Head Bartender - Mayfair, London

Major Food Group is hiring a passionate and personable Head Bartender to join our team at Carbone London, located inside the Chancery Rosewood Hotel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the daily operation of the bar, ensuring a smooth and efficient service.
• Prepare and serve beverages in accordance with company standards and health and safety regulations.
• Have a full understanding of classic cocktails, their preparation and presentation, ensuring consistency across the team.
• Ensure all garnishes are prepared to the correct standard, checking their quality, freshness, presentation and daily par levels.
• Monitor cocktail batching and preparation, ensuring recipes, measurements and quality standards are consistently followed.
• Ensure the bar is fully prepared and stocked before each service.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels of spirits, house wines, beers and garnishes.
• Ensure all opening and closing duties are completed correctly.
• Ensure all bar equipment is correctly maintained and report any maintenance issues to management.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of all restaurant menus, specials, unavailable items and menu changes.
• Have an excellent understanding of wines, spirits, beers and cocktails, including appropriate recommendations and service techniques.
• Be knowledgeable about other Major Food Group concepts and be able to discuss them with guests.
• Lead, motivate and support the bar team, creating a positive and professional working environment.
• Attend event meetings to understand upcoming bookings, special requirements and operational expectations.
• Ensure the bar team is fully briefed on event requirements, timings and pre-order drinks.
• Prepare and manage the weekly bar rota, ensuring appropriate staffing levels according to business needs.
• Manage daily bar allocations.
• Conduct daily bar pre-shift briefings.
• Monitor team morale and conduct monthly coffee chats with team members to discuss their wellbeing, performance and any concerns.
• Conduct performance reviews and probation reviews.
• Monitor sickness, absences and lateness.
• Manage holiday requests.
• Address performance or behavioural concerns promptly and escalate any serious issues to the F&B Manager or HR.
• Lead by example, maintaining a professional attitude and supporting the team during busy services.
• Train new Bartenders in accordance with company standards and training guidelines.
• Organise beverage training for both the FOH and bar teams.
• Work closely with suppliers and the F&B Manager to organise product tastings and masterclasses.
• Ensure the team is informed and trained on new cocktails, menu changes, spirits and beverage promotions.
• Review and maintain daily requisition sheets, including ordering requirements, garnish preparation and juicing pars.
• Ensure sufficient stock is available for weekends, busy services and special events.
• Conduct monthly stocktakes and stock reconciliations.
• Monitor and control bar labour costs in line with budget and forecasted business levels.
• Review and close team members' working hours accurately.
• Complete end-of-shift financial procedures, including tip sheets, cash reconciliation and handing over cash to the Manager on Duty.
• Take ownership of daily bar operations and ensure any issues are addressed promptly.
• Act as a point of contact for the bar team and support management in maintaining the restaurant's operational standards.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 3-5 years in a Senior Bartender, Head Bartender or Bar Manager role.
• Experience in upscale, high-volume restaurants essential.
• Extensive knowledge of cocktails, spirits and beverage service.
• Proven experience leading, training and developing bar teams.
• Strong understanding of stock control, cost management and labour budgets.
• Exceptional leadership skills, professionalism and a hands-on approach.
• Must exemplify the highest standards in honesty, integrity, humility and leadership.