Assistant General Manager / Service ManagersWe Lead With IntentionPearl & Law Hospitality, founded by Biplaw Rai and Nyacko Pearl Perry, is the home of Comfort Kitchen—recognized as Best New Restaurant by both Boston Magazine and The Boston Globe, named one of the Top 50 Restaurants in America by The New York Times, and nominated for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation.Our restaurants are rooted in creating deeply intentional dining experiences that bring people home to themselves and to one another. We honor the roots, stories, and daily life that shape our food, our team, and our spaces.SUMMARYThe Lead Bartender is responsible for driving the bar’s performance, quality, and hospitality standards. This role supports the Beverage Manager in executing Ama’s cocktail program, leading bar service, training bartenders and barbacks, maintaining organization and cleanliness, and ensuring a consistent, high-level guest experience.The Lead Bartender is a working lead—both a frontline bartender and an operational anchor who helps maintain systems, service flow, and beverage excellence throughout every shift.GENERAL EXPECTATIONSEmbody Ama’s mission, values, and hospitality philosophy, setting the tone for the bar team.Deliver warm, polished, and intentional hospitality to every guest at the bar and in the dining room.Maintain calm, control, and professionalism during high-volume service.Communicate clearly and respectfully with FOH, BOH, and management.Uphold consistent standards in cocktails, beverage service, mise en place, cleanliness, and bar organization.Support a workplace culture rooted in respect, equity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.Approach problem-solving with accountability and a solutions-oriented mindset.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESBar Leadership & OperationsLead the bar team through service, ensuring smooth pacing, accuracy, and consistency.Support Beverage Manager with training, development, and onboarding of bartenders and barbacks.Maintain bar readiness before each shift—stocking, prep, juicing, batching, garnishes, polishing, etc.Oversee bar closing procedures, ensuring all standards are met nightly.Act as point of contact for FOH during service regarding drink pacing, ticket times, VIP needs, and workflow.Cocktail Execution & Beverage KnowledgePrepare cocktails and beverages with precision, speed, and consistency according to recipes and specs.Maintain deep knowledge of all cocktails, spirits, wines, beers, and NA offerings.Maintain a strong understanding of balance, dilution, technique, and presentation.Assist with R&D, menu tastings, seasonal changes, and execution of beverage specials.Service & HospitalityProvide engaged, welcoming hospitality to bar guests and dining room guests.Anticipate guest needs, offer suggestions, and provide tailored recommendations.Support servers with drink knowledge, pairings, and answering guest questions.Address guest issues with professionalism and solution-oriented thinking.Inventory, Ordering & Cost ControlsMaintain par levels of spirits, mixers, juices, garnishes, and bar tools.Communicate low stock and ordering needs to the Beverage Manager.Assist with weekly bar inventory and organization.Uphold portion control, batching accuracy, and loss-prevention systems.Cleanliness & OrganizationMaintain a spotless, organized, and fully stocked bar at all times.Uphold all safety and sanitation guidelines, including ServSafe Alcohol if required.Ensure glassware, tools, bar tops, wells, refrigerators, and shelves are maintained properly.Support deep-clean tasks and organization projects as assigned.Collaboration & CommunicationServe as the bridge between bar, servers, runners, kitchen, and management.Participate in pre-shift meetings, staff education, and beverage training.Communicate cocktail updates, 86’d items, and service notes clearly to the team.Physical RequirementsStand for extended periods (8–10 hours).Lift up to 40 lbs., including cases, kegs (partial), and bar equipment.Move quickly and safely in a high-volume environment.Work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.QUALIFICATIONS2–4 years of bartending experience in a full-service or craft-cocktail environment.Prior leadership or key-holder bar experience preferred.Strong cocktail technique, ingredient knowledge, and service awareness.Proven ability to lead a team calmly and effectively during peak service.Excellent communication skills and professional demeanor.Alignment with Ama’s values of equity, sustainability, community, and hospitality.COMPENSATION & BENEFITSHourly RateTipped position, paid in accordance with Massachusetts Tip Law and the restaurant’s payroll schedule.Paid Time OffOne (1) week (40 hours) of paid sick time per year.Additional BenefitsDiscounted staff meals during work shifts.Participation in events, tastings, trainings, and industry collaborations.COMMENTSThis job description outlines the primary responsibilities of the Lead Bartender role but is not exhaustive. Duties may shift based on the needs of Ama and its leadership. Flexibility—including nights, weekends, and holidays—is essential.